Although the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog does not have any "breed specific" health problems we do encounter all of the health problems of any of the large breeds. At Shadetree we screen for Hips, Elbows, Eyes, Patellas and now support the GSMDCA Shoulder Study. Since breeding superior dogs is a combination of science and "art" we use the scientific data available to us while using an artistic eye in our attempt to achieve the impossible, the perfect GSMD. It is the quest for perfection that keeps us passionate about our Swissys and our breeding program.