Customer Reviews

The Labrador Retriever: The Dog That Does It All (Howell's Best of Breed Library)

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I loved this book, which is no mean feat, given the fact that I am a person who's had the distinct pleasure of sharing his house and his life with as many as six Labrador retrievers at a time over the last 20 years (I now have four), I am acutely aware of the wonder and awe associated with getting such a wonderful companion can be. Yet, sadly, I am also aware of the profound ignorance many would-be labrador-people are regarding how to select, introduce, and socialize this new member of the family. In that sense, this book , along with a number of others (e.g. Richard Wolper's "Family Dog") can provide the wary would-be initate with all of the essentials on how to successfully transform that cute little puppy into a happy, obdeient, and well-integrated member of the household.

This book does offer one the expert advice one needs regarding the care and nurture of what has now become the single most popular breed in the United States, with information ranging from an impromptu history of Labrador Retrievers to such topics such as adoption options. The book also delivers to the prospective owner a wealth of facts and details regarding Labrador Retrievers. It provides essential and vital information regarding nutrition, socialization, and exercise, and offers some sage advice about how to find and select a reputable breeder. In addition, it also touches on aspects of ownerships such as common illnesses and chronic problems associated with the breed. This is a book I can heartily recommend! Enjoy!

The combined talent and experience of these two exceptional breeders has resulted in an outstanding, informative and well-rounded look at the Labrador Retriever. The book is a valuable source of information for anyone who owns a Labrador, or is interested in obtaining one. It covers the history and development of the breed, finding a responsible breeder to the care of the young and older dog. The book also provides a wonderful look at the versatility of the Labrador; from Show dogs to Field dogs, obedience, companions and guide dogs for the blind. It was wonderful to see the pictures and pedigrees of so many influential stud dogs of yesterday and today. Many of our own dogs can be traced back to these very special Labradors.

The author's "take" on the functionality of the Labrador is exactly on the money. It is possible to have an outstanding looking Labrador that can also perform the tasks it was bred for. As seen on the cover, Baloo, as he is affectionately known, is not only an AKC Champion, from a long line of champions, but has also earned his Junior Hunter and Obedience titles. He is anything but clumsy, unathletic or dysplastic, and has an OFA excellent rating. Perhaps Baloo's most important gift to the breed has been his progeny. He is credited with producing champions, guide dogs, hunters and obedience title dogs, whom have also inherited his "superdog" temperament. The success of this particular dog can only be summed up as "a breeders dream come true".

Buy the book; don't just leaf through it. You won't be disappointed.

We wanted a book to help us bring up our yellow labrador retreiver ... and this is the best ... The book provides plenty of sound overall information about the breed; from breed histroy to breed standard, from puppy care to looking after the senior dog ... well written with an added bonus ... its got good pictures too ... many of which are better taken and presented than some so-called coffee table books of Labradors ...

If you are looking for a book that'll help you understand Labradors ... get this ...

The writing is clear and concise, the photography is brilliant. Very enjoyable reading for Labrador breeders/owners/handlers. Chapters cover a broad range of topics; from selecting a puppy to caring for an older dog, and everything in between. What a treat to read!

I really enjoyed this book tremendously. It had excellent insight into the qualities of this breed and was very evenhanded in its evaluations. The sections on puppy, adult and senior dog care were useful and informative. I was particularly impressed with how the authors dealt with the subject of breeding. The list of responsiblities and situations breeders dealt with was informative and eye opening and I felt this was a very responsible treatment of that subject.

While patently not a training manual (and it does not claim to be) this book is something you should own if you're going to bring a Lab into your life. The book has lots of historical information on the breed, breed characteristics, and health issues which any Lab owner will find interesting and helpful. The book is particularly apt for those who have yet to purchase their lab, but are interested or have committed to taking a pup from a litter. Read it before hand, cover to cover, and you'll know more about where to find a pup, how to choose it, and what to expect when you get home. Oh, and the pics are great.

You should, however, buy a separate training manual -- even if you plan to use a professional trainer (which I recommend) a training manual will help you get through those first weeks/months before obedience classes start.

This is a book for the novice and the veteran Labrador person alike (show, field or couch). Very well laid out, great photography presented by two of the most well respected names in Labradors today. This is a great book for someone considering a Lab, for breeders to send home with puppies or for a seasoned Labrador's bookshelf.

This book does a great job tracing the history of the breed. Since I live minutes from the waters where the Lab originated I enjoyed the accuracy of the material. Solid all-round info on a variety of topics. Great insight into our goofy, intelligent and loyal friends.

This is a wonderful book for any Labrador enthusiast. One of the most easy to read and up to date Labrador books on the market. I recommend this book to all new puppy owners. This is one you wont want to be without.

This is a wonderful book for people that are interested in Labradors. It tells you about the history, about the breed, showing, and tons more!