Sean was simply a once-in-a-lifetime dog. He was big, handsome and typey dog, but most of all he was a joy to live with.
Sean was a singleton puppy who nearly didn’t make it. Due to a difficult delivery and the arrogance of a veterinarian, it is a miracle he survived at all. The fact that he did live is thanks to a quick thinking vet tech named Sean and to the dedicated efforts of his breeder. You can read about Sean’s arrival into the world in Shannon Hennigan’s book, An Introduction to the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.
He was the epitome of correct Swissy temperament. He was warm, friendly and gentle with everyone he met -- from the elderly to infants in strollers -- and was frequently asked to participate in events representing the breed to the public.
A typical draft dog, once Sean was hooked up to his cart he would pull anything you asked him to. From hauling the groceries to little kids at the fair, whatever the task at hand, he loved doing his job. He was also a regular participant in drafting demonstrations. Sean can be seen in the Swissy episode of the Animal Planet show “Meet the Breed” giving a cart ride to Grant Miller son of Nancy Miller of Hamilton GSMD.
He was one of the last Swissies to earn a Championship through the GSMDCA in 1995. He went on to earn his AKC Championship shortly before his second birthday in March of 1996, just 8 months after the breed was fully recognized by the AKC. Sean was ranked in the top ten for the breed in 1996 & 1997.
Sean sired four litters with a total of 19 puppies. Eight of his offspring earned their AKC championships, two earned introductory herding titles, several enjoyed carting and all were treasured family members. Though Sean was not widely bred himself, today his descendants can be found in the pedigrees of many Swissies owned by GSMD breeders worldwide as well as many of the dogs carrying the Dufenhof name today.
Sean died from hemangiosarcoma a month before his 9th birthday.
Sean was loved beyond measure and he is deeply missed to this day.
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To see photos of some of Sean's kids, go here.
Sean's titled offspring include:
Picadilly, Ch Hamilton's Circus Crescendo, HT
Crystal, Ch Hamilton's Crystal Bouquet, HT
Oakley, Ch Hamilton's Country Club
Hughi, Ch Drumhill Precious Hummer Hughi, CGC
Rover, Ch Drumhill Precious Range Rover
Rosalee, Ch Drunhill Precious Testarosa
Laverne, Ch Dufenhof A Snowball's Chance, TT
Peggy Sue, Ch Drumhill Queen of the Prom, ROM
Sean
