The SwissRidge^™️ Family

Pat Rupke – Mother

I have to start with my mom, right? Without her, where would I be?

Well, I’d be without some great dogs, that’s for sure. The day my mom decided to jump into breeding the Bernese with both feet was a great one for me. Although I started in this business first, it turns out I may have inherited the instincts and the eye for this work from her – not to mention the work ethic and determination. It must be part of our pedigree! I admire her commitment to breeding healthier and (in my opinion) more beautiful Bernese. Please visit moorsbernese.com and check out her dogs. To be honest, you may find the cream of the crop on my own pages, because she often gives me first pick of the litter. It’s only fair – we’re family!

Here’s more about my mom in her own words:

I live on a 100-acre farm in Beaverton, Ontario, with Gypsy Vanner horses, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Havanese dogs as well. Although I always loved animals, I never expected to become a dog breeder. Instead, I trained and worked as a registered nurse. After retirement, I was able to devote more time to caring for animals.

My daughter, Sherry Rupke, introduced me to the Bernese when she brought home her first, Mocca, at age 16. It was love at first sight. Mocca was a beautiful dog, with amazing markings, and an incredible personality. I liked the fact that, as a mountain dog, she was large and had a thick coat, so she would be comfortable in an outdoor shelter year round. I could not have a dog inside because dirt and hair triggered my asthma.

Mocca was an affectionate, loyal, protective dog. She only barked to alert me, and she never wandered. Her puppies were so beautiful that when Sherry suggested we form a partnership to breed Bernese, I agreed. We purchased our first male, Riley, from British Columbia. He was very big and handsome and produced gorgeous puppies. Then we purchased two more girls, Lily and Kiss.

Thus began our partnership in the Bernese world. When Sherry was in college, I cared for the dogs. She took the lead on whelping and promoting the breed. Meanwhile, she shared the skills and knowledge she was gaining while volunteering at our local vet clinic, and from her studies as a veterinary technologist. She introduced me to the importance of breeding correctly. I learned how to find good, strong healthy dogs, with sound pedigrees and generations of health clearances. As for the hands-on care, well, I had a strong foundation in human caregiving both as a registered nurse and as a mom. Providing quality care for pregnant dogs and newborn pups came naturally.

Eventually, Sherry decided to focus all her energy on Goldendoodles, and left the Bernese business to me. We had imported Daiko and Dyne from Europe, and they’d added so much to our program. I decided to purchase more Bernese from Europe, both because North American breeders tended to be negative about Sherry’s hybrid program and because many breeders here weren’t completing health clearances. I wanted to provide the healthiest dogs for my clients.

I must admit, it is not easy being a breeder. My entire day is devoted to dogs and puppies. But it is very satisfying work and I take pride in the breeding program I developed with care. I liked the fact that the Bernese is a stocky farm dog, as well as a companion dog, and am attracted to old-style Bernese – solid and well-built. I wanted to see more of that in the dogs I produce. So, using the skills Sherry taught me, I found healthy, gorgeous dogs from European breeders to help me achieve my vision. I am very happy with my Bernese and thankful that Sherry entrusted me with improving the breed.

I also love the fact that I am sharing this adventure with my daughter. Although we have branched out in different directions, we share the excitement and challenges of developing our lines. I enjoy her success, both as her mother and as a colleague.

We both like working with clients and helping to match them with the perfect dog for their lifestyle. I think we’d both agree that the most fulfilling aspect of this job is seeing the dogs we breed serving a therapeutic role for people.

Lucas Mucha – Head Trainer and Partner

People used to ask me to recommend training services for their dogs, and I would make half-hearted referrals, knowing that excellent trainers are very hard to find. Then fate threw me into the path of the best trainer I have ever met…who now happens to be my partner in life. (I know, almost too good to be true, right?!)

Lucas, the resident SwissRidge dog behavior expert, is a truly gifted trainer and I am constantly learning from him.

Here’s the official line from the man himself:

Dogs are my passion. I have loved being around them ever since I was a child. My mom says I was constantly bringing stray cats and dogs into our house in Poland, and Sherry says I’d fill the house with rescues now, if there was room for them. It’s true! I can’t stand seeing a homeless, unloved or abandoned animal. My greatest joy in life is rehabilitating dogs that others have given up on, and finding new homes for them.

I started formally training dogs at the age of 18, working with security companies to train protection dogs. Learning from whom I considered the best trainers in the world, I began my journey in developing an efficient training program tailored for the pet dog.Working with spacial pressure, micro body language, and markers. I began to develop my unique training style for owners and the demanding environments the  pet dog faces.

Over the course of my career, I have trained dogs, ranging from Chihuahuas to Presa Canario. I am a breeder of the Cane Corso (Italian Mastiff). Perhaps it is their slow, trusting nature that intrigues me. What I love about them is their loyalty, and willingness to protect their home and family with their life. They are naturally soft with children and can sense danger with incredible intuition. They are large, powerful dogs, but make wonderful family pets when properly trained. Recently, four of my dogs appeared in the movie Pompeii.

I get so much satisfaction in rehabilitating dogs like Pit Bulls and Mastiffs because when they do get out of hand, they can be very dangerous. Yet the results of training are transformative. It literally saves lives; people may tolerate a nippy Shih Tzu, but they won’t keep a volatile Pit Bull in the house for too long.

Now, as trainer at SwissRidge Kennels, I have had hands-on experience with many Bernedoodles. As I noted in Bernedoodles: A Head to Tail Guide, these are not difficult dogs to train. They tend to be very bright, might be a bit stubborn, and are usually sensitive.

The SwissRidge training program has evolved in recent years, and will be expanding considerably in the year ahead. I look forward to being able to help more dogs – and their families – in the new facility. In the meantime, you can learn more about current services under Training.

Like Sherry, my work is also my hobby. But I do find time most days for my other passions: singing and song-writing. I also keep fit by practicing Brazilian jujitsu, hiking, biking, running, and body building. When Sherry and I escape from the kennel, I enjoy traveling and immersing myself in different cultures.