The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog was originally bred to a multi purpose farm dog in the Alpine region of Europe. To that end, one of the many tasks of the Swissy was to help move livestock to and from the pastures as well as guard the flock while grazing. Today we do not have many Swissy's moving livestock in this traditional fashion, however, we do have working events like Herding to test and practice that original skill.
Kiefer is one of the highest titled herding Swissy's in the country. He is one of two to ever earn an AKC PT, and will being competing in 2007 on the AKC "C" course. We currently train at Brigands Hideout in Battleground WA. We work with Carol Wolfram and Nancy Ward, and since the Swissy has just been cleared to compete and title in the AKC herding trial level, we hope to continue to herd in this area for years to come.
Kiefer at his first herding clinic at 9 months of age...
Kiefer finishing leg#2 to earn his AHBA JHD Title.
Kiefer warming up on some sheep at Brigands...
Kiefer in his final practice before testing for his PT, June 2006.
This is Kiefer working on waiting, which is a step in working the graze portion of "C" course.
