That reaction is based on the several breeds I've had a fair amount of exposure to. For example, there's a Newfoundland sleeping against my foot as a write this. "Choosing a Dog" describes Newfies as "very active for a giant breed," but it makes no distinction between indoor and outdoor activity. "The Right Dog for You" has little charts that do make that distinction; "Paws to Consider" catches the personality of Newfs better. It's not that this book is harsh toward the breed, not at all -- it just doesn't give the best sense of what it's like to own a Newfoundland. It doesn't seem to know that Newfies eat tremendous amounts primarily during their first two years, nor does it mention the overriding concern that good breeders have with not allowing them to become overweight. It says they shed, but it doesn't give you a sense of just how Newf owners come to regard epic shedding as a badge of honor, if you know what I mean.

Several other breeds we know seem to be slightly off in the same way. Boxers drool -- my family's had generations of them, I used to ride with their jowls on my lap on vacations -- and this book doesn't mention that. They're also aggressive with other dogs in a particularly abrupt and unpredictable way that this book doesn't quite catch. Corgis can become quite a run-around-the-house-frenetically dog, and I don't see that reflected here. (No distinction between the personalities of Cardigan and Pembroke Corgis is made, either, which struck my Corgi-owning friends as extremely odd.) I've lived with a Chinese Crested, and for a breed that's intended as a companion, Cresteds have quite a bit of sight hound chase to them. This book describes Cresteds as active, but that's not quite catching the sense of the dog. Similarly, "Choosing a Dog" mentions that Border Terriers are diggers, but it doesn't mention their tendency to bolt impulsively after things; the breed club emphasizes that to potential owners, and cautions owners against letting them off leash. The description of Cairn Terriers here says "a barker, but not to the same degree as a Schnauzer or a Wire Fox Terrier." Cairns do bark some, but it's the unbelievably snarly noises when they play with other dogs that really strike the people I know who have one. Again, that trait is something the breed clubs, and some books, mention to people who are thinking about a Cairn. With respect to Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers, this book doesn't even mention the spring-legged leaping that Wheatens are known for. That's an almost impossible trait to train out of that type of dog. Wheatens are also described as "timid," which to my mind doesn't quite catch the sort of suppressed, pent-up enthusiasm Wheatens mostly seem to show people. I didn't see that personality in this book. (Also, Wheatens are often on people's lists because they're supposed to be less allergenic than other dogs, which this book didn't really address. I may have missed it, but allergies didn't seem to be on these authors' list.)

There are some positives here, and it sure wouldn't be the worst choice. The authors do repeatedly emphasize socialization and fair, positive training methods. The idea of a "Right Home" description for each dog is a nice one, though a lot of the listings are pretty similar to one another. ("Patient, confident leaders" are always the best choice.) I just don't see this as particularly inspired. The dogs are grouped in the same old ways -- Sporting Group, Terrier Group. If I'm a person with a nine-to-five job and allergies, where should I look? (I'd check the index under "allergies," but there IS no index.)

If you want a similarly concise book on the same basic topic, easily the best I've seen is "Paws to Consider" by Sarah Wilson and Brian Kilcommin(s?). "Paws" is thoughtfully written and put together and, judging by the reactions of all the breeders and owners I read it to, hits just the right notes for each dog. It's very enjoyable to read, too -- just right.

A less ably-written (and edited) guide that tries to assess each breed's personality in detailed charts would be "The Right Dog for You" by Daniel Tortora. Tortora's written descriptions aren't as consistently useful as those in "Paws to Consider," though they're sometimes really fun. Maybe his charts are a little TOO detailed and specific for the real world, but it's an interesting approach and definitely gives you a sense of a breed's general personality.


Finally...A honest book on dog breeds   July 18, 2001
 7 out of 10 found this review helpful

I really enjoyed this book because it tells you the true facts about the breeds. Most books pretty much always say all good points about the breed and very rarely anything bad. Then the people realize all the problems the breed has and get rid of the dog.Where this book they know what they are getting into before they buy the dog.


Buyer Beware!   March 19, 2001
 4 out of 10 found this review helpful

In a sentence: THIS BOOK IS ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE! If you plan on buying a dog, please turn to a different source for information on breeds. The ideas contained in this book are so far off, so wrong, so ridiculous, that it is absolutely offensive! If you don't believe me, ask your local vet or a good breeder/trainer. This book does not even deserve one star!