Customer Reviews

The New Complete Siberian Husky

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Heavy emphasis on background & breeders of Sibes Each dog breed needs a similar book that fills the dog owner with pride and convinces him(her) that they have selected the quintessential dog to own. It also is valuable in pointing out some of the unique problems of the animal i.e. wanderlust, digging, behavioral quirks difficulty training as well as the endearing features of the breed. Perhaps too much time is placed on the "begots". It introduces you to the major "players" breeders of Sibes and has an excellent chapter on the breed standards. The numerous photos are somewhat repititious since all good Sibes are beautiful and it is hard to see the subtlties in black and white when talking about copper and other hues. Spins a great narrative about the "serum run" and the legendary "Togo" which I have made into a children's story which is loved by my grandchildren.

"The New Complete Siberian Husky," by Michael Jennings, is a must for all potential and current Sibe owners. It touches on a variety of subjects- history of the breed, the breed standard, famous husky kennels, as well as the care of the Siberian Husky, training, breeding, and all other vital subjects. Lots of photos, especially of past Siberians who were very valuable to the breed's beginnings. Many of these dogs can be traced on your own Siberian's pedigree. The book also contains the REAL story about Balto and Togo, quite a bit different than the movie...

I think if I had to choose just one book to recommend to all Siberian Husky owners it would be this one. This is certainly one of the best books out there on the breed, and here's why: It was written by two people who are both long-time owners and breeders of the Siberian, so they really know what they are talking about, and the other contributors are also all experts on the breed. Demidoff is a legend in the breed, and when you read about the early development of the Siberian in New England it has the ring of truth, because she was actually there and experienced it. Jennings, the writer of the duo, knows his craft, so the book is very clear and readable. I love history, and this book has plenty of it, and it's accurate! The origin (from research by Robert Crane, who really knows his stuff) and development of the breed is covered in depth, with many accompanying historical photos. This history is essential for anyone who is interesting in showing or breeding, and interesting and worthwhile also to those who aren't. There's a big section on important kennels from the early days to the 1970's, with lots of pedigrees. There are chapters on the breed in obedience, with breed-specific training tips, a section on sled dog racing by Lorna Coppinger (a recognized authority on the subject), and a section on selection, care, and maintenance of the Siberian by Kathleen Kanzler (a top show breeder), and there is an in-depth discussion of the Siberian Husky breed standard, with accompanying illustrations by Barbara Johansson (a breeder and artist of long standing). There are also several stories and anecdotes involving Siberians throughout the book. There are lots of photos, and they are of good quality, but all are in black and white as was the norm for books at the time. My only complaint is that the photos aren't bigger; there are often two or three to a page. This is an excellent book. If you're interested in breed history you will like this book, and if you intend to show or breed, your library is not complete without it. It's out of print, but not rare, and can still be found at a reasonable price.

We recently added a Sibe pup to our family. Although I did my own extensive research on Sibes prior to getting her, you can never gain and learn a complete understanding and knowledge of this beautifull and quite different breed. This book which cost me less than a subway token (New York), provides the Sibe owner a complete history, and an understanding of the breed, that will ease both owner and dog into a happy and fulfilling relationship with each other. Sibes are extremely loving and playfull, but they are also extremely intellegent, stubborn, and independent. This book goes a long way to helping the Sibe owner understand the nature of the dog, and thus avoid what could be a very frustrating experience. For example, unless the Dog Whisperer personally handled your Sibe, his advice alone is useless as far as Sibes are concerned. Indeed, as an illustration, the Dog Whisperer insists that when walking your dog, the dog must be at your side or behind you-never ahead of you, never pulling, etc. Well, Sibes are working class sled dogs, bred to pull and run. Therefore, that advice does not , and cannot apply. Thus, the Sibe owner must "comply" (give in somewhat)to the dog. If you have a Sibe, or are considering one, this book is a wealth of knowledge. Sibes are like roses, they are beautifull and delicate, but there are some thorns to deal with.

Michael Jennings has written this book in a way even the novice can understand. From Pet owner to the serious fanciers, it is full of information that you will want to have in your library. This second book in a series can compel even the pet owner to want to raise their loving Siberian and know all it's history.

From the beginnings to the present, each chapter has something for everyone. Being a serious fancier myself, I have found this book to be very informative, yet easy to read and understand.

Kudos to Michael for another well written book.

A must have for all serious Siberian Husky lovers