5 comments about Why We Love the Dogs We Do: How to Find the Dog That Matches Your Personality.

1. i found the book mildly entertaining for a rainy afternoon but i would highly caution anyone who doesn't know that much about dogs not to take his advice without more info from another source. i grew up with a variety of different breeds and i have to strongly disagree with a lot of his "experience". i took the personality test just for fun and discovered that i am reccommended an airedale and a whippet. any dog expert would know that those are two high energy dogs that need lots of exercize. i do well with my great dane (by the way which wasn't even an option for my personality according to his book) i like low energy, low maintentence dogs for my lifestyle. his personality test was lacking in these areas.
   if you take this test and do find the "perfect" dog for your personality i think that you're a very lucky and uncommmon individual. for the rest of us i think we should use a more scientific approach and get a good dog breed book that is actually informative and helpful.



2. I found this book to be a lighthearted yet informative read amongst the many different books I perused when trying to decide what breed of dog to share my life with. As a previous dog owner and trainer, I found his "groupings" interesting and pretty accurate, dog-personality-wise, and while the human personality test is perhaps a bit simplified, it nonetheless gets you to a useful conclusion about yourself that you can use to choose your breed. My husband and I were surprised at the breed category we ended up best fit for, and after having the dog we chose from that group for a year, we have found that the author's recommendations were pretty accurate for our likes and dislikes.
   
   I will say, however, that this should not be the only source you read to choose what breed you want to adopt. Do read a more "scientific" book that goes further in-depth on what to expect from specific breeds, and probably also read a book written specifically on your final choice BEFORE adopting. Lastly, keep in mind that dogs are still animals, not humans, and to some extent have their own personalities regardless of what breed they belong to. As long as you have a sense of humor, living with a dog (whatever you choose) will be an enjoyable adventure.



3. There are one million dogs in the US who have been named as beneficiaries in their owners wills. What does this observation suggest? Since Americans don't typically bequeath their hard earned fortunes to any but family members, perhaps it means that often we REALLY treat our dogs as family. Since they obviously weren't born to us, perhaps it resembles a good marriage.
   
   Contrast this love-filled fact with the less sanguine observation that nearly half of all puppy adoptions never make it through their first year. What makes the difference?
   
   Coren's contention is that when the puppy's personality is compatible with that of their human "parents" the relationship works; when incompatible, the odds of early divorce is much higher.
   
   So how can we improve the odds? Coren's answer is the same one that has made dating services successful. Both of you take a personality test and will do the matching for you. Many believe dating services work, I have no opinion, but Coren's approach assumes that it will work when applied to owners and dogs. So, how does it work?
   
   It's as elegant as it is simple. Coren has already done all the hard work. He's conducted a large scale study of dog personalities organized by AKC breed types with an eye toward matching them with the results of commonly-used human personality tests. Then to complete the job he provides a brief and simple personality test that you can take and score in about fifteen minutes.
   
   So, with your personality type in your left hand and the dog type listing in your right hand, lay one over the other, so to speak, identify the groupings that are most compatible with your personality profile, and start calling vets and breeders. Okay, there's a little more to the matching process than this, but really, not much more.
   
   If this was all there was to the book, I'd have been glad to read it. I've had a long term interest in dog testing in general and dog personality testing in particular. But there's much more. To help convince us that the approach works, I lost count at some point but there are literally dozens and dozens of vignettes about the famous and not-so famous people and their dogs. In each case we are treated to an often thoroughly researched personality analysis which he then compares to the dog personality type and ties it all together with an assessment of whether the match was made in heaven or somewhere else.
   
   Actors, actresses, historical figures, presidents - lots of presidents - poets, authors, and on and on. Not to the point of boredom, mind you. Never that. In fact, while reading the final vignette, I seriously hoped for an epilog with at least one more of these little stories. I got hooked.
   
   "Why We Love the Dogs We Do" is a good read, a very good read. It's worth a read... read it.
   
   EPILOG
   Both my wife and I took the personality test and were surprised to learn that Newfies, which we have long had and loved were not on our recommended list. The matchmaking test was spot on for typifying the personality of our breed but, we believe, missed the target on capturing who are. Sadly this fact lost a star on the rating.



4. Bought this book several years ago and thought it was great. Considering the dogs I have had in the past, it was dead on in why I thought they were great or why I couldn't wait to get rid of them as fast as possible. Unless it's a rescue dog as I have now, which is a terrior mix, I will definitely go back to this book time and time again as a reminider for the breed that is appropriate for me.



5. The classification of dog "types" didn't resemble anything I've learned in other books on dog breeds. I'm not aware that dogs are either clever or friendly, but not both at the same time.
   How would one choose a pet? Let's see, do I want a stupid friendly dog, or a dog who is very clever but aloof and indifferent to me?
   
   A big disappointment was the section where the author shared his intense dislike of cats and their owners. What does this have to do with the title and theme of his book and why should any of us care?
   Dr Coren, for unknown reasons, finds it necessary to express his admiration and love of dogs by bashing cats with the same old tiresome comparisons that are always unfavorable to cats.
   If this was necessary, then why not include a chapter listing all the ways that guinea pigs, gerbils, parakeets, and tropical fish fall short when compared with dogs?
   Better yet, let's have an expert on rabbit breeding write a book about taking care of rabbits, and then include a chapter describing the faults and inadequacies of dogs?
   After reading much of this book,I find it hard to believe that Coren really likes any animals. I wonder whether he needed additional ncome and thought he had a new angle for a dog book.
   
   As a lover of both dogs and cats, I have no trouble realizing that they are two different species that require no comparisons.
   The author's decision to share the story of the woman who seemed indifferent when her cat went missing is supposed to prove that even people who choose cats for pets, don't really love them the way the author loves dogs. Is Coren really unaware that there's a surplus of uncaring PET owners who neglect dogs as well as cats?
   I don't know what Coren's grudge against the cat owning woman in his book is all about, but it tells us nothing about what cats are like as pets!
   
   Coren thinks cats are seldom seen during the day. He would enjoy meeting my cat, who along with our dog, greets people at the door, follows us from room to room and cuddles with us on the couch at all times of the day or evening.
   Mr Coren, let the real dog and cat experts write the books.Your time would be better spent developing some insight into your own anger and resentments.

1 comments about Pet Owner's Guide to the Bulldog (Pet Owner's Guide).

1. This is a great book for bulldog lovers who love to look at bulldog pictures. Not necessarily a useful guide for those who would like to own a bulldog and need help figuring out how.

4 comments about Surviving Puppyhood: Teaching Your Puppy the Right Way to Live (The Common Sense Approach).

1. I was expecting, from previous reviews, this book to be about training and not about breed misinformation:
   Quote:
   " "The most powerful terrier is the American Staffordshire Terrier, or Pit Bull Terrier as he is often referred to. This breed has one of the worst reputations in the dog world. Bred for fighting, these dogs are still used illegally for this purpose. Like the Rottweiler, owning and AmStaff can be reason for your insurance company to tell you to find another carrier. If you want to be ostracized by other dog owners, then consider owning this breed......."
   She says of Rottweilers: "some people buy an image breed to make a statement. Unfortunately they do not take the time to train the dog..... "
   This is at best a massive generalization and at worst a condemnation of many breeds of dogs based on the author's personal bias. There ARE other dogs in this world besides the Border Collie. I am so glad there are other trainers that are reputable and actually care about the owner that wants to train his/her dog. I would not recommend this book.



2. I haven't read Kay's book, but I know her personally. I grew up in Chicago, and she was all four of my dog's groomer and trainer. She also bred the litter from which my dog Chuck came. When I was 8 years old she started training chuck and I, I am now 19 and he is almost 11, and he still remains the obedient, fun and loving dog he was when she started tranining him. At 11, an old age for a Golden Retriever, he still remembers everything she tought us. If you are going to learn how to take care of a puppy, she is the person to learn it from.



3. I have been training and showing dogs for more than thirty years. This book is the best I have come across for common sense in training a puppy. The chapter on housebreaking explains at what ages that you can except what resonse from the puppy. I think this is invaluable information to keep the owner from being discouraged that the progress is a slow one. All the information in the book is easily understood, and explained in enough detail for the average pet owner to follow. Also included are many tips for a more experienced, even competition dog owner. Included are many photos to visualize the training procedures, plus many puppy pictures just to enjoy.



4. October 24, 1999

   Book Review for: Surviving Puppyhood The Common Sense Approach Author: Kay Guetzloff

   This is the most comprehensive and sensible book on puppy selection, ownership and training that has ever been written..It is a definite must item for anybody considering a dog for a pet. The book covers every topic from selecting and acquiring your pet, to training and comfortably living with it, in an easy to understand and logical manner. Every person considering a dog for a family member should read this book first.

   It describes in detail, the seven AKC groups, and the characteristics of individual breeds within each group. In the breed descriptions information is given as to how certain dogs will fit into a particular lifestyle. Questions are asked of the reader, are you active? What are your work hours? What hobbies do you have? All of this information important to help match a particular breed of dog with a particular individual.

   Education is given as to where and how to go about buying a puppy once you have determined what your compatible breed will be. The pros and cons of males vs females, spaying and neutering, proper veterinary care, and essential items for your new puppy are discussed in detail.

   Puppy proofing your home, house training your puppy, and the necessary basic obedience commands are explained in a step by step sequence that is straightforward and easy even for a novice person to follow.

   Behavior problems are discussed along with solutions so that you can learn to be a responsible pet owner. By picking up after your dog, not letting him run through the neighborhood getting into trash, or by correcting unnecessary barking, you can have a well mannered pet that will be a pleasure for you, as well as your neighbors to live with.

   She addresses all issues which cause people to be unhappy with their pets, and shows how with consistent and simple training methods you can have a well adjusted and happy family member.

   I have been a dog owner for over 35 years and a dog obedience trainer for the past 10 years. Even if showing your dog isn't your final goal, you want a dog that blends easily into your home and family. This book shows you the fundamental training methods as well as explaining the canine learning process so that you can achieve success and have a well adjusted dog.

   This book is a must for anybody considering a puppy for a pet.

   Paige Patterson

5 comments about World of the Boxer: Akc Rank 13.

1. A must have for all boxer lovers. It is full of interesting information; that you may not have known about the special boxer in your life. A great book.



2. I purchased two copies of this book and gave one as a gift to a friend of mine who breeds/raises/shows Boxers. She had been wanting this book for quite a few years and was happy to get it. She is reading it cover to cover.



3. This book is a must have for any one who loves Boxers. It is the most complete and informative compilation I have come across. It is so full of information, full of photos. I especially liked being able to look at photos of my dog's ancestors. Covers the breed's history in detail, lists many of the major dogs/kennels that have contributed to today's Boxer. This book took years to complete, and it shows in just how much it covers.



4. This is one of the most comprehensive books on Boxers I have ever seen. It draws both Boxer enthusiasts and anyone who turns it open. Lots of bang for the buck for the hobbiest and the serious breeder, owner, and handler. Recommend most highly.



5. Rick Tomita's World of The Boxer is the BEST book I have ever read/owned, since Billie McFadden's publication! Rick's expertise is totally phenomenal & the content of this entire book is extremely comprehensive, well articulated, and offers a seasoned, as well as a potentially new Boxer owner the "MOST REALISTIC & OBJECTIVE DESCRIPTION" of this very special breed. Author Tomita is a virtual "ANGEL OF THE BOXER BREED" and his sharing of his knowledge is far beyond what any other author has done -EVER ! I have been reading books about this breed for the past 20 years, & to say that his is the best book ever to be published is an understatement!

5 comments about This Is the Maine Coon Cat.

1. This a great hardback book for the serious Main Coon fan



2. "This is the Maine Coon Cat" by Sharyn Bass was published in 1983 and if you check its photographs against a recent Cat Fanciers' Association yearbook, you'll see slight differences between the Maine Coons that won ribbons twenty years ago, and those cats that strut their stuff on current breeders' websites, or in the CFA Yearbook. Since Sharyn Bass's book has quite a lot of information on showing Coonies, you need to be aware of changes to the breed standards (or judges' preferences) if you're planning to show your own cat. The CFA and the Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association (MCBFA) websites are probably the best places to research current Maine Coon breed standards.

   The chapter on "Health Care" is not specific to Maine Coons and is also a bit dated, for instance in its treatment of Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP). There is actually a vaccine for this disease now, although the extent of protection provided by it is debatable.

   An important omission in this book is a discussion of hereditary defects known to occasionally occur in Maine Coons. These include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, cardiomyopathy and white-linked deafness. Two of my six Maine Coons have slight heart murmurs, and the vet informs me that the older of the two will have to start taking heart medication within the year.

   Bass presents good, general purpose information on feeding, caring for, and breeding cats. There are detailed instructions on how to construct a queening box, which we followed, although matters didn't quite work out according to the book. Our queen ignored the box and had her litter under our bedspread.

   One final quibble concerns Bass's photograph of a Maine Coon trying to use a litter box that was meant for smaller cats. His hindquarters and tail are hanging over the edge of the box, which negates the purpose of the whole thing, since deposits tend to end up on the floor. We learned this lesson the hard way, and now have super-sized boxes for our super-sized cats.

   Although "This is the Maine Coon Cat" is well-written and quite detailed, I'd recommend "That Yankee Cat" by Marilis Hornidge as the most interesting book written about Maine Coons. It's a hundred-and-one pages of sheer delight for those of us who are actually lucky enough to be owned by one of these big old, shaggy down-Easterners.




3. After I bought my "coon" I bought this book in hopesof finding out about this great and mysterious breed. The book reallydid not tell me anything that I didn't already know by researchingarticles on-line before I bought her. It did show pictures of alltypes of MC's that I never knew existed, but not what I wanted toknow. I wanted to know more about their quirkiness, etc. that makesthem so unique and fascinating. I actually find more info from otherowners on-line! But, for people who are just learning about MC's, thisbook is probably a good start.



4. I refer back to this book regularly, even though I own other books about Maine Coon cats. I thoroughly enjoyed the information on the history of the breed. The book describes the breed's show standards and contains pictures of Maine Coons throughout. The book provides descriptions of the different color classes of Maine Coons, and I have not seen such a complete description elsewhere. The book does contain information on raising Maine Coons that really applies to any breed, but I put that information to good use when my first litter was on the way. The only negative I have is the price; but considering how often I refer back to this book, I believe it was worth it.



5. As seems to be the problem with all books about specific breeds, this one also fails miserably. The first half is about the history of the breed. But the second half is very generic about cats in general. Pretty pictures. Don't waste the money on this book.

5 comments about Flea Market Fidos: The Dish on Dog Junk and Canine Collectibles.

1. Such a fun and witty little treasure. If you love dog collectibles and vintage treats, this is the book for
   you. I received it as a gift, and have been giving it
   as a gift to all of my fido friends ever since.



2. This book explored the 'types' of canine collectibles one might find in the marketplace, but it didn't address the 'value' of these collectibles, which would have been much more insightful. The content was purely fluff with little substance to offer a true collector.



3. I just purchased this magical book. I couldn't put it down. The photos were amazing and the writing was so clever and unique. Each page brought a new smile and warm feeling. I am going to order one for each of my friends and family. I can't think of a nicer gift to send someone than this special book. In my home, it's my other "best friend ".



4. Dog junk and canine collectibles haven't received their own collectibles guidebook before: enter Flea Market Fidos, a unique guide to canine collectibles which covers everything from dog drawings, to crafts and stuffed animals. Besides history and values, Flea Market Fidos also covers the best shops, flea markets, and web sites for locating canine valuables.



5. What an adorable book! I received it as a gift yesterday and I just couldn't put it down. The photos are great, the writing is comical and its a real feel-good book!

4 comments about The Bichon Frise Today.

1. This book by Jackie Ransom was my favorite choice when looking for a book on Bichons. I first borrowed it, along with other books, from a local library. I liked it because it was the newest book that I found, and it also had many great pictures, including a section that shows how to bathe, comb out, and properly trim a Bichon. I also learned alot about breeding, and the birth process. The only thing in the book that I don't think that I agree with is on page 96. It starts out "Dogs do not understand words", and refers to using different tones of voice for praise and reprimanding. Overall though, the section on training was good, and also the chapter on health care and possible diseases was enlightening. Of all of the books I have seen, this one is my favorite by far. The biggest reason I purchased the book was the colored picture section on how to bathe, comb, and trim, with step-by-step instructions. It's a winner!!!!



2. Jackie Ransom is always a pleasure to read. She writes in a straightforward way, easy to follow and without any of those flowery phrases so beloved by some writers but which so often are meaningless. And this is certainly true of her latest book THE BICHON FRISE TODAY. Her chapter on the history of the breed will interest all lovers of the Barbichon group of breeds-the Maltese, Bolognese, Havenese, Coton du Tulear and Lowchen, as well as the Bichon. Another highlight of the book for me was the comparison of the British, American and FCI Standards, which is well laid out and helped by some very good drawings. In this chapter is also given the breed's first standard in French, which was published in 1935 as part of an article in a magazine called L`Eleveur and headed "Bichons, Maltais, Havanais et Cie". I found this fascinating. Explicit pictures also add greatly to the chapter on grooming and show presentation. Today the badly presented Bichon does not stand much success in the show ring so this should be invaluable to the beginner and also help those who are just missing that little expertise to get to the top. There is in addition a very full explanation of the various show systems and I particularly note that show training, obedience, agility and juniors are not forgotten. In this section I love the pictures of Am. Ch./OT Ch. Sea Star's Sandpiper UDX. NA in action. Apparently in his spare time he was also a licensed and working therapy dog, one of a very few allowed to work with paralysed and comatose patients. S there are a lot of roles for our Bichon to play, apart from the devoted pet and fun dog. Mrs Ransom covers all aspects of owning Bichons, including the thoughts that must go into breeding. She takes us carefully through the whelping and rearing of puppies, while there is also an important chapter on health care and hereditary diseases by vet Trevor Turner. Barbara Stubbs has contributed an interesting chapter on the Bichon in the US and then Mrs Ransom covers the show scene in Britain and other countries. There is also a valuable glossary of terms and list of abbreviations and a bibliography. The book is profusely illustrated with pictures of top winning and producing Bichons world-wide and in all is a publication which no Bichon lover anywhere will want to miss. Mrs Ransom, who introduced the breed to the British show ring and was the founder, first president and secretary of the Bichon Frisé Club of Great Britain, has done a great deal for her breed, and this book will I am sure be a prime focal point of her work.



3. Jackie Ransom is always a pleasure to read. She writes in a straightforward way, easy to follow and without any of those flowery phrases so beloved by some writers but which so often are meaningless. And this is certainly true of her latest book THE BICHON FRISE TODAY. Her chapter on the history of the breed will interest all lovers of the Barbichon group of breeds-the Maltese, Bolognese, Havenese, Coton du Tulear and Lowchen, as well as the Bichon. Another highlight of the book for me was the comparison of the British, American and FCI Standards, which is well laid out and helped by some very good drawings. In this chapter is also given the breed's first standard in French, which was published in 1935 as part of an article in a magazine called L`Eleveur and headed "Bichons, Maltais, Havanais et Cie". I found this fascinating. Explicit pictures also add greatly to the chapter on grooming and show presentation. Today the badly presented Bichon does not stand much success in the show ring so this should be invaluable to the beginner and also help those who are just missing that little expertise to get to the top. There is in addition a very full explanation of the various show systems and I particularly note that show training, obedience, agility and juniors are not forgotten. In this section I love the pictures of Am. Ch./OT Ch. Sea Star's Sandpiper UDX. NA in action. Apparently in his spare time he was also a licensed and working therapy dog, one of a very few allowed to work with paralysed and comatose patients. S there are a lot of roles for our Bichon to play, apart from the devoted pet and fun dog. Mrs Ransom covers all aspects of owning Bichons, including the thoughts that must go into breeding. She takes us carefully through the whelping and rearing of puppies, while there is also an important chapter on health care and hereditary diseases by vet Trevor Turner. Barbara Stubbs has contributed an interesting chapter on the Bichon in the US and then Mrs Ransom covers the show scene in Britain and other countries. There is also a valuable glossary of terms and list of abbreviations and a bibliography. The book is profusely illustrated with pictures of top winning and producing Bichons world-wide and in all is a publication which no Bichon lover anywhere will want to miss. Mrs Ransom, who introduced the breed to the British show ring and was the founder, first president and secretary of the Bichon Frisé Club of Great Britain, has done a great deal for her breed, and this book will I am sure be a prime focal point of her work.



4. Mrs Jackie Ransom's latest book `The Bichon Frisé Today' maintains her excellent standard of presentation which is to be found in all her previous titles. The current book is undoubtedly an essential for those who are new to the breed. It not only gives a short history of the origins of the breed it also gives advice on the choosing, rearing and training the first puppy and then talks the new owner through the facets of bathing, grooming, and eventually, showing their new acquisition. This is a must for all new comers; it also has a lot to interest those already in the breed. A well produced volume with a profusion of lovely photographs of past and present champions, which should be on all Bichon owners' bookshelves.

5 comments about Ultimate Horse Book.

1. This is an excellent book for people new to horses, or for those who want to learn a bit more about the different breeds from around the world without getting too much into the minutia. An excellent overview.
   
   While some of the information on genetics and coloring may be outdated as some reviews point out, for most casual horse fans and readers this shouldn't be a turnoff. For those "breeds" he includes like Palomino that are actually based on color, he clearly states that these are not technically breeds. If you are serious about learning about horse genetics and coloring I would suggest buying a book that spends more than 2 pages discussing the topic.
   
   The pictures are excellent and clearly show the different horse breeds. the notes are directly aligned to the conformation details for each breed addressed along with a brief history. I also liked that he gave brief coverage to horse temperment for most every breed. Something not often found in other books I have seen. Each breed gets 2 full-color pages. Does it cover every breed on the planet? No. But it does cover over 90 which again should be more than enough for the general horse loving populace.



2. Covers breeds, history and origins, care, grooming, english equitation and disciplines.
   
   I loved this book when it came out, and have held on to it for many years. Initially, this book was very well received among horselovers everywhere. At the time there was nothing else like it: absolutely gorgeous full-colour, two-page spread photographs of some of the world's best known breeds, along with brief chapters on history and origin of the horse, and its relationship with humans, and various disciplines.
   
   However, the book is somewhat generic in facts, and the text is mostly complimentary to the photos, with a definate english (British) slant (referring to the Paint breed as "pinto"). There is very little information given on western disciplines (ranching, roping, reining, western riding, western trail, etc), and the information given on colour genetics is questionable to say the least (a much better and more accuate book on this subject would be Sponenberg's "Equine Color Genetics").
   
   In fact, much of the information given in this book is probably outdated. Still, if you are a horselover, or equine artist, you will enjoy breezing through this book, and the photographs can be very useful for study and research, or enjoyment.



3. I first owned a copy of this book when it was published in 1991; the photographs are exquisitely vivid and colorful. The history of the various breeds are well-covered, but it is unfortunate that the information on coat colors and patterns is so basic (and, in some respects, obsolete). The description of the more common colors and markings are adequate and reliable for anyone just starting out on accurate color identification. Most horse books go into great detail on the history of breeds and types, but many leave readers in the dark regarding colors. Fortunately, for the serious student of horse colors, there are modern texts devoted to the subject of color genetics, which is the best way to learn how many colors and patterns occur in horses. This book is suitable for learning about the history of the horse, the various breeds and types, and is well worth it for the photographs alone.



4. This book is a fairly good introductory reference to horses, suited for younger riders and horse enthusiasts just entering the horse world. It is well written and easy to understand. The first section of the book is entitled "The Essential Horse," and covers its evolution, domestication, the basics of conformation (including several very nice diagrams), the gaits (with nice photographic sequences of the walk, trot, canter, and gallop), the coat colors, the horse's senses, and behavior and communication. Most of this information is good, but the reader should disregard almost everything the author says about color genetics, as the majority of the information here is vastly outdated and has since been proven false (the book was published in 1991, so this is not surprising). A better reference to horse color would be Phillip Sponenberg's "Equine Color Genetics," though that text is not aimed at younger readers.

   The bulk of the book is devoted to profiles on several different breeds of horse. Only a small sampling of breeds are included, but most of the major, most popular ones are covered. Each profile page includes information on the history of the breed, its influence on other breeds, its use, conformation, temperatment, and any other interesting facts. Most of the basic information is good, though there are occasional errors. There is a large, bull-body profile picture of each breed, often a headshot, and sometimes a few other photos or drawings. The breeds included are (in order):

   Arabian, Barb, Andalusian, Thoroughbred, Anglo-Arab, Shagya Arabian, Lusitano, Akhal-Teke, Lipizzaner, Budonny, Kabardin, Don, Morgan, Quarter Horse, Hackney, French Trotter, Orlov Trotter, Standardbred, Friesian, American Saddlebred, Missouri Fox Trotter, Tennessee Walking Horse, Peruvian Paso, Mustang, Irish Draft, Norman Cob, Cleveland Bay, Gelderlander, Dutch Warmblood, Fredericksborg, Selle Francais, Danish Warmblood, Trakehner, Hanoverian, Holsteiner, Maremmana, Murgese, Oldenburg, Camargue, Rocky Mountain Horse, Furioso, Nonius, Knabstrupper, Pinto*, Palomino*, Australian Stock Horse, Appaloosa, Bashkir Curly, Landais, Ariegeois, Haflinger, Italian Heavy Draft, Norwegian Fjord, Icelandic Horse, Caspian, Falabella, Exmoor Pony, Dartmoor Pony, Welsh Mountain Pony, Welsh Pony, Welsh Cob, Dales Pony, Fell Pony, Highland Pony, Shetland Pony, Connemara, New Forest Pony, American Shetland, Shire, Suffolk, Clydesdale, Percheron, Ardennais, Breton, Jutland, Boulonnais, and Belgian.

   * = the Pinto and Palomino, while presented in this book as breeds, are NOT actually breeds, but just colors. There are registries for these colors, but they accept horses of any breed, and are not actually breed registries.

   There are also pages detailing the different "types" of horse (regardless of breed), suited for different tasks and disciplines: the hunter, the polo pony, the hack / riding horse, the cob, and the riding pony.

   The third section is entitled "You and Your Horse" and covers the various aspects of horse ownership and care. Topics include how to buy a horse, stable maintenance, equipment for riding and care, riding clothes, grooming, shoeing, feeding, health care, pregnancy and birth, and foal development. This information is very basic, and you should of course consult experts before buying your first horse - other horse owners, veterinarians, farriers, etc. The clothing styles represented are a little outdated, as fashion in the horse world changes just as it does elsewhere, so it's best to talk to other riders and tack store employees if you are unsure.

   The final section of the book, "The Horse and Man," discusses the various uses of the horse for both work and sport. It begins with the history of the horse as a labor animal, including the horse in war, as transportation, as a construction implement, and as an agricultural tool. It then goes into the different sporting disciplines: driving, classical equitation, western riding, hunting, dressage, show jumping, eventing, racing (including flat racing, steeplechase, and harness racing), polo, endurance riding, and sidesaddle. At the end of the book there is a glossary of key terms. Though this book isn't perfect, it's a good place to start. The topics covered are comprehensive, and the photography is good. Overall, a nice place for younger horse lovers to begin learning about their favorite animal.




5. I really loved the photography of this book- each horse is photographed against a white background so you don't miss any detail. I wish there was more information about the temperament of each horse- it is listed for some, and not for others. Overall a great read. I was not looking for a lot of text about the history of the horse, etc. so this was the book for me. This book provides a wonderful tour of horse breeds from all around the world!

3 comments about Saint Bernards (Kw Series , No 109s).

1. I've had two Saints and I found this book very helpful from all viewpoints of caring for them. Whether it's your first puppy or first aid information, this book has all the help you need. Pictures and diagrams of the instructions help so much, and this book is loaded with them.



2. I bought this book because the label on the front said "#1 Best Selling Saint Bernard Book;" It was also the ONLY Saint book I could find in any of four major book stores. The overwhelming majority of information in the book is generic (camoflaged with Saint pictures)which is not what I expected from a breed specific book. I would NOT recommend this book to anyone looking for information on Saints. I was greatly disappointed.



3. This book deals with Saints for the first 30 pages, and only in the most cursory manner. The remaining chapters are quite generalized offering care tips for any and all breeds without mentioning a Saint's special needs. Look somewhere else if you really want to learn something!

1 comments about Eliminate Your Pet's Allergies.

1. It's a useful book to understand the theory behind the treatment but doesn't really provide techniques for home use.