Customer Reviews

The Dog Breed Bible: Descriptions and Photos of Every Breed Recognized by the AKC

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Sturdy, spiral bound features one breed per page and covers basic information on origin, temperament, upkeep and health. Each breed is rated from 1 to 5 on energy level, exercise requirements, playfulness, affection level, friendliness toward other pets, friendliness toward strangers, ease of training and grooming requirements. A color photo of the head and side view of each breed is included.

The one good point of this book is that it includes all the AKC breeds (as of the date of publication). However, that doesn't overcome its flaws. The biggest problem is the pictures - they are small, poor quality, taken at odd angles that cause distortion, and often don't look much like the supposed breed. I unfortunately have had 2 copies (1 arrived damanged and the seller replaced it rather than refunding, as I requested). The spiral binding on both was stiff and squeaky. The text is standard fare.

A better choice, sadly out of print but still available used, is The Dog Breed Handbook: The Complete Reference From Afgans to Zande Dogs. I also enjoy What Dog? A Guide to Help New Owners Select the Right Breed for Their Lifestyle (What Pet Books?) for its honest presentation of breed traits and multiple gorgeous photos.

I like that this book is easy to breeze through. Each dog breed is listed on a separate, glossy page and the book is set up with a spiral binder. It's better than other dog breed books in being aimed at the consumer who just wants to pick out a breed to buy, not to show. I thought it could go even further in its info about the positives and negatives of each breed as a family pet, for instance, known to bark a lot or being too active for the average suburban household. It briefly touches on these issues. Also, more info on the grooming needs would be good. It says how often to groom but doesn't explain fully if they mean take it to a groomer or do it yourself, and how much this would cost. Some of the possible diseases that each breed can be susceptible to are listed, but no info is given on the illnesses (fatal? possible cures? how often does it occur?). It does show lots of breeds, so that's nice.

We bought this book while waiting to adopt a Kerry Blue Terrier. This book only provides the stripped-down basics, across eight categories: energy level, exercise requirements, playfulness, affection level, friendliness towards others and towards other pets, ease of training, and grooming requirements. It also gives nice glossy pictures of the ideal confirmation, history, upkeep, temperament, and health. Having once owned an Airedale terrier, this book was a great place to get restarted on our "dog project." Three stars

Really enjoyed this book. Used to take it to the dog park so I'd know about the dogs interacting with my dog. Loaned it to a friend and never got it back, so I guess she liked it too.

We have been doing dog breeds reserach, and this book just have it all. Use it, is easy and complete.

very organized,colour photos and info that you need to know.
must have for anyone wanting to get a dog.

I have added this book to my students library it has a lot of good information in a compact style
Rickie Kean
Veterinary Assistant Instructor
PIMA Chula Vista Ca. campus

The Dog Breed Bible is a good reference book and has all of the breeds recognized by the AKC. Although it does contain every breed it does not have a lot of information of every breed. I had a class that went over every recognized AKC breed of dogs and I purchased 2 books, this one and The Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds. The latter of the two may not contain every dog breed, but it contains a lot more information on each individual breed.

If you are a dog lover or you know a dog lover you cant go wrong with a dog breed book! So much fun to look at all the various breeds and discover dogs you would like to find out more about.
This book is not too in depth but it will give you enough of an idea about the breeds to decide if you want to find out more about them.