My favorite aspects of "Paws to Consider" are the clear, concise list of common health problems each purebred has, and the way the dogs are broken down into categories. Instead of sticking to the AKC groupings, they divide breeds into city dogs, family dogs, "not for everyone" dogs, and so on. Important information is easy to find. I'm a dog trainer, and I constantly flip through this book to refresh my memory on the different breeds.

If you're considering a new dog, please buy this book! It will make choosing your new companion, whether single-breed or mixed, a lot easier.


Comprehensive and Much Needed   October 22, 2002
 6 out of 6 found this review helpful

This collaborative effort by Kilcommons and Wilson is a must-have for any would-be dog owner just starting to look. They give the "straight poop" on breeds of dogdom without sugar coating anything, adding anecdotal stories to boot! Sure, those who know a little more about dogs can get more breed specific books, but novices NEED to know that Border Collies are NOT dogs to be left alone for 10 hours per day (though not many dogs should be!), and that a 100 pound Great Dane may be easier to keep than a 15 pound Jack Russell Terrier in an apartment!!

Their experience, wit, and great insight into different dog breed's personalities make this an incredibly enjoyable read!!


Great for the novice dog-owner   August 1, 2002
 11 out of 12 found this review helpful

This book is very easy to use, attractive, and accessible. The authors do a nice job of summing up each breed's positive and negative traits, and are frank about warning off folks who would be a bad match. I was delighted by the categories they assigned breeds to, such as "9-5 dogs", and "High-input, High Output" dogs.

That said, I prefer Daniel Tortora's "The Right Dog for You" for people with a bit more dog experience and patience. It contains detailed information about breed temperment, broken down into 16 traits. For people who really want to do their research and find just the right breed, on other resource can compare.


A Personal View Entertainingly Presented   May 30, 2002
 13 out of 13 found this review helpful

We have owned several dogs in the past and when our last one passed away we decided to do some research this time. We bought 5 books on dogs looking for advice on choosing a dog. This book was far and away the most entertaining to read and in some ways the most useful. The last chapter entitled "Not for Everyone" is hilarious. The book isn't comprehensive nor does it take everyone's opinions into account. Rather it unabashadly gives the opinions of experienced dog trainers who aren't afraid to speak their minds about various breeds of dogs. It has the feel of a friendly chat. I recommend this book highly although you might want to purchase other books to supplement it.