BREED INFORMATION

• GreaterSwissDotCom.com (a discussion forum of more than 1000 Swissy-owning members)
• New England Swissies on Yahoo
• GSMDCA Rescue -- interested in adopting a rehomed Swissy?
• Naturhistorisches Museum der Burgergemeinde Bern

HEALTH

• OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals)
• CERF (Canine Eye Registry Foundation)
• PennHip (University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program)
• Comparing PennHip and OFA
• Canine Epilepsy Network
• Canine Bloat Information from Purdue University
• Dr. Dodd's Recommended Vaccine Schedule

OTHER RECOMMENDED BREEDERS

I am very selective about breeders to whom I refer potential puppy buyers.  Basically, I look for breeders who share my practices, priorities and ethics.  The following are true hobby breeders who have no more than 1-2 litters a year, their dogs live in the home as members of the family, and they are not breeding to support themselves.  They breed OFA CLEARED dogs only, which means they not only x-ray hips, elbows and shoulders (it's very easy to say that much), but they only breed dogs who have received passing health clearances.  Most importantly, they are dedicated to the preservation of the GREATER Swiss Mountain Dog -- a dog that has the type, temperament and health/soundness to perform the jobs the Swiss farmers required of him.

• Jotunheim GSMD (Washington, DC)
• Breezy Ridge GSMD (New Hampshire)

There may also be specific litters now and then, from breeders not listed above, to whom I will also refer. 

SHOP FOR YOUR SWISSY

• Best Bully Sticks -- best priced bully sticks on the web, great pricing and assortment of other chews/snacks
• Designer Chamois Kool Koats
• Drs. Foster and Smith  -- meds, Frontline, pet products and supplies
• Hogan Leather -- great leather collars and leads, for everyday and show
• NatureMix -- great source of Sodium Ascorbate (Vit C), Owelo Carrots, and Hokamix
• Pet Dynamix -- frozen raw foods, raw bones, smoked bones, meat snacks and more.  Often has vendor space at dog shows in NJ and PA.
• Pet Food Direct -- incredible selection of difficult to find foods (e.g. Timberwolf Organics), frequent sales
• Pet Vet Direct -- great prices on Glycoflex and Frontline
• Schaussi's Alpen Schatz -- beautiful, traditional Swiss dog collars imported from Switzerland 
• Swiss Traditions -- more traditional Swiss merchandise for your dog
• White Dog Bone Co. -- fantastic source of dog treats, gourmet cookies and dog bones

TRAINING RESOURCES

• Canine Water Sports -- teach your Swissy to swim, and more!  CT based water sports for dogs
• Outback Farm -- sheep & duck herding training, clinics and private lessons and events in Branchville, NJ
• Nutmeg Farm -- training, clinics and private lessons and events in Portland, CT
• Dogworks -- carts and harnesses for drafting (carting)
• Wilczek Woodworks -- custom crafted wagons, carts and harnesses
• Nordkyn Outfitters -- complete source for mushing, skijoring, weight pulling, carting and packing equipment

DOG CARE RESOURCES in Connecticut
 

• Norwalk Veterinary Hospital -- Dr. Charles Duffy is the best vet I have worked with in over 35 years of dog ownership.  He is fabulous with the dogs, but also great with people.  He is the most patient, non-condescending vet I have worked with, and from experience I can say that he is the kind of vet who will never recommend a bunch of tests just to pad the invoice.  Rather, he puts his wealth of experience and some common sense into play, and will work WITH you to come up with the best choices for your dog.  Charlie is a Penn Hip certified vet, which is how I found him, and what a great orthopedic resource he has been for me and my dogs.  He does all my OFA films as well, and he not only knows how to take a good radiograph, but he knows what he's looking at.  Charlie is a great surgeon as well.  The Norwalk Veterinary Hospital is located on Connecticut Avenue, on the Norwalk/Darien border...but people from all over the state use him, and you will soon see why.
• The Boarding House -- Pet Boarding and Doggy Day camp facility, attached to the Norwalk Veterinary Hospital, and owned by Dr. Duffy.  Located on Connecticut Avenue, in the Norwalk/Darien area.  Have the comfort of boarding your dog with a vet hospital right next door!
• Cassio Kennels -- indoor/outdoor dog boarding, reasonably priced, in the Newtown CT area.  Cassio is owned and run by longtime dog handler/breeder, and now dog show judge Joy Brewster, of the Greenwich Kennel Club.  I have been very happy with them and trust them, as true "dog people" to care for my crew of dogs.  They also have discounts for loyal customers who spend over $500 and $1000 annually with them (perfect for me!) as well as multiple pet discounts (also perfect).  Cassio has a small lake (pond) which can be rented as well, for dock-diving and other swimming activities your dog may enjoy.  You will have the added peace of mind, knowing that someone is on premise 24/7, as the owner lives here.
• Chris' Pet Care -- Swissy owner, Chris Danielle, has a pet-sitting and dog-walking business, with some in-home boarding as well, servicing lower Fairfield County, CT.  Check out Chris on Facebook or call him at 203-615-2507
• Dog Gone Smart -- Great doggy day camp and training facility in Norwalk, CT.  They also do board as well.  Several friends with Swissies have used them for training/behavior work as well as day camp...I recommend them highly!  Owner Chris Onthank is a fantastic trainer and animal behaviorist, especially good at working on problem behaviors.  Oh, and they have a POOL!  Can't beat that.
• In The Lead Dog Training -- Serving Fairfield County, CT.  Private training and in-home lessons, from basic obedience to relationship building, offered by Heather Trocola.  Heather has worked as the head trainer at several Fairfield County pet care facilities, and is now offering private one-on-way behavior and obedience sessions -- to help your dog be all he can be.  Heather has also been very active in the training of Search and Rescue dogs throughout her adult life.  You can also check out In The Lead Dog Training on Facebook.

CONFORMATION (DOG SHOWS)
dog show superintendent websites are a great resource for dog shows schedule around the country -- if you'd like to find and meet some Swissies and Swissy owners.

• MB-F (www.infodog.com) -- major show superintendent, focused primarily in the East
• Jim Rau (www.raudogshows.com) -- show super, also based in the East, primarily
• Onofrio (www.onofrio.com) -- major show superintendent, focused in mid-West and West.
• Jack Bradshaw (www.jbradshaw.com) -- CA-based super with West Coast focus
• Roy Jones (www.royjonesdogshows.com) -- Midwest based/focused show superintendent

JUST CUZ I LIKE 'EM

• Tolkien OES and Bearded Collies -- my dear friends for over 30 years, Larry and Angela Stein.