Early History
Bev and Terry Brown's fascination with Swissies began in 1995. That curiosity turned into a passion thanks to Norm and DaLena Christensen of Snowy Mountain Fame. With their trust and guidance, the Browns brought home Gus (CH Snowy Mt. Fergus v Calypso) in 1998. Gus wasn’t just a champion in the ring at 13 months old — he was a champion in spirit too, winning hearts across the Rocky Mountain Region as a true ambassador of the breed.
From Gus came Maxie (CH Calypso Gusgal v Maxamillion), Calypso's foundation girl and the bedrock of Calypso’s legacy. Through thoughtfully planned breedings with top-quality males like Kai (BISS CH Cordillera's Future Legend) and Alex (CH THN's Dreammaker), Maxie’s puppies carried forward outstanding conformation, sound minds, and the spirited, hardworking nature true to the Swissy heritage.
What started with Gus and Maxie has blossomed into generations of beautiful, healthy, well-balanced Swissies who thrive both in the show ring and, most importantly, as loving family companions.
One special girl, Lucy, continued this legacy by producing five champions in a single litter — an achievement that earned her a Register of Merit. Her son Ranger went on to an exceptional show career, including multiple Westminster appearances, numerous Working Group wins, and the honor of being the #1 Swissy in the nation in all-breed competition from 2016–2019.
Even after 25 years, our goal remains the same: to preserve and protect the breed we love by producing physically sound, mentally stable, and true-to-type Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs.
Preservation Breeding
At Calypso, we’re proud to be preservation breeders. This means we breed not just to create puppies but to preserve the integrity, working ability, and true character of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog as it was originally meant to be. We carefully plan each litter to strengthen the breed’s best qualities: solid structure, robust health, a steady temperament that makes them wonderful family companions, and the confidence and capability to perform the jobs these dogs were bred for — from pulling carts to guarding homesteads. Being a preservation breeder is a promise: to respect the breed’s history, to protect its future, and to share its joyful spirit with families who will cherish them as much as we do.
Passing the Torch: The Mijares Family
In 2018, a spark of enthusiasm from a young girl led to a wonderful new chapter for Calypso. When Jodi’s daughter Erin was just 11, she made a deal with Terry that brought the Mijares family their very first Swissy puppy, Piper. Piper’s spunky personality, loyalty, and love won over the entire family and sealed their dedication to the breed. Since then, Piper has produced three beautiful litters and 19 exceptional puppies, including the Mijares family’s treasured Lima.
Jodi brings a wealth of experience to her new role as a preservation breeder. With a degree in biology, a background as a veterinary technician, experience as a professional animal trainer for Marine World in California, and work in wildlife and marine mammal rescue, Jodi has dedicated her life to animals of all kinds.
Together with her family, Jodi is honored to mentor under Terry and Bev and to carry the Calypso legacy into the future — ensuring generations of sound, spirited, and loving Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs for families to enjoy.
Piper, Lima, and the Mijares family make their home in beautiful Woodland Park, Colorado — the perfect place for Swissies to run, play, and live their best lives.