Heroes on four paws

The Swiss Avalanche Dog Championships took place in Stoos over the weekend.
 

For 72 years now, the Innerschwyz Cynological Association (Kynologische Verein) has been organising the Swiss Avalanche Dog Championships with the support of volunteers. Stable weather conditions attracted a number of interested spectators and sponsors to the competition site at Brunnerboden at the weekend. The very first competition took place in Stoos in 1954.

A total of 20 passionate dog handlers from all over Switzerland were present with their dogs. The breeds represented included Giant Schnauzers, Retrievers, German Shepherds and Belgian Shepherds, all of which are ideally suited to this life-saving task. Training to become an avalanche dog (Lawinenhund) is very demanding for both the dogs and their handlers.

The dogs had to locate two buried persons in a 9,000 square metre rough search area. They then searched for a rucksack in a slightly smaller fine-search area. Speed, acumen and smooth teamwork between dog and handler were required to achieve the maximum score of 300 points. OK President Karin Morelisse praised the impressive performance of all teams.

Dog handler Karin Dutler with her giant schnauzer
Spectators enjoyed the exciting competition on the Brunnerboden under sunny skies.
A successful result for Karin Dutler.                            Photos: Nicole Betschart
 

Carrying out the competition remains a challenge
The lack of snow is becoming an increasingly significant obstacle to the Swiss Championships and to the training of dog handlers. Dog handler Susanne Ommerli normally trains in Pany in Prättigau. This season, however, she has had to switch to the Bernina Pass for most of her training.

Referee Ruedi Klötzli emphasises: "Unfortunately, there are fewer and fewer young dog handlers coming through. Nevertheless, we appreciate every committed team that takes part – this year there were 20, although there was room for 25."

From the rankings:
1. Hanspeter Balsiger, Brackenwood Grateful Viva, Retriever Club Switzerland RCS.
2. Simone Colpi, Alva vom Heldenkreuz, HS Toggenburg.
3. Fritz Kneubühl, Havar Perro de la Casa Negra, SKBS OG Thun.
4. Mara Laube, Gleam of Light Kaito Bijaro-Kenaj, KV Niederamt.
5. Stefan Steiner, Rhian vom Kistenstein, SKBS OG Graubünden.

A Tele 1 video of the meeting (in German) from Röbi Steinegger can be seen on:
https://www.tele1.ch/nachrichten/lawinenhunde-messen-sich-auf-dem-stoos-163590917