The Ultimate Labrador Retriever, Second Edition (Hardcover)

~ Heather Wiles-Fone (Editor), H. Wiles-Fone (Author) "The Labrador, as a breed, is a friendly, happy and charming dog..." (more)
Key Phrases: chocolate bitch, thick towards the base, chocolate genes, Breed Standard, Jane Borders, Heather Wiles-Fone (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

• Origins and History
• Puppy Care
• Training
• Feeding and Nutrition
• Breed Standards
• The Complete Gundog
• Breeding
• Showing
• The Labrador Retriever Worldwide
• And Much More

From the Inside Flap

The Labrador Retriever is, in many ways, the dog with the ideal temperament. A special blend of intelligence, honesty, and kindness has made it unrivaled as the most popular dog in the world. Bred originally as a fisherman's dog, the gentry were swift to see the potential in this sturdy retriever, and the Labrador was adopted as a versatile gundog, retrieving game over land and in water. Today, the Labrador is still highly prized as a working gundog, but its intelligence and good nature have been put to many more uses.

The Labrador is used worldwide as a guide dog for the blind, its excellent nose has made it a first class arms and drug detection dog, and its gentle nature has made it an ideal therepy dog. Quick to learn and eager to please, the Labrador has also made its mark in the competitive sports of Field Trails, Working Trails, Agility, and Obedience. The breed's handsome looks ensure its success in the show ring, but perhaps most important, the Labrador excels as the perfect companion dog.

In The Ultimate Labrador Retriever, 2nd Edition, editor Heather Wile-Fone has recruited a star-studded cast of specialists to write the definitive book on the breed. Experts from all over the world have pooled resources to give the most comprehensive coverage of the Labrador today.

Starting with in-depth research into the origins and development of the breed, the experts go on to analyze the Breed Standard in detail. An acclaimed feature of  The Ultimate Labrador Retriever is "The Judge's View," in which an American, British, and German judge make a pictorial critique of six different Labradors.

The critical importance of training and socialization is emphasized throughout the book, as well as detailed information on feeding, genetics, health care, and inherited conditions. There is also a special feature on breeding and rearing Labrador Retrievers.

The Ultimate Labrador Retriever, 2nd Edition, lavishly illustrated with more than 200 color photographs, is a "must-have" reference for the true Labrador enthusiast.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 324 pages
• Publisher: Howell Book House; 2 edition (April 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764526391
• ISBN-13: 978-0764526398
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #137,690 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Ultimate Labrador Retriever, May 23, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Ultimate Labrador Retriever (Hardcover)

This Book is very informative, it covers all aspects of the Labrador Retriever. An interesting history of the Labrador and its development is included. I found the book very helpful in assessing the conformation and pedigree of my puppy. The Ultimate Labrador Retriever gives the reader both UK and US standards for conformation, as well as showing and titles offered. Many of the world's top Labradors and top Labrador kennels are discussed. Genetic disorders and general health care are discussed in depth. AS a first time Labrador Retriever owner, I found this book to contain all the information I will need, starting with choosing a puppy and covering all bases through training and showing in all disciplines. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would, without hesitation, recommend it to any Lab enthusiast.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice Compendium Of Information On Labrador Retrievers!, March 6, 2004

By	Barron Laycock "Labradorman" (Temple, New Hampshire United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Starting with the quite believable notion that the Labrador Retriever is perhaps the single most agreeable and people-oriented creature this side of Paradise, the author shows the reader how and why to care for God's most perfect earthly creature, the Labrador Retriever! By showing us the degree to which the breed represents a witch's brew of intelligence, honesty and loyalty to its human companions, the author illustrates why the Labrador has become the single most popular breed of dog in the world today. Labradors are sturdy creatures indeed, bred for sporting use along the quicksilver shores of Newfoundland, where the water temperatures and sea conditions require a healthy dollop of strength and endurance, and those are qualities these dogs have in spades.

For any of us that have seen them at work or play in the fields and in the water, their unique combination of physical attributes and obvious intelligence makes them the ideal human companion. I should know; I live with four of them! The proof of their adaptability to almost any condition and their loyalty, intelligence, and unparalleled work ethic is demonstrated by the wide use of them as guide dogs and as adjunct partners for the physically handicapped. Stories of Labradors crawling out onto the ice to save their masters are legendary, as are the tales of them rescuing children from fires or from underneath rubble. Never has there been a dog superior to them.

The author has recruited a wide variety of experts to testify as to the qualities and abilities of the dog, and one walks away from a reading of the book much better informed as to the all of the many qualities and capabilities of the breed, which seems to represent an astonishing list of useful and worthwhile attributes. We also get quite critical information as to what to look for when choosing a lab, and how to analyze the quality of the puppy you see before you. The author offers a compendium of information regarding genetics, feeding, health care, and inherited dispositions, as well as some sage advice as to how to ensure your puppy becomes the grown up Labrador companion you will come to view as another family member. This is a great book, and one I heartily recommend! Enjoy!

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Has it's good points and bad points, December 7, 2003

By	Sannah Zay "suncat23" (San Jose, CA USA) - See all my reviews

I don't find this book to be anything special. Although certain things about this book are fantastic, other aspects are annoying or inadequate. Let me start with what is good about the book.

Good points:
Excellent photography, beautiful pictures of dogs.
Outstanding descriptions of the breed standard, presented in a very educational and helpful way.
A good amount of information on competition, breeding and current breeders.

Bad points:
Too much information which is not useful to the typical pet owner, and not enough information that is useful... information is quite sparse on puppy training, socialization, etc.
Annoyingly obvious British colloquial language style, and not particularly well written or readable by any standard.
Lame attempts at scientific presentations of nutrition and anatomy, when this person is obviously not a scientist.
Scattery accounts of the breed history, filled with quotes without much useful elaboration.