Customer Reviews

The Complete Dog Book: 20th Edition

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

There are about 30 color plates of dogs in art, which are lovely. However, the black and white photographs which head the section on each breed are of very poor quality, many of them blurry or fuzzy. It's difficult to get a clear idea of what the breed really looks like. The information, as usual, is complete and well-organized. This refers to the new 20th Edition, which I just purchased.

I like the book a lot but its out of date. Its published in 2006 and more breeds has been recognized since then, yes i realize they will have the 21st edition and the new breeds will be in there. Until then I'll stick with this wonderful AKC book.

Recently I purchased the 20th edition of the Complete Dog Book for my sister's birthday and was very disappointed with the black and white photographs. We have an edition in our family similar to this one, but it is dated back when color photos were not used frequently. Why would they choose not to show the beautiful colors of the breeds - not a good decision. I am considering returning this book for the earlier edition even though some of the newer breeds aren't listed.

This is the official publication of The American Kennel Club(AKC)so it stands to reason that it is quite elaborate and authorative; afterall, this is the 20th edition.If you want specific information about all the different breeds than this book is for you. Naturally the book only recognizes the breeds that are AKC and believe me, there are many others out there but yet to be officially recognized. For breeders, the information is valuable as all the official chacteristics and faults are mentioned for each part of the body. For general pets of a specific breed, and not show dogs the information is equally as valuable . For prospective buyers of a specific breed this book will help you to make sure the dog you get get doesn't have any serious faults of the breed characteristics. Overall this book is quite useful for anyone who owns a dog . Dog lovers will enjoy the book for general browsing to learn all about the other breeds. This is a great reference tool to have when viewing the different dog shows. I found the historical information rather fascinating. It is fun to learn about the different breeds since many are rarely seen in the general population. If you love dogs you will love this book.

The AKC Complete Dog Book has been the singlemost valuable reference that I have used in 36 years of pet grooming. It has provided a solid foundation of how each breed is supposed to look, as well as the breed standard on which that appearance is based. It is the first book I reach for when learning or teaching grooming of a new breed. It also serves as a way to show pet owners an example of how their breed is presented on which we can base modifications for their individual pet. I would not groom without this book!

More than a million copies of this reference classic's prior editions have been sold, so if this updated 20th edition THE COMPLETE DOG HANDBOOK holds a familiar ring, that's why. But the 20th edition offers even more: not only is it endorsed by the powers and professionalism of the American Kennel Club, but it packs in all 153 breeds recognized by the Club, along with standards, breed histories, and photos - including the twelve most recently recognized breeds. Lest you think this is just for pros, look at the sections advising on how to choose and train a dog, responsible breeding, canine first-aid and more. Add sections on AKC sports and a glossary of terms and you have a real winner.

Diane C. Donovan, Editor
California Bookwatch

Don't get me wrong, this book has ALOT of in-depth information about your favorite AKC breeds, but they could have atleast changed the pictures of the breeds through the book....they left the same ones they have been using forever (most everyone I could see) the only difference between this book and the previous edition is the addition of a few breeds recently accepted and different color pictures of the breeds in the special pages in the middle of the book. It's a good book, I'm not sorry that I bought it, but come on....be a little more diverse if you are going to print another adition...get creative!

This has to be the ultimate in books on dogs. While the book lacks enough pictures, I feel the information far outweighs the lack of photographs. If you are a dog fanatic, but this as it is well worth the money. If it wasn't for this book, I would never have bought a shih tzu.

If I would have known that all the pictures were small and black and white I don't think I would have this book, it makes a big difference to see a breed in full color, but the info is complete.

I really like the clear diagrams and pictures in this book. I also learned a great deal about breeds I never knew existed. Very high recommendation. I've been involved in canine health care for over 30 years. The only thing I would add in future editions is more information on collar safety. Just my own opinion, but I don't think anyone should use a choke collar.