Do GSMD's Shed?
YES! Swissies shed daily and also blow their coat 2 times a year (spring &  fall) for extra shedding.

Brushing frequently and using a dog blow dryer can help this process move along quicker. 
Do GSMD have Health Issues?
Yes. All breeds, including mixed breeds are susceptible to health issues. Preservation breeders do their best to reduce the chance of occurrence by utilizing selective breeding practices but their are still no guarantees with how genetics and epigenetics may impact an individual puppy/dog throughout it's life.

Breed specific health concerns that can occur are:
Joint issues (hip & elbow Dysplasia, OCD of shoulders)
Bloat (GDV)
Lick Fits
Unexplained Bleeding
Epilepsy
Eye conditions (Distichiasis, Entropion, Cataracts)
Splenic Torsion
Urinary Incontinence 

To learn more about breed specific health issues, click here

Swissies are overall a healthy breed but sometimes issues can occur despite the best select breeding practices.  It is recommended to invest in pet insurance if you do not have the financial means to treat a health issue that may arise.
When will your next litter be?
As a preservation breeder, I only breed occasionally with 1-2 litters every 12-18 months.
How do I qualify for a Hidden Hill Puppy?
Start by filling out an application.  Find application here

the application will be held on file until I have a confirmed pregnancy. Once I have a confirmed pregnancy, I will schedule phone interviews with applicants on file.

If the phone interview goes well, you will proceed to further consideration and a meet & greet (if applicable) before final confirmation.

for general inquires and questions, email [email protected] 
Are Swissies Good with kids?
Swissies can be good with kids with proper supervision and training. Waiting until a child is at least 5 years old is ideal when introducing a new puppy to the family.  Swissy puppies mature slowly which can make it challenging to raise young children and a puppy at the same time. Size also becomes a factor along with prey drive.

​Swissies are large and can unintentionally knock down or step on children or engage in chasing when a child runs.  It is important to train your swissy and your child to have healthy boundaries with one another.  When done correctly, swissies and kids can have a beautiful bond.
How are Swissies Different Than the Bernese Mountain Dog?
While Berners are often thought of as the larger of the two, GSMD's are actually larger.

Their temperaments differ from one another as well with the swissy being more alert & Vigilant.  GSMD's are more strong willed and head strong than a berner.

Both shed but the Berner coat has more maintenance due to the long length.
How big is an adult Swissy?
Height at the highest point on the shoulder is ideally:
Dogs: 25.5 to 28.5 inches
Bitches: 23.5 to 27 inches
How long does it take to housetrain a swissy puppy?
A swissy puppy takes longer to housetrain than the average puppy.  Expect 6-9 months before your puppy is fully potty trained.

They catch on quickly to defecating outside. It's the urine accidents that are ongoing. It is not uncommon to have a trail of urine leading to the door but not making it in time to get outside. This is known by swissy owners as the "swissy swizzle".

It can be frustrating to have such a long duration of potty training so it is important you fully assess if you can handle such a long process. In some cases, you can get a unicorn swissy that potty trains sooner but it's best to prepare for the worst and hope for the best in the potty training journey.
Difference between male and female GSMD's ?
Besides their sizes (although some females can get as large as males), their personalities are usually different.  

Both are versions of "velcro dogs", interested in being by your side but females tend to be more independent and want attention on their terms.

There is a saying, "girls love you but boys are in love with you" when it comes to the differences in most male and female dogs but especially true for swissies.
Do swissies like water / like to swim ?
GSMD's are not known to be swimmers or drawn to water like other breeds but they adapt well to their environment.

if your lifestyle involves the lake / beach, you may be able to condition your swissy to enjoy the water. Most likely they are just loving being by your side and water happens to be a part of it.

you shouldn't expect a swissy to take to water like a golden retriever would.
When & How can you expect to bring your puppy home ?
Puppies go to their new homes between 8-9 weeks of age.

You will not choose your puppy. By getting to know you through the interview process, the puppy will be selected for you based on their personalities and how they would fit into your lifestyle and expectations. Puppies are also evaluated for show and companion at around 8 weeks of age in addition to vet checks when final placements will be complete.

Puppies will come home with a vet evaluation, microchip with lifelong membership,  swag bag, AKC Limited Registration, and lifelong mentorship & Guidance from me. 

To be fully prepared for the arrival of your puppy, get your puppy toolkit here
How are your puppies raised?
All puppies are raised in our home for their duration at Hidden Hill.  

at an appropriate age, they will be introduced to other areas in our home, outside and take field trips to assist in socialization.  They are loved on throughout the day by us and visitors, along with the other dogs in our household.

Puppies are raised on a raw food diet and owners will have the option to continue feeding raw or switch to kibble. Puppies will be started on joint and immune support supplements (found here)
​to learn about feeding raw, click here