Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Names

When was the last time you saw a big black, tan, and white dog in a college library? Or running with members of a college rugby team? Well, George is a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog that does both. Not only is that unusual, but George is also the number one dog in his breed, having won the title at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 2012.  Talk about an overachiever!

George was born to parents who are both on the Great Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America's Register of Merit. Like other Swissys, George was born to be a farmer's helper. These dogs were often called the poor man's horse. They pull carts, herd livestock, and stand guard against predators and other enemies.

George eats a nutritious diet to keep his physique sleek and strong and his coat soft and shiny. His diet consists of fresh chicken, frozen salmon, yogurt, olive oil, and kibble. He gets his exercise by pulling weights and goes for a run almost daily with the University of Virginia's women's rugby team.

Why does George have access to a rugby team? One of his co-owners, Nancy Kechner, is the coach of the women's rugby team at the university. His other co-owner is Julie Comer. Kechner started taking George to rugby practices with her when he was just a puppy, so he's a real part of the team. 

It's important for George to keep in good shape because Swissys need to be able to move appropriately for the tasks they were bred to do. For instance, weight pulling is an essential job for a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. In competition, they must be able to pull a weighted down cart at least 16 feet in only 45 seconds. Kechner gave the example of when this job would be needed.. If a farmer needed a tree taken down, the farmer would fell it and the dog would drag it to wherever it needed to go. George can pull up to 3000 pounds.

For Kechner and Comer, traveling to dog shows with George is great fun. Although a handler does the actual showing of George on the floor, the women love the adventure of the competition. One of their favorite shows is the Westminster. This is the second oldest sporting competition in the United States. Only the Kentucky Derby has been around longer. It feels like the entire city is in on the excitement.

But the one who enjoys it most? That's George. He loves his life and when he gets a little older he intends to spend the rest of it as a therapy dog.