Gladiator Dogs (Hardcover)

~ Carl Semencic (Author) "I have never been a big fan of "laws," and I am especially opposed to the establishment of an abundance of laws..." (more)
Key Phrases: purebred enthusiasts, fighting breeds, dog fighters, Pit Bull, Bull Terrier, American Bulldog (more...)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 264 pages
• Publisher: TFH Publications (April 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0793805961
• ISBN-13: 978-0793805969
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 7.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,216,299 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Gladiator Dogs" is a must have for the Bulldogger's Library, August 22, 1998

By	[e-mail] (Capron, IL USA) - See all my reviews

Dr. Semencic wrote "Gladiator Dogs" as a follow-up to his first book, "World of Fighting Dogs", in which he introduced several breeds of gladiator dogs that had been virtually unknown here in the United States and elsewhere in the world. "Gladiator Dogs" contains an updated perspective of each of the fighting dogs, among them the American Bulldog. The book is not intended to be an "everything you always wanted to know about these breeds" kind of book. Each section is an acute overview of its subject, covering the time span between books and bringing the reader up to speed with newly discovered information and answers. The book contains a section of the questions most frequently asked, and Dr. Semencic's answers. The photographs and accompanying captions are very well suited to the book and give several different perspectives of each breed. The composition is Dr. Semencic's usual style of comprehensive and informative writing with a flair for the personal mien. All in all, the Watchkeeper Critic found "Gladiator Dogs" to be worthy of more than a second glance. It is a meritorious and substantive addition to the American Bulldogger's library.

Reviewed by Jodi Suda, Editor The WATCHKEEPER Magazine

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars New Information on a very old subject yet again., December 6, 1999

By	Kos (USA) - See all my reviews

In my opinion, one can offer nothing but a five star review to any book that is based solely upon totally independent research and which offers valid information that has never been offered in writing anywhere before.

This is especially true when the subject in question is one of the oldest and most commonly discussed subjects in the world. For the past two decades, Semencic has been this area of interest's greatest pioneer. If he has, in fact, made the decision to write no more books about dogs (as he suggests is the case in Gladiator Dogs), dog fanciers world-wide have certainly lost something important. It's a pity that any of us are so blind (read "jealous") as to be unable to see what he has contributed.

"Gladiator Dogs" is written in typical Semencic-style, as if he were "talking dogs" with an old friend. Like his other books, information is offered about breeds that have never, ever been mentioned in print. All of the information is first hand. It is based upon what he has learned from his worldwide network of friends and acquaintances who are involved with these rare breeds and upon the extensive travel he has done in order to come to know these breeds himself.

There are a few editorial errors in this book but it is plain to see that these errors are the fault of the publisher and not the author. All that I could find are restricted to photo captions. Maybe this author could have use another publisher? Also, I am a little bothered by the fact that I bought this book when it was first released at $60.00. Now it is available for much less. But this isn't Semencic's doing either.

All in all, if you are seriously interested in the gladiator breeds of dogs, there is no question that you should own this book. If you own none of his books, buy them all and keep them in good shape because they will be collector's items one day, should they ever go out of print.

His first book, "Fighting Dogs", in its original cover is a collectors item already.

Congratulations "Doc". Thanks for the great contribution to the world of dogs and thanks for including us in your hobby.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Casual and opinionated- but a rare book on the topic., April 16, 1999

By A Customer

Yes this is a simple book. Yes it reads like a grandpa telling you his wartime stories in the backyard. Yes the photos looks like those taken off of a traveler's album. No this is not a major academic work on the subject. BUT ... Yes, this is also the only book I've seen on rare breeds such as the Boerboel. Yes, this is the only book that I've seen to dare show pictures of fighting dogs in action. Yes, the author made an attempt on his free vacation time to visit places that no other have shown before as it relates to the subject of fighting dogs. No, the book is not a waste of money for those inclined to have a "bulldoggy" book on their shelf. After all, it's about supply and demand........and the supply on this subject is still few. Until more comprehensive books are published, Dr. Semencic is still the leading authority in terms of relaying this information to the public outside of cyberspace.