Customer Reviews

The Essential Poodle (Essential (Howell))

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Think of this as an owner's manual for poodles. The book is aimed at those thinking about adopting or who have recently adopted a poodle. The history and characteristics of the poodle are highlighted, particularly the versatility of the breed. There are sections on preparing the home for a new puppy, feeding, health care, grooming, and training. There is lots of information here, for not much money.

This book contains very outdated nutritional advice, and even endorses commercial food with the chemical preservatives BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin. While these preservatives are still legal in the US, they are banned in pet foods in other countries due to links to cancer, kidney disease, pancreatic disease, allergies, hair loss, blindness and immunodeficiency. Any research one might do on healthy pet diets today would advise to stay away from foods containing these chemicals. It is perplexing and irresponsible for this book to state they are okay. It should at the very least mention the controversy and possible health risks.

I loved it, particularly because my dog is pictured in the book several times (see page 61 for my favorite shot). The editor has done a series of these books, one for each popular breed. Good how-to info and photographic examples of dog care and training.