About Calypso
We began our research into purebred dogs with a visit to the Colorado Kennel Club Show in Denver in 1993. One of the breeds of interest was the Dalmatian, and at the show we had the good fortune of meeting Elud Archuletta-Cressler. Elud's enthusiasm for and knowledge of Dalmatians convinced us that this was the breed with which we wanted to begin our participation in the sport of dogs. Our first Dalmatian (Dal) was a liver spotted bitch, purchased in June 1993, by the name of Jazmine (Penwiper's Calypso Jazz). Our first champion Dal was a Jazmine daughter , whom we affectionately called Jewel (CH. Calypso's Jewel of Red Rock). Although we no longer show this beautiful breed, we still have one dalmatian at home.
We first became intrigued with Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs when we saw pictures and an article in the July 1995 AKC Gazette. Our first important and enduring contact with the breed was with Rubin ( Am CH Shadetree-SVR Ka Niu Nui CGC) and his owners Don Dickensen and Cheryl Skoty. With their help and referrals we were introduced to Norm and DaLena Christensen of Snowy Mountain fame (Colton, Oregon). This introduction turned out to be nothing short of a blessing. As our relationship with the Christensens grew, they trusted us enough to sell us a beautiful dog, we named Gus (CH. Snowy Mt. Fergus v Calypso). Gus became a champion at 13 months of age after just 4 shows. Not only was he successful in the show ring but became widely known in the Rocky Mountain region as a great ambassador for the breed.
Through a friend and fellow Swissy owner we were introduced to Holly Nagler of Maxamilliion Kennels. Holly inquired about using Gus in a breeding with her beautiful imported girl, Emely (CH. Emely von Entingas). From that 2003 litter (conceived on Valentine's Day, born on Tax Day), Terry and Bev acquired a gorgeous girl named Maxie (CH. Calypso Gusgal v Maxamillion) Even with limited showing, Maxie got her championship in June 2005.
We then met Michael Reddin and Karen Becker of Cordillera GSMD. We were impressed with their dedication to the breed , the responsible manner in which they have managed their breeding program, and their willingness to support new members of the Swissy community. They graciously consented to allow us to use their handsome boy, Kai (BISS CH Cordillera's Future Legend), as the sire of Maxie's first litter in January, 2007. That breeding produced 10 puppies (5 boys, 5 girls).
Karen and Michael then introduced us to Amy Pisarik of Imperial GSMD who consented to a breeding between Maxie and Alex (Ch THN's Dreammaker). The puppies from that litter--5 boys and 3 girls-- were whelped March 29, 2008.
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Both Terry & Bev Brown were brought up in families in which dogs were very much a part of the home and family structure. In our life together, we have owned several varieties of dogs including a "rescued" Great Pyrenees. After the loss of a dog, we decided to research purebred dogs and that began our journey down the path that led to dog shows and the breeding of purebred dogs.