Big Dog Breeds [Paperback]

Dan Rice DVM (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2001

Some dog lovers won't consider owning anything other than a big dog--and here is the book written especially for them. Big dogs come in a great variety of colors, appearances, and coat types, and have many different kinds of personality. Veterinarian Dan Rice discusses Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds, St. Bernards, and many others--40 breeds in total. He advises on health problems related to size, discusses breeding idiosyncrasies, and gives expert information on special nutrition and feeding schedules for rapidly growing breeds. Each of these profiles includes a full-color photo of the dog that is being described. There is also detailed information on the traits, origins, and lineage of many large breeds, some of them dating back thousands of years in historical records. Additional color photos complement the author's information and advice throughout the book.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

So you've fallen in love with the vision of a mastiff curled in front of your fireplace, or a gently gigantic Newfoundland romping with the kids, pulling their sleds and protecting them from strangers. But are you ready for the special concerns of a big--not to say enormous--dog? A thorough reading of Big Dog Breeds is in order, after which you'll be informed enough to make the proper decision for both the dog and your family. The first half of this straightforward book is devoted to the health and daily care of a big dog. Author Dan Rice (Complete Book of Dog Breeding, Dogs from A to Z) puts it all in simple terms: we see his two hypothetical dogs Barney and Greta through every stage of life, from his first day home as a puppy to his last decrepit wobble around the backyard. Rice neatly balances a deep love and respect for these caring canines with a few stern admonishments for humans. While a Bouvier des Flandres or briard may be a naturally wonderful creature, without proper care and training from his family, you can easily have a 160-pound terror roaming the neighborhood. To Rice, obedience training and love go hand in hand. The last half of the book is more entertaining--plenty of picture and personality descriptions of large breeds from akitas to wolfhounds. While some large breeds like the old English sheepdog don't rate an appearance, the mix includes smaller and popular dogs like German shepherd as well as lovable weirdoes like the dread-locked komondor. --Jill Lightner

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Barron's Educational Series (March 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764116495
• ISBN-13: 978-0764116490
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 6.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #881,166 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Big Dog Breeds, November 28, 2001

By 

Jody Yarmel (Tunkhannock, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Big Dog Breeds (Paperback)

I would not recommend this book to anyone who is thinking about buying a giant breed dog. This book does not tell the cons of owing a dog of this size and stature. I never saw the word "drool" mentioned nor the potential weights of any of these dogs. Also, in my opinion, the author is very biased when it comes to dog food manufacturers. He states that many owners think they know more about nutrition than the dog food producers. In many cases, owners do know more. He doesn't say much about the positive affects of a raw diet and supplements for giant breed and how most commercial dog foods are not geered to the growth of a giant breed. He really doesn't get into the genetic disorders that plague most giant breeds but gives a group of common disorders that affect all breeds. I was very disappointed with this book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A must read before buying a big dog, September 7, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Big Dog Breeds (Paperback)

The book is a wonderful source of information about what to expect when getting a big dog. It throughly covers all the possible diseases that strike big dogs. You learn all about the special care needs of your new big friend and your responsibilities that come with owning a large dog. However, nutritionally it does not provide any advice on home feeding but commercial food only. Gives great discriptions on large breeds from temperament to ease of training, as well as suitability for certain disciplines. It lacks to mention possible weight of each breed. Over all a great read and very informative.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Pretty Good, June 10, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Big Dog Breeds (Paperback)

An excelent guide to looking at health concerns of big dogs. The list of all big dog breeds in the back is very helpful. Read this book before obtaining a large dog.