Should this site inspire an in-depth study of Great Pyrenees history, a highly recommended book is THE GREAT PYRENEES, Mary Crane, Third Edition, 1949.
This edition of Crane is as comprehensive, authoritative, and historically well illustrated as any dog breed history book ever sent to press.
When this book is read and reread, one can begin to grasp the enormity of what Mary and Francis Crane did to establish and preserve the Great Pyrenees breed in America, and why their dedication to the Great Pyrenees is truly remarkable.
When you read this book you are on a virtual journey with Mary and Francis Crane as they visit the important Pyrenees kennels in Europe and establish the breed in the United States.
The photographic journey and pictorial record she so generously provided for Pyrenees posterity are unrivaled by any other author.
Mary Crane is visually descriptive and forthright as she tours the kennels of France and Belgium and sees the best as well as the not so best Pyrenees dogs, their breeders and the exhibitors of that era.
A 1930s' dog kennel (Chenil) may consists of just a few Pyrenees to a dozen or less dogs.
Food for dogs was becoming relatively costly and scare in 1930s' Europe and, veterinary medicine and medical services were unavailable or relatively limited and costly in many regions.
Mary Crane traveled to and was well received by Pyrenees owners in magnificent chateaus and posh accommodations.
Mary Crane traveled to and was well received by Pyrenees owners in rural difficult - to - reach locales that necessitated enduring miles of dirt roads and a lack of facilities and amenities.
No path to see and visit Les Chiens des Pyrenees was too far or difficult for Mary to travel.
During her visits abroad Mary Crane formed friendships and important alliances with French breeders and breed authorities.
They saw in Mary Crane a willing participant in establishing the breed in America and more importantly to some, Mary had an ability to provide a
"Safe Haven"
for their dogs and their respective bloodlines as hostilities in Europe appeared imminent.
It is clear that a diverse population of bloodlines was imported to her Knollwood Estate in Needham, Massachusetts as by choice Mary brought over as many representative Pyrenean lines as possible.
Mary Crane acquired and imported the finest dogs and the finest bloodlines available in
This edition features 680 pages, numerous illustrations, and two large fold-out charts so important for an in-depth study of the breed.
This is an indispensable book for the Great Pyrenees bookcase.
The first fold-out is "The Offspring of American Champion Urdos de Soum" and the second fold-out is "The Offspring of the Two Famous Imported Brothers", namely Estat and Estagel.
And the 3rd edition has "The Basquaerie Family" photograph as the illustration for the dust jacket cover.
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