Cascade Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club
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  • Home
  • Club Info
    • Membership
    • Membership Code of Conduct
    • Constitution & Bylaws
    • Officers, Directors Appointed Positions
    • Rescue
    • E-Summit Archives
  • Breed Info
    • AKC Breed Standards
    • Did You Know?
    • Important Readings
    • Health Concerns >
      • Allergies
      • Bloat/Torsion or Gastric Dilitatino Volvulus (GDV)
      • Eye Issues: Cataracts, Distichiasis & Entropion
      • Epilepsy
      • Female Urinary Incontience
      • Lick Fit
      • Orthopedic Issues
      • Splenic Torsion
    • Performance & Conformation
  • Events
    • Upcoming Events
    • Events Calendar
    • Past Events >
      • 2021 Event Photos
      • 2020 Event Photos
      • 2019 Event Photos
      • 2018 Event Photos
      • 2017 Event Photos
      • 2016 Event Photos
      • 2015 Event Photos
      • 2014 Event Photos
      • 2013 Event Photos
      • 2012 Event Photos
      • 2011 Event Photos
      • 2010 EVENTS
      • 2009 SPECIALTY
Cascade Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club

DRAFT DOG

Drafting goes back to the historical roots of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog breed.  Working for a living, the Swissy pulled heavy carts from the dairy farms of Switzerland to market to allow the farmer to sell their goods.  Today we celebrate the history of our breed through Draft tests designed to mimic the types of obstacles a working Swissy may have had to negotiate while pulling a cart.  Standing calm in harness and working steadily, dog and handler team demonstrate their proficiency to work as a team to negotiate a set course and earn various levels of Draft titles.

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. Attending a Seminar or Draft Clinic is an invaluable resource for information.  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 Tests
Draft Tests are a series of exercises designed to develop and demonstrate the natural abilities of purebred Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs in a working capacity.  The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has historically functioned as a draft dog in various capacities, and performance of these exercises is intended to demonstrate skills resulting from both inherent ability and training which are applicable to realistic work situations.

Dogs must be willing to work with their handlers and the exercises must be accomplished efficiently.  It is also desirable that the dog evidence willingness and enjoyment of his work in a combination of controlled teamwork with his handler and natural independence.

To earn a GSMDCA Draft Dog title, the Swissy must earn a passing score in all elements of the draft test.  A NDD title is earned at the Novice (on-leash) level, and a DD title is earned at the Open (off-leash) level.A team title is earned with two dogs attached to the same cart.

Introduction to Carting Article

For more detailed information please visit the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America website.
Picture
Draft Titles
NDD - Novice Draft Dog
DD - Draft Dog
MDD - Master Draft Dog
NBDD - Novice Brace Draft Dog
BDD - Brace Draft Dog
MBDD - Master Brace Draft Dog

Where to Get Your Gear
Wilczek Woodworks
Nordkyn Outfitters
Dog Works


Where to Find Drafting Events
Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America
Newfoundland Club of America
​St. Bernard Club of America

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Cascade Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club est. 1998
AKC Licensed Specialty Club for conformation, rally, & obedience
Regional Club of Greater Swiss Mtn. Dog Club of America

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