The Mountain West equation was one of the most successful in the history of the Australian Shepherd breed. The combination of Jay Sisler, Fletcher Wood, and other dogs of that general type created the highest levels of intelligence, working ability, protectiveness, and versatility. With the help of others personally familiar with these dogs, the author presents humorous, inspiring, and heart-felt
stories shared by the owners of these foundation bloodlines. Documented facts about the background and lineage, registration papers, genealogy flow charts, information establishing type and character of this special group of dogs within the Aussie breed is also included. This comprehensive collection is a must for all herding enthusiasts! Printed in full color, this hardcover bound book is nearly 700 pages in length that includes over 1500 photographs, many never before published, that presents a photographic story of how the dogs from the past have influenced the breed as we know it today.
“It has been my desire to preserve for history the tales of these outstanding individuals and their well earned place in the founding of this breed. I am thankful to all those who contributed and allowed me access to their memories.” -Kris Toft
REVIEWS and COMMENTARY
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent with Kris [Toft]. What I appreciated the most was the initiative and time that she took to be sure the facts were indeed the truth and I’m proud to be the one who helped her with the Sisler history shared in Australian Shepherds of the Mountain West.”
-Les Burlile (Nephew of Jay Sisler who worked closely with Jay his entire life. Les appeared in The Wonderful World of Disney Stub, Best Cowdog in the West [1974] and Greta the Misfit Greyhound [1963].)
“Fletcher had high expectations and was so proud of the breed because they were such wonderful dogs.”
-Mary Wood (Wife of Fletcher Wood)
“My husband, Jerry, and I, have been associated with the Australian Shepherd breed for over 50 years. Our kennel, J Bar D, is featured in Chapter 15 which allowed us the pleasure of reviewing an early copy of this book. The amount of information that Kris has included is unbelievable–truly a documented history book of the breed! The copies of original pedigrees and other information is beyond what we expected. The pictures and wonderful personal stories were a delight to read, while it added interest and gave us a personal connection to each Chapter. The flowcharts are a great visual that reveals the many lines of dogs that were affected by the Australian Shepherds of the Mountain West. We have purchased several books about Australian Shepherds, over the years, that have repeated the same information in various ways. Now, we are excited that a person can purchase this one book with new and documented information in each Chapter, plus having colored photos is so important since we have so many color variations in the breed. The information on Jay and Gene Sisler, Fletcher Wood, and Dr. Kenneth Green, alone, makes this book valuable for anyone interested in the original Australian Shepherds and how they influenced the breed as a whole. The recorded history presented throughout the book preserves the facts that could be lost forever because over time, as the breed advances and the dog’s job changes, so does the breed. Jerry and I highly recommend this book.”
-Sharon Rowe
