Customer Reviews

The German Shepherd Dog: A Genetic History

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Although his earlier version (1970's version) of this book was excellent, and probably the best for it's era, this version is excellent! With up to date information from various countries around the world, this book gives a non-biased background of the genetics behind controlled breeding of Quality German Shepherd Dogs. He provides avenues for further education on any one point in his book, however, I find that all information provided by Willis is sufficient in making educated decisions in any good breeding program. A must for any serious breeder, and a book that will fast become "impossible to get". Robert Frischke KAHREN KENNELS

When a little fuzzball draws you in with his big puppy eyes, then gallops your way and leaps up to lick you in the face, the check is as good as signed. That's why I wanted to read this book BEFORE picking my next pup. As Willis points out in his book, not all fuzzballs are alike. Some are simply better equiped in temperment, health and intelligence. The book is packed with pictures and descriptions of famous German Shepherds from around the world, and provides an opportunity for dog breeders and owners to make responsible choices in selecting their own fuzzballs. Willis details the genetic faults of the breed, and even identifies which dogs tend to carry those traits, so you can study pedigrees before you make an ill-fated purchase. The only problem with the book, besides the price (which is daunting, though probably worth it considering the investment you will make in your new dog) is that Willis assumes too much knowledge of genetics in the beginning of the book. But if the reader consults a dictionary or encyclopedia at those early passages, then the rest should be fairly easy to grasp. Also, the book could use an update since more recent studs and bitches which are NOT found in this book are currently lining the pedigrees of today's fuzzballs. I've just started searching for my own fuzzball a month ago, but I already know more about the breed than 80% of the breeders I've talked to thanks to Willis's book

Geneticist and German Shepherd breed devotee Malcolm B. Willis, Ph.D. is the acclaimed author of the definitive work, The German Shepherd Dog: A Genetic History. With his comprehensive explanations of genetic principles, Willis details the genetics of reproduction, behavior, hip dysplasia, and other inheritable diseases of the German Shepherd dog. This book is an essential addition to every breeder's library. It is also a remarkably educational resource for anybody who is committed to fully understanding the genetic history of the breed and preserving its future.

If you are new to the breed or old this book is a bible for breeders. Even if you are into another breed this book is very good for it covers alot that is not breed specific. There is so much information in this book one is always going back over it. No german Shepherd breeder should be without this in thier library.

This book is the best on the topic of genetics of the German Shepherd Dog. A must have for any breeder and a great book for any lover of the breed. Easy to read and understand. I have owned this book for a number of years and purchased other books on the topic of dog genetics but this is the book that I find myself picking up for the answers.