From Library Journal
These coffee table-sized books were revised by Maggitti (and consultant Richard Gebhardt) from titles originally published in England by other authors. Both offer individual breed profiles, as well as chapters on selection, care, breeding, grooming, and showing. With few exceptions, the color drawings used to illustrate each profile are lackluster, failing to convey the qualities of correct expression and breed "type" that are desirable in a breed reference. Despite whatever revisions were made to the original editions, both books are predominantly geared toward a British audience, using primarily British standards, terminology, and preferences. One worrisome example is the entry on the Irish Terrier. Problems with aggression in this breed in the United States, as discussed in Larry Shook's Puppy Report ( LJ 6/1/92), makes Owning the Right Dog 's endorsement of the breed as "a most excellent family pet" a questionable recommendation for an American family. The sections on breeding and grooming in both titles are well done, but there is no mention of such serious North American health concerns as heartworm and Lyme disease. While the information on U.S. cat shows is thorough, for U.S. dog shows it is incomplete and inaccurate. Richard Gebhardt's The Complete Cat Book and David Alderton's The Eyewitness Handbook of Cats (see "Grooming Your Pet Care Collection," LJ 2/1/93, p. 49-53) are better selections for coverage of cat breeds, while the American Kennel Club's The Complete Dog Book (ibid.) and Michele Lowell's Your Purebred Puppy ( LJ 12/90) are more appropriate for dogs. Not recommended. --Jenni fer King, Monmouth Cty. Lib., Manala pan, N.J.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
