The Norfolk Terrier [Hardcover]

Joan R. Read (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Joan R Read; 2 Rev Upd edition (May 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0962326119
• ISBN-13: 978-0962326110
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,485,914 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The definitive book on the breed, December 2, 2005

By 

Andrew A. Kramer (Reston, VA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Norfolk Terrier (Hardcover)

The late Joan Read (Chidley Norfolk) did a great service to Norfolk owners worldwide. Not only is this the best Norfolk book but it is among the best breed-related books, period. Norfolk owners are fortunate that such a book exists given the rarity of the breed. Edited by Nat LaMar (Reidmar Norfolk) this is a well written, carefully constructed encyclopedia of the Norfolk Terrier. There have been three editions of this book with the first now being scarcer than hen's teeth. The second edition added a bit of updated show results and the third edition is essentially the same as its predecessor except for the cover.

This book is a complete guide to the breed. The first section discusses the breed's origins in the UK and later in the US. Even though the breed is a relatively new one its background is still murky. But somehow Mrs. Read was able to secure copious photographs and drawings of early Norwich (the drop-eared type later to become Norfolk) Terriers and thus deliver a detailed history. This part of the book is timeless and will educate future Norfolk owners for generations to come.

The next part of the book covers more recent history, dovetailing into the predominant breeders circa 1989. Unfortunately contractual entaglements in Mrs. Read's estate prevent any modification of the book's content so this section will not updated in the forseeable future.

The other chapters were written by prominent fanciers. There are chapters on Norfolk behavior, breed idiosyncracies, involvement in non-conformation events, the breed standard, and health issues. The latter is particularly well-written and still relevant. Unfortunately the genetics chapter reflects what was known in 1989 and is of little value today. This is the book's only limitation.

The Norfolk Terrier is a "must-have" book for anyone who owns a Norfolk. It should be required reading for those who wish to judge the breed. Thank you Joan!