Customer Reviews

The Good, the Bad, and the Furry: Choosing the Dog That's Right for You

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(12)

 

 

The book fills the need for a handy reference that a family can take along to the breeder or the pound and ask the right questions. The author is honest and caring about dog breeds. The book is written with humor and zest for dog ownership, but the author keeps in mind that educating families to get the dog they need, not the dog they fantasize about is a serious mission. (Delighted to find an accurate description of the Keeshond; as a two-time owner I find they are often overlooked as a five-star family dog, with high intelligence, non-allergenic coat, self-cleaning like cats - they are Dutch, after all! - bred only for family loyalty and riding in boats.

I think this book offers great overviews of most. Ok not every exotic breed is not covered.

Of course the author can't be exact about every breed and some difference of opinion is normal. Every dog isn't the same in a given breed but this book, in my opinion, gives a good overview of each. I own a Pomeranian and found his description accurate.

Buy this book if you are thinking of getting a pure breed dog!

One word: Honest.
More words: One of the things about many pets books is they seem to have an agenda. This one doesn't. It's a very practical, readable guide to picking a canine pet. It will certainly upset people who already have their minds made up but that's not who the book seems to be for.
Expect to see people carrying it into the bookstore. I know I will.

I loved this book! Perfect for starry eyed puppy buyers who aren't really sure what they are getting into. Dogs love you from the moment you get them. Nothing is worse than breaking your committment to them just because things get a little rough. It breaks a dog's heart. Informative and entertaining read. Very honest.

I bought this book on impulse, as it was well placed near the cash register at my bookstore. I already have my dogs (Cavalier King Charles Spaniels) and will not be buying a new dog anytime soon. But I love dogs enough to watch Westminster on TV. . . . In that light, this book was great. The short, humorous description of each breed -- with categories and icons that make it very digestible and easy to compare breeds -- created an enjoyable and informative read. The special twist is that the author generally seems interested in talking you out of buying a dog -- for the dog's sake as much as yours. The emphasis is as much on the problems of owning each breed as on the pleasures. I know that doesn't sound great, but it is so light-hearted and heart-felt, that it comes across wonderfully. The book also has outstanding illustrations by David Merrell. The picture with each breed not only shows the breed's appearance, it also shows its personality --- leaping for your sandwich, chewing a table leg, etc.. Dog lovers who want to read some dog fiction should check out The New Yorkers: A Novel

This is one of my favorite dog books. It's very entertaining but I agree with some of the other reviewers here about the American Staff Terrier the Chow-Chow, the Rottweiler and the Doberman.
They are NOT killer dogs like people make them up to be. In fact (when they have the right owners) they make wonderful family dogs. These dogs are some of the most loyal dog breeds you can find.
There are no bad dogs only bad owners is what I say all the time about these so-called dangerous dogs.
So I think Mr. Sam Stall should've researched the breeds more better.
And another thing I found a little upsetting is the inteligence bit. That should be trainablity becasue some dogs like Basset Hounds, Bulldogs, Afgahn Hounds, Bloodhounds, Siberian Huskies, and Fox Terriers were bred to do things on their own. So they are really very smart but they are independent. They were not bred to their jobs with people.
Also, I think there's a some prejudice going on in this book. Never judge a dog simply because of it's breed.
So even though this book is entertaining there are some pages the might raise a couple of eyebrows. I'd advise people to stick to another dog book than this one.

I'll admit he was a unfair to AmStaffs, pit bulls, and Chow Chows, but I think it was a fairly wise choice for his market. All the dogs he warns against are big, powerful dogs- not exactly something you want to encourage first time dog owners, or people looking for family pets to go for. Stressing the negatives was probably very helpful to the breeds- he also stressed the negatives of Dalmatians, so it's a pity this book didn't come out years ago.
Stall seemed very intent on showing that not every dog is good for every person, and I saw the book as being particularly aimed at newbie owners or families, and for that target market is just about perfect.

Actually, this book's article on AmStaffs made a friend of mine eager to get one. He had never heard of them before, was intrigued by the article, and went looking. He's just waiting to settle into his new place before he finds a rescue agency to adopt.

Provides a common-sense approach to choosing a dog. This is a must-read for any first time dog owner.

For its size and cost, this is one of the best, most comprehensive books on what breed of dog to get (or NOT to get) that I've never come across. No other book on the subject, at least none that I've ever seen, gives the reader every imaginable reason why (or why NOT) to choose a particular breed. This one covers all the bases (though not all breeds).

That's right, I was a bit dismayed to find my favorite--the English setter--missing. And there are a number of others not found here as well. But for the breeds that ARE included, the authors give pretty much dead-on, accurate descriptions of their basic temperaments, behavioral tendencies (pro and con), historical uses, grooming and exercise requirements (or lack thereof), not to mention potential genetic disorders, etc., etc, etc. That's a lot of valuable information crammed into a nicely packaged, cleverly designed, and well-written little book. To do that with absolutely every breed imaginable (including my favorite), you'd have a huge, 2,000 page, $300 book on your hands.

Four stars.

This book is filled with very useful information. If you are considering getting a dog, GET THIS BOOK FIRST! Very well researched and accurate. Wonderful, simply wonderful!