Versalility

VERSATILITY GUIDELINES

The Versatility titles are designed to spotlight dog/handler teams that work together in a wide variety of events. They are awarded in recognition of the accomplishments of GSMDs in a wide range of activities: conformation, obedience, drafting, weight pulling, packing, stock work, and other activities in which certification is earned.

Application for these awards must be made to the Versatility Chair. It is the owner's responsibility to supply documentation of the completion of all requirements for the Versatility titles to the Versatility Chair.

Versatility Greater Swiss (VGS)

The Versatility Greater Swiss title is designed to honor the special individuals of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog breed that have proven their merit in multiple arenas; such as conformation, obedience, and performance.

The Versatility Greater Swiss (VGS) title is awarded to dogs whose achievements have been recognized with an AKC Companion Dog (CD) title, and THREE other titles from different PRIMARY level categories. Advanced level titles can substitute for Primary level titles.

Versatility Greater Swiss Excellent (VGSX)

The Versatility Greater Swiss Excellent title is designed to honor the special individuals of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog breed that have proven their merit in multiple arenas at advanced levels of participation.

The Versatility Greater Swiss Excellent (VGSX) title is awarded to dogs already having the VGS title whose advanced achievements have been recognized with an AKC Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) title, and TWO other ADVANCED level titles from different categories.

Titles Considered for Versatility Titles

Category

Conformation

Drafting

Packing

Weight Pull

Tracking

Agility

Herding

Versatility Register of Merit (VROM)

Awarded to a dam or sire for a required number of offspring attaining Versatility designation. There are no requirements for the dam or sire, themselves, to earn conformation or working titles. A dam shall be designated a VROM when she has produced three (3) or more offspring having attained VGS titles. A sire shall be designated a VROM when he has produced six (6) or more offspring having attained VGS titles.

Versatility Register of Merit Excellent (VROMX)

Awarded to a dam or sire for a required number of offspring attaining Versatility Excellent designation. There are no requirements for the dam or sire, themselves, to earn conformation or working titles. A dam shall be designated a VROMX when she has produced three (3) or more offspring having attained VGSX titles. A sire shall be designated a VROMX when he has produced six (6) or more offspring having attained VGSX titles.

Special and Meritorious Achievements

Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs that have actively worked in a specific realm of activity (but may have not fulfilled the specific requirements for a title) may, under certain special and meritorious circumstances, be granted exemptions to be applied toward the Versatility awards. Examples of activities eligible for recognition under this category include (but are not limited to) search and rescue (SAR), employment by law enforcement agencies for substance detection, and service dog work. Such exemptions must be approved by a majority of the GSMDCA Board of Directors upon the recommendation of the Versatility Chair, and must be accompanied by ample documentation that the GSMD in question has received the necessary training and has been certified as operational by an appropriate organization or agency.

Accepted by the GSMDCA Board: 12/16/2011

Versatility and Working Awards

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