The Ultimate Dog Book [Hardcover]

David Taylor (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1990

The Ultimate Dog Book is the book every dog-lover has been waiting for. Never before in one volume have the beauty, majesty, warmth, and winning qualities of dogs been so dramatically and evocatively captured. Superb specially commissioned full-color photographic portraits of each of the top breeds and varieties -- in their most natural and characteristic light -- reveal more clearly than in any other book why so many millions of people have loved and revered dogs through the ages. More than 100 international breeds and varieties are given these stunning full-page profiles, along with a detailed description of each breed's history, temperament, physical characteristics, and unique personality traits.

But The Ultimate Dog Book is even more; it is practical. Not only does it offer expert step-by-step guidance on all the basics of dog care, from puppyhood to old age, it also provides specific advice on how to enter the world of breeding, training, and showing, and how to master the professional tricks of the trade.

There is fascinating information on the instincts that "make a dog tick," plus special photographic sequences illustrating dog development, training, grooming, and more. Expert advice on raising puppies, grooming, diet, and health care make this a truly comprehensive volume.

The Ultimate Dog Book is the perfect gift and an essential companion for dog-lovers everywhere -- truly the "ultimate" guide to man's best friend.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Canine lovelies loll on every page of this beautifully designed, extravagantly illustrated guide to all manner of dogs. More than 100 breeds and their varieties are represented in naturally lit, full-color photos, with close-ups to highlight facial characteristics. For those interested in more than doggie cheesecake, however, breeder Taylor's text is insubstantial. Discussions of breeds are glib--the temperament of nearly every dog, for example, is described as "loyal" and/or "affectionate"--and occasionally misleading (American enthusiasts are cited for having revitalized the Shar Peispelling checked , when in fact the irresponsible breeding of this dog in the U.S. is a well-known scandal). Taylor ( The Ultimate Cat Book ) pays but cursory attention to such medical matters as spaying or neutering pets, and is similarly terse in his coverage of training methods and the show ring. And readers who have pored over the hundreds of photos of pedigreed dogs may balk when Taylor, hastily championing the mongrel, writes: "If it's a companion, friend, or a watchdog you need, why go for a purebred anyway?" Better Homes & Gardens Book Club alternate and bonus.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

An English veterinarian and experienced animal writer, Taylor ( The Ultimate Cat Book, LJ 12/89), offers sound advice on diet, grooming, traveling, training, showing, and health care. He also discusses basic information on canine origins, domestication, anatomy, behavior, and intelligence in an intriguing, easy-to-read format. His chapters on genetics, sex, and maternity are especially helpful. The principal section on breeds will help novices identify differences, but would be improved by adding critical data on color variations, standards and faults, health, and personality characteristics. Some pictures are incorrectly labeled, and the binding on this book is not as sturdy as its predecessor. Still, this volume is so full of beautiful photographs and Taylor's positive attitude that it will attract and please a large audience. Despite its flaws, it is a truly delightful and useful book.
- Carolyn Alexander, Technical Information Ctr., Fort Ord, Cal.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster (September 1, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671709887
• ISBN-13: 978-0671709884
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 9.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #272,265 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very good photography ... solid value ..., June 11, 2001

By 

Yeoh Siok Kee (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Ultimate Dog Book (Hardcover)

Calling this the Ultimate Dog Book maybe just overstating it a little bit ... But it is nevertheless a very good book ... The book comes well bound, with good paper and very good colour separation and printing ... Excellent coffee table type book ...

Barron's Encyclopaedia of Dog Breeds probably carries more text and information of each breed, while the New Encyclopaedia of Dogs (B.Fogle) features more breeds, but the photography in this book is visibly better ...

The book does however provide a general over-view of the breeds featured.

Not the kind of book, if you are into detailed information, but will please all who wish to know a little about each breed and enjoy just looking at great photographs ...

Solid overall value ...

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Ultimate Dog Book, May 21, 2001

By 

Jessica Allen (Ft Irwin, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Ultimate Dog Book (Hardcover)

I have owned this book since 1991 and can't imagine being a dog owner without it! Beautifully formatted with color pictures and easy to understand descriptions. Not only is this a complete guide to each breed, but it also gives the history of canines. Everything you need to have a general knowledge of can be found in the back of the book; from grooming tools and techniques to the mating cycle. My favorite dog book since 1991!!!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Pretty good, March 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Ultimate Dog Book (Hardcover)

I thought this book had good information in it. I think though, that if you're looking for a book that has not only the popular breeds but also the non-popular I wouldn't go to this book. But if you are looking for a book with the popular breeds then I would look at this book. Overall, the pictures a fine and detailed and it talks about the certain breeds' personality. But remember, each dog is different