The Australian Shepherd: Champion of Versatility (Dog Breed Books) [Paperback]

Liz Palika (Author)

Book Description

Series: Dog Breed Books | Publication Date: October 13, 1995

The Australian Shepherd addresses everything from the Aussie's herding heritage to breed-specific health concerns. Comprehensive information accompanied by beautiful black-and-white and full-color photos make this an irresistible volume for every Aussie owner and admirer.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent, athletic, human-oriented dog highly desired for its versatility. The growing ranks of Aussie enthusiasts admire the breed for its remarkable ability to learn and excel at a wide range of canine sports –from obedience and herding to the rapidly growing sport of agility.

Written by well-known and active Australian Shepherd expert and fancier Liz Palika, The Australian Shepherd: Champion of Versatility celebrates the breed, offering the owner or potential owner a comprehensive, authoritative reference for caring for and training an Aussie. The second edition of this award-winning book features more than 65 photos and illustrations, as well as new appendices that cover such timely topics as active dog first aid, conformation competition, Aussies in freestyle, frisbee and flyball, and obedience, tracking and therapy dog titles.

As charming as the breed is, an Aussie is not for everyone. This book will help you decide if this is the right dog for you and, if so, how to choose an appropriate puppy. Writing in clear, accessible language, Palika guides you through every step, from bringing your Aussie home and feeding her to managing her health and beginning her training. You’ll discover the herding heritage of the Australian Shepherd and learn about the basics and responsibilities of breeding. Palika demonstrates how well-suited Aussies are for competition, covering agility, obedience, and conformation–her love for the breed shining through on every page. With active dogs occasionally come injuries, so Palika offers vital advice on putting together an emergency first-aid kit and procedures for specific accidents and injuries, including what to do if your dog is overheated or stung by an insect.

Considered a must-have by Australian Shepherd fanciers, The Australian Shepherd: Champion of Versatility is updated with everything a wise owner of a working or performance Aussie needs to know to fully enjoy the wonders of the breed. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From the Back Cover

A Distinctive Guide to the Glorious Aussie

Recipient of numerous awards and rave reviews, The Australian Shepherd: Champion of Versatility is the definitive book on the Aussie for anyone who loves the breed and for those considering adding one of these intelligent, energetic dogs to their family. Australian Shepherd expert Liz Palika reveals the breed in all its glory, taking you from the decision to raise an Aussie to the challenges of training to the remarkable achievements the breed has made in competition.

Inside, you’ll find a wealth of information on the popular Aussie, which ranks 35th in registrations with the American Kennel Club. Palika, herself a member of the Australian Shepherd Club of America, covers everything an Aussie owner needs to know–from proper nutrition and health care to the decision of whether or not to breed. You’ll see just how athletic and willing to learn these dogs are, as Palika explains the basics of competition for performance enthusiasts considering an Aussie for obedience and/or agility. Most of all, you’ll fall in love with these delightful dogs as you discover how much joy they can bring to your life.

A HOWELL DOG BOOK OF DISTINCTION --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Howell Book House; 1 edition (October 13, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0876050399
• ISBN-13: 978-0876050392
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 8.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,501,182 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Liz Palika has been writing professionally since 1985 when she was first published in DOG FANCY magazine. Since then she has written more than 65 books and more than 1,000 magazine articles and columns. She has been published in DOG FANCY, DOG WORLD, CATS, CAT FANCY, AKC GAZETTE, and other pet publications, as well as NEWSWEEK, THE SATURDAY EVENING POST and WOMEN FIRST.

Her books include PUPPY LOVE and THE KISS GUIDE TO RAISING A PUPPY; both of which are favorites with new puppy owners. THE ULTIMATE DOG TREAT COOKBOOK received rave reviews in magazines and newspapers all over the country, including USA TODAY. ALL DOGS NEED SOME TRAINING was listed by PET LIFE MAGAZINE as one of the ten best training books available to dog owners.

Liz's books have been awarded many honors. THE HOWELL BOOK OF DOGS was awarded Best Reference Book by the Dog Writers Association of America and was nominated as Best Nonfiction Book by San Diego Book Awards. AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD: CHAMPION OF VERSATILITY won Best Breed Book from Dog Writers Association of America and Best Nonfiction Book from San Diego Book Writers. SAVE THAT DOG! won best General Reference Book from Dog Writers and the First ASPCA Pet Overpopulation Answers Award from the ASPCA. Liz's work has also won awards from Cat Writers and Purina, as well as others from Dog Writers. Liz was honored with the San Diego Leadership Award, was a North County Woman of Merit, and in 2005 was awarded Dog Writers Distinguished Service Award.

Liz has an international platform to connect with her readers. Not only is her podcast, "It's a Doggy Dog World" on PetLifeRadio.com the #1 most downloaded show on that site, but she is also a blogger for the PetConnection.com.

Liz has been teaching dogs and their owners in North County San Diego for almost 25 years. Her dog training is based on an understanding of dogs and what makes them tick. Liz is a Certified Dog Trainer (CDT)and a Certified Behavioral Consultant. She is an AKC CGC (Canine Good Citizen) Evaluator #4182.

Working in Vista, California (San Diego County), Liz is the owner of Kindred Spirits Dog Training and sees more than a thousand dogs and their owners every year. Liz and her dogs, over the years have participated and trained in many dog sports, including agility, carting, conformation, herding, obedience, search and rescue, therapy dog work, and more.

Liz and her husband Paul share their home with three Australian Shepherds.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An outstanding book on an exceptional breed., February 16, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Australian Shepherd: Champion of Versatility (Dog Breed Books) (Paperback)

The Australian Shepherd, Champion of Versatility, written by Liz Palika and published by Howell Book House should be required reading for anyone interested in the breed. Mrs.Palika has included everything you should know about the Aussie before you deside, and you will, to add one or two to your household.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great book, November 16, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Australian Shepherd: Champion of Versatility (Dog Breed Books) (Paperback)

This book is an up to date look at Aussies . You have to have it in your library. I especially liked the description of the Aussie shadow tendancy. She writes do you mind scooting your chair back and bumping into the dog? My Gwen is under the chair as I'm writing this. This is the book I lend to my friends who are thinking about getting an Aussie. The pictures are beautiful. I did notice a couple typos.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars great aussie book, January 22, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: The Australian Shepherd: Champion of Versatility (Hardcover)

Liz Palika did a wonderful job writing this book. I've been breeding, showing, and training aussies for 12 years and this is one of the best books written on them. I really enjoyed the pictures of the dogs in the 1st edition from the Bayshore bloodlines.