Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds [Hardcover]

D. Caroline Coile Ph.D. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2005

Updated with the latest information on canine breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, this lavishly illustrated volume is a treasure house of information for dog lovers, owners, breeders, and prospective buyers. It begins with a detailed discussion of breed evolution, focusing on the physical and behavioral traits that distinguish one canine breed from another. The book's main section profiles more than 150 breeds, arranged in the general categories specified by the AKC--Sporting Group, Hound Group, Working Group, Terrier Group, Toy Group, Non-Sporting Group, and Herding Group. Each profile tells how and why the breed was developed, and how selection to perpetuate specific traits affects a dog's suitability as a pet. Advice for prospective dog owners will help them be sure they are choosing a breed that is compatible with their own situation and needs. They will also find information on each breed's vulnerability to specific health problems, longevity, exercise needs, compatibility with children, and much more. Profuse illustrations include color photos of all listed breeds.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

In this volume, readers will find information to help them make sound decisions as they consider bringing a purebred dog into their lives. More than 150 breed descriptions are grouped along American Kennel Club divisions: the sporting group, the hound group, the working group, and so on. Each breed entry includes a lovely color photograph that, thanks to the size of the book itself, is large enough to offer bright, clear images. Breed descriptions are organized into subsections entitled "History," "Temperament," "Upkeep," "Health," and "Form and Function." An "Illustrated Standard" sidebar consists of helpful black-and-white line drawings that highlight some of the distinguishing elements of the breed standard as defined by the AKC. Another sidebar, "At a Glance," lists characteristics for each breed, including energy level; playfulness; friendliness toward dogs, other pets, and strangers; protection and watchdog ability; grooming requirements; and heat and cold tolerance. It is easy to compare breeds using these "At a Glance" sidebars.

The appendixes include "Definitions of Medical Conditions," a list of Web-based genetic health resources, lists of currently available DNA tests and testing laboratories for disease-causing genes, a glossary, and drawings of dog anatomy. The glossary is broken into subsections such as "General Terms," "Color Terms," "Head Terms," and "Movement Terms." The "Index of Breed Entries" includes the AKC names as well as alternate names, with the former clearly marked in bold type.

This book is recommended for public and school libraries, and its affordable price makes it a good candidate for the circulating as well as the reference collection. It would also be useful in compact reference facilities such as mobile libraries. Scottie Wallace
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

From the Back Cover

[back cover]


More than 150 breeds profiled and arranged in categories specified by the AKC:

Sporting Group * Hound Group * Working Group * Terrier Group * Toy Group

* Non-Sporting Group * Herding Group



Color Photos of All Listed Breeds

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: Barron's Educational Series; 2 edition (April 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764157000
• ISBN-13: 978-0764157004
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 9.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (87 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #62,404 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #19 in Books > Education & Reference > Encyclopedias > Veterinary

More About the Author

D. Caroline Coile, Ph.D. has written 34 books and hundreds of magazine and scientific articles about dogs. She writes the monthly Breeder's Notebook column for Dog World magazine and the bi-monthly Nutrition column for the AKC Gazette. Her dog writing awards include the Dog Writer's Association of America Maxwell Award (eight times), the AKC Canine Health Foundation Award (twice), the Eukanuba Canine Health Award (twice), and the DWAA Denlinger Award. Her best-known book is Barron's Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds. She has also written two children's books about dogs.

Caroline holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from Florida State University, with research interests in canine behavior, senses, genetics and neuropsychology. She has taught college classes in psychology, behavioral genetics, animal senses, and animal learning, among others. She has served as a canine consultant to the FAA and has served on the AKC Canine Health Foundation President's Council. She has appeared on television and radio shows, including NPR's Talk of the Nation and Australia's Breakfast Radio. She has been quoted in Newsweek magazine and USA Today.

On a practical level, Caroline has lived with dogs all of her life, and has competed in dog events since 1975. She is the only person to have owned Best in Show, Best in Field, High in Trial (obedience), and High in Trial (agility) salukis, and they were all owner-handled. Her dogs have included nationally ranked #1 show and #1 obedience salukis, and top-10 lure-coursing, agility, rally and racing salukis.

www.carolinecoile.com