303.980.8127 or 720.985.4101
Golden, Colorado
About Us
Terry and Bev
Both of us 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 (mixed breeds, rescues, purebreds). It was after the loss of a dog that we decided to research purebreds and began our 30+ year journey down the path of showing and breeding purebred dogs. We started with Dalmatians, those high-energy, spotted dogs. We were introduced to Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs over 25 years ago and have since been dedicated to this beautiful, hard-working, affectionate breed.
Calypso History
We first became intrigued with Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs when we saw pictures and an article in the July 1995 AKC Gazette. An early but limited contact with the breed led us to Norm and DaLena Christensen of Snowy Mountain fame. As our relationship with the Christensens grew, they trusted us enough to sell us a beautiful dog we named Gus in 1998 .(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. Gus was invited to be bred with a beautiful imported girl, Emely (CH Emely von Entingas). From that litter, we acquired Maxie (CH Calypso Gusgal v Maxamillion). Even with limited showing, Maxie finished her championship and became our foundation bitch.
Maxie was first bred to Kai (BISS CH Cordillera's Future Legend), and that breeding produced 10 puppies (A Litter) of which three, Kronk, Dumer & Avanti, went on to their championships. We then met Alex (CH THN's Dreammaker) who sired Maxie’s second litter (B litter). Out of this litter, Sassy & Moon went on to their championships, with a combined 3 -year record of being top 10 Swissies in the Country. The success of the 5 champions of these two litters earned Maxie, her Register of Merit as a Brood Bitch.
From these beginnings, Calypso has produced an amazing legacy of beautiful, loving dogs. Even with limited breedings, our girls have given us some great dogs—both in the show ring and as companions. One of our girls, Lucy (from D litter), also earned her Register of Merit in a single litter,(F litter) producing five champions out of 10 puppies. One of these champions, Ranger, owned by Lori Ciccone, had an incredible show career including two strong showings at the Westminster Dog Show, the most Working Group wins by a Swissy between 2016-2019, and culminating as the Number 1 Swissy in the country in all breed competition.
Our goal is to continue to produce beautiful, correct, capable, mentally stable (temperament) and physically healthy Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs who become amazing additions to our Calypso family members.
Now in our 25th year, a new chapter is unfolding as we begin the process of turning the Calypso legacy into capable hands of Jodi Mijares and family.
The Mijares Family
In Jodi's own words::
The things kids promise when they are begging for a puppy…" I will walk her, I will feed her, I will clean up after her, I will show her." Wait, what? Yep, in 2018 Erin made a side deal with Terry when she was just 11 years old and next thing you know, the Mijares family found themselves at a dog show with our new Swissy puppy, Piper. To say we were intimidated to be there is an understatement, but we were immediately welcomed by the kind and supportive Swissy community who mentored, cheered for, and eventually sometimes lost to this girl and her dog.
Piper was the family’s first Swissy and with her sassy charm, intelligence, and intense loyalty to her people, Piper convinced Jodi, David and their two daughters, Maya and Erin that this is the breed for them. Piper has contributed three litters and 19 beautiful puppies to the Calypso line, including their girl, Lima. Piper’s accolades include being elected Mayor of Divide, Colorado; Canine Good Citizen Advanced and Urban; and being the #1 ranked Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Champion in Colorado in 2022, handled by her favorite kid, Erin.
The Mijares family is honored and excited to be mentoring with Bev and Terry to become breeders themselves in order to eventually carry on the Calypso line.. Jodi has a Bachelor’s degree in biology and have previous experience as a vet tech, professional animal trainer for Marine World in California, falconry, and wildlife and marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation. Piper, Lima, and their family reside in Woodland Park, Colorado.
Calypso Orchid
Our name - Calypso Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs comes from the Calypso orchid (Calypso bulbosa), also known as the Fairy Slipper, is a perennial member of the orchid family that blooms in early Spring.
It is native to the montane forests of the Rocky Mountains and has a small pink, purple or red flower accented with a white lip, darker purple spottings and a yellow beard.