The Bernese Mountain Dog Today

By Malcolm B. Willis

Book Overview

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."

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1582450382
• ISBN13: 9781582450384
• Release Date: February 1999
• Publisher: Howell Books
• Length: 184 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 7.6" x 10.0"

Customer Reviews

Not for your average Newbie Berner Person

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.

Willis on Bernese

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.

Having two Bernese Mountain Dogs and a new litter of 9 I

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.

I think it's a GREAT book for people who want a Bernese.

It then agian doesn't help you. If you want to know more about this breed then I would read the book for more info on the breed.My big sister does not want one, but I do so I read this book and got more info on the breed. Now I am 100% that I want one. I LOVE the back cover it is a picture of 5 cute puppys and 4 lovable puppys that want to be taken home to play with you.