Why Swiss Bells?

This is a great question - and one we answer for many customers who aren't familiar with Swiss Bells.  They aren't just called "Swiss" bells without a reason - these bells are made in Switzerland! And they have been for a long time. 

A surprising fact is that authentic Swiss bells are usually made in bell-producing factories that have been making bells as far back as the 1700s.  

But what do the Swiss know about Bells? More specifically, why are cow-style bells so popular there?

Let's Talk About Swiss Cows First

You might be surprised to hear us talking about cows on a Pet Product website. But to know why Swiss bells are of such high quality, we need to talk a little about the cow farming industry in Switzerland. 

When we say cow-farming in America, you probably think of open pastures, giant ranches, and of course, cowboys.  But did you know that cow-farming in Switzerland is a big industry? And it looks quite different than in America.  How is it different though?

It all comes down to the fact that Switzerland is a mountainous country - and a small one at that. A cow/dairy farm in Switzerland looks very different than one in the USA.  The unique culture of Switzerland also plays a big part in their unique dairy farming traditions.  There are actually a few great reasons that farmer's take their cow herds up to the high alpine passes during the early summer, and leave them there until the early fall. 

One of the reasons is that the variety of plants that grows at the higher altitudes is much greater than that found in valleys below.  This greater variety of plants and herbs that the cows eat lead to much tastier milk - which is used to produce a signature product of Switzerland - Alpine Cheese. 

Another major reason is that the government subsidizes this activity! This means that farmers get a couple hundred of dollars for each cow they take up to the mountain passes! So there is a big incentive to keep these traditions alive (which have been going since the 14th century approximately.)

Swiss Bells - for Cows

When it comes time to bring the cows back from their high-altitude pastures, it is a pretty big deal. Think of it like a "homecoming". The cows have spent months away from their homes, and it is time to bring them back to where they spend most of their time.  

Since the journey up the mountain is arduous, the cows aren't adorned with anything. This makes the journey easier.  On the way down however, a big deal is made of the cows appearance.  Cows will be dressed up with flowers, fancy headresses, and you guessed it! Swiss-made Cow Bells. 

These aren't just ordinary bells - some of the largest ones can cost up to 1,000 dollars. Those are usually reserved for the biggest and most prized cows of the herd - but each cow will certainly get its own bell and decorations.  There is alot more to talk about regarding Swiss Cow Bell culture, but that is a story for another blog post. Click here to read more about Swiss Cow Traditions and Culture

Similarly, the herd dogs that accompanied the cows get their own decorative (and functional) bells.  Let's talk more about the dogs now!

Swiss Bells - for your Dog

While the Swiss bells given to the dogs are smaller than the one's adorning the cows - they are made in the same way and using the same materials.  High quality metal is smelted into sheets, and then the metal is cut to size.  After that, craftsmen and women hammer out the metal into the correct shape.  

When you choose a Swiss bell for your dog collar - you are getting a bell that is made for the elements.  It will give your dog a stylish look that you isn't common, and you will be getting a bell that is proven to stand up to the elements for years.  

The Swiss bells we source from Switzerland and sell to people in the USA are available in a few different sizes as well.  You can choose the size that is perfect for your dog. And if you have multiple dogs - you can get a few different sizes.

The benefit of a having different sized bells is that each size has its own distinct ring and sound. So even when you can't see all of your dogs, you can still tell them apart by the sound their swiss collar bell makes!