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The National Specialty is hosted by various Regional Clubs or individual groups and is THE show for Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs each year. This show is the annual gathering for all things Swissy and rotates through the various regions of the United States.

Our Annual Club meeting is held in conjunction with the National as well as virtually any event you will see Swissys doing. Conformation features the largest entry of Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs and holds special competitions for puppies, veterans, stud dogs and brood bitches. Activities such as Weight Pulls, Pack Hikes, Obedience, Rally and Drafting are held each year and sometimes you will also see Herding events. Educational Seminars discuss the health and well being of our breed.

By far, the best thing about attending a National Specialty is the camaraderie and the people you meet. Knowing that everyone there has something in common (our love for the breed) often forms life long friendships. Newcomers are welcomed with open arms and ALL are encouraged to join the fun. Careful though, most people that attend a National Specialty end up rearranging their vacation time to coincide with the National Specialty for years to come!

2024 National and Independent Specialties
Hosted by Patriot Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club
Vergennes, Vermont
October 12-18, 2024

National Conformation Judge: Ms. Kimberly Anne Meredith​ – AKC #5978
Sweepstakes Judge: Ms. Patricia “Pattie” Proctor – AKC #27757
Futurity/Maturity Judge: Ms. Jessica Kalupa
Obedience Judge: Ms. Elizabeth “Tibby” Chase – AKC #5330
Rally Judge: Ms. Loraine (Lori) Moffa​ – AKC #15487
Draft: Melissa Jarriel & Mary Jo Rasmussen / Ron & Pam Capelli
Weight Pull: ​Kelly Lovley & Linda Kaminski
Canine Good Citizen & Trick Dog: Martha Tubman
​Puppy Match: Josephine Kenney
​Pack Hike Coordinator: Alex Howard

Independent Conformation Judge: Mrs. Karen S McFarlane – AKC #4835
Sweepstakes Judge: Jennie Chen

PAST NATIONAL SPECIALTIES

  • 2023 – Santa Rosa, California
  • 2022 – Wilmington, Ohio
  • 2021 – Westfield, Massachusetts
  • 2020 – cancelled due to COVID-19
  • 2019 – Hueston Woods, Ohio
  • 2018 – Farmington, Utah
  • 2017 – Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
  • 2016 – St. Charles, Illinois
  • 2015 – Loveland, Colorado
  • 2014 – Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
  • 2013 – Gray Summit, Missouri
  • 2012 – Loveland, Colorado
  • 2011 – Clemmons, North Carolina
  • 2010 – Springfield, Illinois
  • 2009 – Farmington, Utah
  • 2008 – Hueston Woods, Ohio
  • 2007 – Gray Summit, Missouri
  • 2006 – Snowmass, Colorado
  • 2005 – Leesburg, Virginia
  • 2004 – Lexington, Kentucky
  • 2003 – San Diego, California
  • 2002 – Perry, Georgia
  • 2001 – Springfield, Illinois
  • 2000 – Reno, Nevada
  • 1999 – Virginia Beach, Virginia
  • 1998 – Columbus, Ohio
  • 1997 – San Francisco, California
  • 1996 – Redding, Pennsylvania
  • 1995 – Lexington, Kentucky
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