I was lucky enough to get this book for a nice price via a amazon partner and both my wife and I agree it was really good I did.This book discusses the Bernese genetic weaknesses, history, breeding, temperment etc etc. As the information says it is by a Vet which breeds and judges Bernese so you are getting great information.
The book has lots of pictures of dogs and goes over what good or not good appearance and stance issues for the Bernese breed.
I have a 7 month old bitch (or should I say female) which we are thinking of breeding at about 2 years and this book will be studied and the information will help me pick a sire as well as bring some informed questions to my vet.
Now let me say a Bernese is a big teddy bear which loves to rollover and have it's belly rubbed by those it loves and trusts. My female is a big one at 70lbs and likely 90-100 in a year. She still is very puppy like and likes to jump up on me .... which is something we need to correct gently as she is sensitive. I also have a Australian Sheppard which is a great cardio trainer for the Bernese which might otherwise lay around too much.
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.
