Customer Reviews

The Total Shiba

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is EXCELLENT for the Shiba breeder. I have found it extremely helpful in pedigree research, genetics of the breed, and the detailed explanation of the standard is fabulous. However, I usually do not recommend it to first time Shiba owners. Most of this book is geared to breeders. For my pet owners, I always suggest the Complete Shiba Inu by Atkinson. If you can buy both, GREAT! If you need to choose one, think about what you need and get the book that covers that area.

This is my favorite Shiba book. I have been involved in the breed since 1987 and this book (to me) is a culmination of the years of knowledge and experience I had to glean by hanging out with the best. It has almost everything that a person would want to know about the Shiba Inu. The authors are highly knowlegeable and have been involved in the breed since before 1986. Fred Lanting, world renowned judge and Shiba Breeder, gives this book a glowing review...he calls it; concise, constructive,accurate, and comprehensive.In the back of the book are over 100 photos of the Shibas that were the foundation of the Shibas in America today. Many of the Shibas in Shibumi Shiba Inu's pedigrees are pictured there. I wish this book had been available in 1987.

This book was interesting, historically, and if you are thiking about showing a Shiba. But if you just bought a Shiba, it gives you little details. I would recommend it for a coffee table book, but not if you are looking for details on your puppy and training advice unique to Shibas.

I think that this is a great Shiba book. I also own another called The Complete Shiba Inu, and feel that both books are excellent. This book has tips on how to care for your Shiba, pictures, and training suggestions.

Of all of the breed-specific books I've read that discuss Shiba Inus, this book is my hands-down favorite. It gives a thorough history of the breed, a detailed explanation of the breed's standard, a good chapter of advice on choosing and raising a Shiba puppy, and one of the most helpful and informative chapters I've read on breeding anywhere.

That said, I have to agree with those who wrote that it's not the book for everyone. The Total Shiba is geared more toward breeders than toward prospective buyers and enthusiasts. The content is breeding-focused and it lacks color photographs. Enthusiasts would enjoy the Complete Owner's Guide or the Kennel Club book more, as both are filled with beautiful pictures and content more geared toward their interests.

I purchased this book expecting general information and training help. This book is largely made for show purposes. It has no useful information except if you want to breed and show the dog. I would not recommend the book for people wanting to know more about their Shiba Inu or wanting a training guide.

This book was recommended to me by another Shiba owner and I'm glad she did. More breed specific information than any other Shiba book I've seen. Also, there is a section regarding breeding. This is a book for serious Shiba Inu fans and anyone who is contemplating showing or breeding.

This book has a large amount of information geared towards breeders and people interested in competitive showing of their Shibas. However, there is a great deal of history included in the book that most other Shiba-specific books just don't have. It covers everything from the regional origin of the Shiba, to the breed's near-destruction during and post World War 2, to the extensive rehabilitation of the breed and why the breeders chose the methods they used in order to revive and conserve the Shiba population.

In addition to the breed history, "The Total Shiba" also gives an accurate portrayal of the Shiba's characteristics. The book lists both the breed standards of the Japanese and United States clubs as well as descriptions in layman's terms. I have several Shiba books and this one best describes what a Shiba is in plain English. It also covers some special health concerns that other books have not listed, including allergies to some routine puppy vaccinations.

To be honest, I would consider this to be a companion book to Shiba Inu (Comprehensive Owner's Guide). The "Shiba Inu (Comprehensive Owner's Guide)" by Andrew de Prisco covers a great deal of information for new Shiba owners, including basic care, first aid information, what to look for in a breeder, supplies to purchase before and after adoption of a Shiba, etc. It's surprisingly in-depth when it comes to a pet owner's needs and even covers a small portion of training techniques. Where "Shiba Inu (Comprehensive Owner's Guide)" gives you the how-to's and important information as a pet owner, "The Total Shiba" is an excellent book for Shiba enthusiasts to learn more about their breed's background and the details behind their breeding and showing in the ring.

I would recommend "The Total Shiba" to anyone who is truly interested in learning all they can about the Shiba breed, but also suggest that other books be read as well. From what I've read so far, each Shiba Inu book out there has some helpful information that the other books may either lack or only briefly touch on.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who is definitely planning to get a Shiba Inu. Many of the websites you find actually quote (without credit) this book. This book puts together all of the information from the various websites in one place. Beyond that, it has great information about breeding, showing, genetics and the history of the Shiba with pictures of some of the "original" stock from Japan.

Owning a Shiba is an intense experience from the beginning and having all the tools necessary will help you. This is one very helpful tool.

This is a good book that informs you about the breed-Shiba Inu.Also very informative about the politics of the various shiba "clubs".
For information about handling,training and every day stuff, look elsewhere.
This is more of a reference book.