The Ultimate Book of Mastiff Breeds (Essential) [Hardcover]

Douglas Oliff (Editor)

Book Description

Series: Essential | Publication Date: May 4, 1999

The time-honored Mastiff breeds constitute a cornerstone of the purebred family, and this splendid book provides an in-depth understanding of these dogs, their common bonds, their differences and what makes the Mastiff types so special. This remarkable compilation features the expertise of some of the world's leading authorities on the Bullmastiff, the Mastiff, the Neapolitan Mastiff, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog, the Dogue de Bordeaux, the Mastin Espanol, the Mastin Pirenos, the Tibetan Mastiff and the Fila Brasiliero. The advice given here on appropriate training methods, nutrition, health care and other husbandry issues is peerless, as is the gallery of 200 color photos showing these valiant dogs at their best.
A Howell Dog Book of Disctinction

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

The Ultimate Book of Mastiff Breeds
For the first time ever, here is a book to embrace all the magnificent Mastiff breeds. Sharing a common lineage from the ancient Mastiff type, a number of different breeds have been developed with varying appearances and characteristics. However, they also have certain traits in common ? most particularly their size, their strength, and their courage. Editor Douglas Oliff has recruited an international panel of experts to examine the Mastiff type in general, and the specific Mastiff breeds in particular. Tracing their common heritage, the Mastiff character is analysed, highlighting strengths and weaknesses and appropriate training methods. There is detailed information on nutrition for giant breeds, and relevant material has been gathered on health care and breed associated conditions. There is also a fascinating section on the Mastiff in art, showing how artists have portrayed the Mastiff through the ages. The Mastiff breeds that have special coverage include: the Mastiff, the Bullmastiff, the Neapolitan Mastiff, the Spanish Mastiff, the Pyrenean Mastiff, the Dogue de Bordeaux, the Tibetan Mastiff, the Fila Brasileiro, and the Anatolian Shepherd Dog. In each case, there is an account of the development of the breed and its original working role. Focusing on what makes each breed unique, there is an interpretation of the Breed Standard followed by an in-depth analysis of breed character. Expert advice is given on choosing a puppy, assessing both character and conformation, and there are special tips on living with the breed of your choice. The Ultimate Book of Mastiff Breeds, a book for the true Mastiff enthusiast, is lavishly illustrated with 300 colour photographs.

From the Back Cover

A Howell Dog Book Of Distinction

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 264 pages
• Publisher: Howell Book House; 1 edition (May 4, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1582450803
• ISBN-13: 978-1582450803
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 8.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #674,391 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing-this book is only OK, September 8, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Ultimate Book of Mastiff Breeds (Essential) (Hardcover)

I really looked forward to getting this book but when I finally settled down with it I was disappointed. It lacks real depth and it DEFINITELY lacks breadth. This book should be titled "Random Facts and Vague Histories of Some Molosser Breeds". The book has left out WAY too many breeds to deserve its title. Many of the sections were lacking substance, especially the Fila Brasileiro, Tibetan and Spanish Mastiff sections. The author did do a good job covering the Mastiff and Bullmastiff, but there is a ton of literature out there already on those breeds. More focus on the rarities please!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Reader., January 15, 2000

By 

Melodie Usrey - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Ultimate Book of Mastiff Breeds (Essential) (Hardcover)

I liked this book for the vast amount of pictures that it had to offer. I was amazed to see the many different types of Mastiff's that there were. If you are trying to decide on the type that you are wanting, or if you want to know more on the different types, this would be the book for you. It comes with a brief history of each breed, along with discriptin of each. It doesn't go into great detail about health problems that Mastiff's have to deal with, so I would recommend that once you have decided to purchase a Mastiff of your own, that you buy a book also specifically for your type breed. This is my coffee table book. It comes out every time guest's are at my house.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, However, October 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Ultimate Book of Mastiff Breeds (Essential) (Hardcover)

It did leave out several Mastiff breeds that are hard to find published literature on.Maybe Douglas Oliff will catch other breeds next time.His other Mastiff book,"The Mastiff and Bullmastiff " handbook, is also very good.