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BOOK

Beskydsky Bundas
The forgotten history of the Beskydy mountains, Czechoslovakia

The book unveils a nearly forgotten world of herding dogs that were once an inseparable part of life in the mountains. Who was the true Beskydsky Bundas? A national breed that was never officially recognized, or merely a shadow of an ancient tradition lost in time? The author guides the reader not only through historical sources and expert insights, but also along the delicate boundary between reality and memory. Differences in naming, unclear identifications, and the fading traits of the breed reveal how easily cultural heritage can disappear — and how difficult it is to grasp it again. Here, the Bundas is not just a dog. It becomes a symbol of the relationship between humans and the landscape, a bond that is gradually fading away. This book is therefore not only a return to the past, but also a quiet call to rediscover it.

Author: Ing. Jozef Surkovsky, Ing.Paed.IGIP
Genre: History / Academic Literature
Year of publication: 2024

O knize

After the successful Czech release of Beskydsky Bundas in 2023, this remarkable work is now available to an international audience in English. The book offers a compelling window into the ancient traditions and cultural heritage of the Valassko region. In this evocative narrative, author Jozef Surkovsky (*1979) not only portrays the authentic life of shepherds in the Beskydy Mountains and Valassko, but also brings renewed attention to the Beskydsky Bundas — a once highly valued herding dog that has sadly disappeared. Known for its exceptional abilities, this remarkable breed once roamed the mountain pastures and meadows, serving as an indispensable companion to shepherds throughout the last century. Its distinct qualities were so highly regarded that kynologists included the Beskydský Bundáš among the “Czech National Dog Breeds” (formerly “Czechoslovak National Dog Breeds”). Yet over time, it has gradually faded from collective memory — a loss that this book thoughtfully addresses. More than just a historical account, this book carries a quiet hope: that one day, the Beskydsky Bundas might once again return to the wide, fragrant pastures of Valassko, where it truly belongs.

“A shepherd without a dog will be left without bread by wolves.” (Romanian proverb)

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