Gladiator Dogs [Hardcover]

Carl Semencic (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

From the author of The World of Fighting Dogs and Pit Bulls and Tenacious Guard Dogs comes this third and most impressive book to date, Gladiator Dogs. Bringing to life thirteen breeds originally used as fighting dogs, Dr. Carl Semencic illustrates the history, characteristics and abilities of the world's toughest canines, and shares hundreds of great color photographs of top dogs sent by owners around the globe. The author does not fight dogs and does not condone dogfighting, but he is fascinated with the qualities and instincts of these fearless gladiator breeds. Gladiator Dogs is a valuable educational book that represents years of experience and research on these remarkable historical dogs. In addition to the author's favorite breed, the American Pit Bull Terrier, Dr. Semencic discusses other related breeds, such as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier, covering the differences and similarities between these bully cousins. A respected rare-breed authority and an accomplished world traveler, Dr. Semencic shares his first hand experience with these dogs from his trips to the Canary Islands, South Africa, Europe, and more. Gladiator Dogs profiles many breeds that the author has introduced, mentoured and promoted, including the American Bulldog, Canary Dog, South African Boerboel and Korean Jindo.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 264 pages
• Publisher: TFH Publications (April 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0793805961
• ISBN-13: 978-0793805969
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 7.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,925,624 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Gladiator Dogs" is a must have for the Bulldogger's Library, August 22, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Capron, IL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gladiator Dogs (Hardcover)

Dr. Semencic wrote "Gladiator Dogs" as a follow-up to his first book, "World of Fighting Dogs", in which he introduced several breeds of gladiator dogs that had been virtually unknown here in the United States and elsewhere in the world. "Gladiator Dogs" contains an updated perspective of each of the fighting dogs, among them the American Bulldog. The book is not intended to be an "everything you always wanted to know about these breeds" kind of book. Each section is an acute overview of its subject, covering the time span between books and bringing the reader up to speed with newly discovered information and answers. The book contains a section of the questions most frequently asked, and Dr. Semencic's answers. The photographs and accompanying captions are very well suited to the book and give several different perspectives of each breed. The composition is Dr. Semencic's usual style of comprehensive and informative writing with a flair for the personal mien. All in all, the Watchkeeper Critic found "Gladiator Dogs" to be worthy of more than a second glance. It is a meritorious and substantive addition to the American Bulldogger's library.

Reviewed by Jodi Suda, Editor The WATCHKEEPER Magazine

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars New Information on a very old subject yet again., December 6, 1999

By 

Kos (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gladiator Dogs (Hardcover)

In my opinion, one can offer nothing but a five star review to any book that is based solely upon totally independent research and which offers valid information that has never been offered in writing anywhere before.

This is especially true when the subject in question is one of the oldest and most commonly discussed subjects in the world. For the past two decades, Semencic has been this area of interest's greatest pioneer. If he has, in fact, made the decision to write no more books about dogs (as he suggests is the case in Gladiator Dogs), dog fanciers world-wide have certainly lost something important. It's a pity that any of us are so blind (read "jealous") as to be unable to see what he has contributed.

"Gladiator Dogs" is written in typical Semencic-style, as if he were "talking dogs" with an old friend. Like his other books, information is offered about breeds that have never, ever been mentioned in print. All of the information is first hand. It is based upon what he has learned from his worldwide network of friends and acquaintances who are involved with these rare breeds and upon the extensive travel he has done in order to come to know these breeds himself.

There are a few editorial errors in this book but it is plain to see that these errors are the fault of the publisher and not the author. All that I could find are restricted to photo captions. Maybe this author could have use another publisher? Also, I am a little bothered by the fact that I bought this book when it was first released at $60.00. Now it is available for much less. But this isn't Semencic's doing either.

All in all, if you are seriously interested in the gladiator breeds of dogs, there is no question that you should own this book. If you own none of his books, buy them all and keep them in good shape because they will be collector's items one day, should they ever go out of print.

His first book, "Fighting Dogs", in its original cover is a collectors item already.

Congratulations "Doc". Thanks for the great contribution to the world of dogs and thanks for including us in your hobby.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gladiator Dogs, January 15, 2001

By 

Tracey Bean (Bermuda) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gladiator Dogs (Hardcover)

Excellent Book. The Author has done an extraordinary job compiling indepth facts and truths about these interesting and great breeds. This is a book that you can't put down. If there is one detail I must point out, I feel the author left out one important breed, The Argentine Dogo. Examining the other breeds and their intended purposes, as outline in this great reference book, I personally feel that this one breed was left out. This book is a must have.