Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America

GSMDCA Draft Page

A Brief History of Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs and Drafting

Sometimes referred to as "the poor Swiss farmer's horse," the Grosse Schweizer Sennenhund, after helping herd the dairy cows in for milking would be hitched to a wagon or cart for the trip to market, and after the farmer's long day, give his master a lift back home. Since their arrival in the United States, Swissies have continued this tradition. Numerous pictures are in early Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America (GSMDCA) newsletters of Swissies pulling carts and wagons (collectively called "drafting"), in a multitude of tasks - from hauling produce and yard materials on the family farm and in the suburbs, to providing rides to small children in neighborhoods and parades.

Through the efforts of dedicated GSMDCA drafting enthusiasts, in 1998 the GSMDCA approved the GSMDCA Draft Rules and Regulations , which enabled Swissies to obtain GSMDCA draft titles by passing GSMDCA draft tests as well as Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America (BMDCA) and Newfoundland Club of America (NCA) draft tests. History was made in May 1998 when Cliff Dahl's CH Derby's Eisenhower CD qualified at a BMDCA draft test as the first Swissy to earn a draft title. In 2001 the GSMDCA hosted the first "All-Swissy" draft test in which Swissys were tested under GSMDCA rules by GSMDCA draft test judges. As of December 31, 2004, nineteen Swissys have obtained draft titles.

The GSMDCA board has approved a revised set of GSMDCA Draft Rules and Regulations (1/1/2008), effective January 1, 2008.

Getting Started Drafting

Obviously the best way of getting into drafting is to learn from someone already experienced with the sport. While the numbers of Swissies drafting is still small, the GSMDCA draft chair might know of a Swissy person in your immediate vicinity who would be willing to introduce you to the sport. Check out the most recent Draft Corner on this site for upcoming draft events as occasionally local and regional clubs conduct introductory draft clinics. Observing and volunteering to help at a draft test is also a great way to learn. Last, don't limit yourself to strictly Swissy events as other local breed and training clubs with rich draft traditions may offer something in your area.

Draft Corner

Last Modified: 09/26/2007