Illustrated Guide to 140 Dog Breeds [Paperback]

Katharina von der Leyen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 2000

Every dog lover who picks up this handsome and informative book will want to take it home. It's an attractively laid-out illustrated encyclopedia that covers 140 canine breeds. They are presented alphabetically, with full-color photos, capsule descriptions, and sidebar charts that list physical traits and general excercise and space needs. A few of the breeds shown and described are relatively unknown in North America, but common to Europe, with potential for great popularity in America in the near future. This book will prove to be a favorite among dog owners and breeders, as well as non-experts who plan to purchase a dog. More than 150 full-color photos in all.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Barron's Educational Series (May 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764113402
• ISBN-13: 978-0764113406
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 6.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #925,585 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars More research needed ..., December 28, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Illustrated Guide to 140 Dog Breeds (Paperback)

Pretty book, but sadly coloured by personal beliefs which are out of place here, and badly researched in at least one area - the one I always turn to first: my favourite breed.

There is gross misrepresentation in the Greyhound section, which would put many people off owning one of these lovely dogs. Having kept greyhounds for ten years, I can tell you these dogs are NOT long distance runners - they're bred for sprinting. Running beside a bike/horse would be quite inappropriate for most greyhounds, particularly ex-racers who may have old racing injuries. They are sensitive to both heat and cold, too, which may cause further distress on long runs. My dogs get a long walk of between one and one-and-a-half miles a day plus a short 15 minute lead walk and they are pretty tired after that. Most greyhound rescues/adoption agencies recommend two twenty minute walks a day.

Also, it is misleading to say their coat requires no attention. All dog coats require attention and the greyhound is no exception. And far from being unsuitable for city living, the greyhound is one large breed that can be a good apartment dog because of its 'couch potato' character.

To find such inaccuracy in one section rather puts me off using this book as a reliable guide in other areas.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully written & great basic knowledge, July 14, 2000

By 

Andrea Collins (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Illustrated Guide to 140 Dog Breeds (Paperback)

In 140 accurate portraits the writer describes history, character-traits, trainability and adaptability of the different breeds., as well as wether that particular dog is city-compatible, how much trimming or clipping it needs, and how much excercise it requires. What's best about this book, though, apart from the great photographs, are the many little things the writer tells us: Wether the breed sheds, barks, digs, drools, snores or is extremely hard-headed or even has a sometimes unbearable sense of humor (for humans) - all those tiny, important things that people so often overlook when looking for the perfect dog, and which in the end are often the reason so many dogs end up in shelters. Even if you're not looking for the "dog of your life", this book is a great read and was obviously written by someone with a very big heart for these wonderful creatures.

13 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars PRETTY PICTURES-- HORRIBLE MISINFORMATION, March 2, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Illustrated Guide to 140 Dog Breeds (Paperback)

I have worked for many years in greyhound rescue so I naturally turned to the greyhound entry of this book first. I was absolutely struck dumb to find the book claiming that retired racers need frequent 13 MILE runs next to a horse or bike! This is total insanity. In truth, there is not a racer alive who is able or who desires to walk more than 1 or 2 miles a couple of times a week at most. These guys are SPRINTERS NOT MARATHONERS. Where on earth did the authors get this information? A quick check into any greyhound book or a call to any adoption agency would have set them straight instantly regarding greyhounds' very low exercise requirements-- they are truly couch potatoes. What is most upsetting is that these "facts" could scare off potential adopters. If the rest of the entires are as accurate as this one then this entire book is worse than useless.