The Bernese Mountain Dog Today - Hardcover

Willis, Malcolm B.

4.11

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9781582450384: The Bernese Mountain Dog Today

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1582450382 ISBN 13: 9781582450384

Publisher: *Howell Book House, 1999

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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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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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