This new book is a true celebration of the centuries-old Bernese Mountain Dog. Written from a global perspective, it relates the breed's origins as a reliable Swiss farm dog and traces its modern development as a top show contender, performance dog and treasured companion for the entire family. The Standard is analyzed in detail and the entire book is beautifully illustrated with numerous lovely photos in both black and white and color -- a true "must have."
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From the Inside Flap
The Bernese Mountain Dog Today The Bernese Mountain Dog, a sturdy, all-purpose farm dog, was originally bred in Switzerland. One of its jobs was herding cattle, but its main use was as a draught dog, harnessed to a small cart taking milk and cheese to the market. Today, the Bernese Mountain Dog is still used for draught work, although mainly for recreational purposes. The breed has also taken its place as an impressive show dog, and its kind, good-natured character makes it a devoted family dog. In this comprehensive book of the breed, the author examines the history of the Bernese and its spread around the world. Detailed information is given on caring for the breed, with special guidance on feeding, and training. There is an in-depth analysis of the Breed Standard, with coverage on showing and judging. Particular emphasis is placed on breeding, looking at the principles of breeding as well as the genetic defects within the breed. This is enhanced with significant scientific data which has been accumulated from worldwide sources — making the book a unique reference. Illustrated with top-quality colour and black and white photographs, this is essential reading for all Bernese Mountain Dog enthusiasts.
About the Author
Dr Malcolm B. Willis was born in Yorkshire in 1935, and educated at Durham University (BSc, 1956) and the Institute of Animal Genetics, Edinburgh University (PhD in Animal Genetics-1960). He was made an Honourary Associate of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1996. He has owned German Shepherd Dogs since 1953, judging them since 1959 and at Championship level (since 1978) in nine different countries. He has been Chairman of the GSD Breed Council from its inception in 1986 and a breed surveyor for that Council. He judged the British national specialty in 1988 and was given the gold medal of the GSD Breed Council of Australia for services to the breed. Dr Willis became involved with Bernese in 1985 when he met his wife Helen, who breeds and shows under the Nellsbern prefix. Both now judge BMD at Championship level. Dr Willis is President of the Northern Bernese Mountain Dog Club. He undertakes character assessment for the club and also judging seminars. He is the author of several books on animal breeding, beef cattle and dogs, including Genetics of the Dog (1989) and The GSD: a Genetic History (1992), which won the Maxwell medal of the Dog Writers of America in 1992. He lectures on canine genetic worldwide.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
25 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Having two Bernese Mountain Dogs and a new litter of 9 I,
By A Customer
This review is from: The Bernese Mountain Dog Today (Hardcover)
agree with other reviews in that this book is comprehensive and covers everything from breeding, welping, puppy care, purchase care, showing, qualifications, care and best of all it shows off the beauty and temperment of this rare and wonderful breed.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Willis on Bernese,
By A Customer
This review is from: The Bernese Mountain Dog Today (Hardcover)
Beautifully illustrated with nice photos of some important dogs. Biased toward his own dogs in many ways. Good history and care chapters. Bearing in mind this man is a geneticist, not a Breeder, overall a good read.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Not for your average Newbie Berner Person,
By A Customer
This review is from: The Bernese Mountain Dog Today (Hardcover)
For hardcore Berner people/breeders only.Dr. Willis is a geneticist by education and experience. He has dabbled in breeding Bernese Mtn Dogs. And he currently roams the globe judging Berners at dog show events. Obviously, it is from this lofty perspective that he writes this book. If you want to learn more about wisely breeding Berners, or learn more about Berners on a global level from Dr. Willis' unique perspective, this book should be a good read for you with lots of useful information. For newbie breeders, this book can represent an information overload but well worth purchasing as a research resource. Dr. Willis does give a 'nod' to the average pet owner with useful information like feeding and training. However, if you are an average Berner Pet owner or new buyer, with no aspirations toward breeding your dog, 2/3 of this book may be relatively useless information for you. If this is you, spend your money on a different and better book for newbies in Berners. Also, an experienced Berner breeder/exhibitor/researcher must be prepared to deal with (and look beyond) the very apparent arrogance that permeates this writer's work to the value of what good information is definitely presented (for the most part). I will say that a good portion of the genetic and other breeding related information presented here is above what may be found in other hardcore Berner books. If you're a Berner breeder, this book is a MUST HAVE as a reference. If you're an average Berner person, another Berner book will probably be of more use to you.
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