Its binding and quality (hardcover version) are excellent, the book has stood up to much handling and use, still looks like new. The book is seldom on the shelf and is constantly picked up, looked at, referred to - by friends, visitors and us.

328 pages of useful information, generally good photographs, with illustrations, the book is great value for money.
It's has proven to be a great reference source. (a) It's well printed, easy on the eyes. (b) Information sensibly set out under categories of History, Temperament, Upkeep, Health (including life span), Form & Function. The information provided is detailed enough for most purposes. (c) Provides effective quick reference boxes, setting out basic breed characteristics such as height/weight, energy level, exercise requirements, affection level, watchdog ability, protection ability, ease of training etc ... with sketch illustration of the breed standard.

The design of the book is just so well balanced, allowing for quick reference and well as encouraging detailed reading.
Just as important, we find the information to be reasonably accurate and correct.

Although we have found other books that cover more breeds (this books only covers 150 breeds), the wonderful design and information provided by this book more than compensates for that relatively minor lacking.

Maybe the next edition will include more breeds ... *fingers crossed* ...


Great Dog Reference Especially for New Dog Lovers!   December 26, 2000
 45 out of 45 found this review helpful

I bought this book because I've been looking for a detailed reference on dogs with real pictures. I previously owned Dr. Fogle's book. It is quite good, with full color illustrations of the breeds. It also contains around 400 breeds of dogs, including those not yet registered by the AKC. Unfortunately, it lacks details like affection level, freindliness to different types of "elements" like to dogs, to strangers, etc. This book went further down with what Dr. Fogle has. Unfortunately, only 150 AKC breeds are included. Those looking for uncommon breeds, this book is not for you. However, if you plan on doing research on dogs that are easily obtainable, then this is a great reference. I like the different sections for each breed like History, Temperament, and Upkeep. This helps a lot especially when buying a new dog or puppy. I also like how the author differentiated watchdog ability and protection ability. Many people confuse these as one and the same. Then when they got their dog, they found out that it's all bark and no bite. The standard is helpful for those wishing to show their dogs (the Philippines has the same standard as the AKC). The only thing I didn't like that much are a few of the pictures. Most of them are fabulous. However, some of them, like the Miniature Schnauzer, are not well represented. I have a Mini and kinda disappointed at the second picture of the breed they used. That ear crop on those two dogs is terrible! With this, I have to bring my rating down to 4 stars. Overall, a great book for dog lovers.