Your Purebred Puppy: A Buyers Guide (Paperback)

~ Michele Lowell (Author) "So you think you want a dog..." (more)
Key Phrases: dead coat plucked, shedding great chunks, heavy seasonal shedding, Medium-Length Coat, Owners Good, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Adopting a quasi-scientific approach to choosing a suitable breed of pedigreed pooch, this volume labors to objectify what is ultimately a very personal choice. Lowell, a dog obedience teacher in California, quizzes readers on their expectations regarding 10 aspects of living with a dog--the animal's sociability with strangers, compatibility with children, need of indoor and outdoor activity, trimming and clipping, and beyond. Then she profiles 175 breeds, supplying charts for each that tabulate the 10 factors. But despite her careful quantifications and seemingly authoritative declarations, most of the information she supplies is highly subjective. For example, a true/false test includes "I think most parents are too permissive or lackadaisical"; rejection of this statement, according to her, lessens the likelihood that the reader is "equipped to handle a breed who tried to test your leadership." Lowell's repetitious analyses of the breeds themselves are also too general: she presents the apparent pros and cons, but rarely are they entirely applicable.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Two new titles for dog lovers. Lowell's book helps prospective owners choose the puppy that best suits them, while the Freemans' book teaches owners how to prepare a new puppy for the show ring. Both books are refreshingly realistic about dog behavior and filled with accessible practical advice. Complete with charts and photos, Your Purebred Puppy profiles 176 breeds in terms of size, temperament, exercise and care required, activity level, and ease of training. Lowell, a dog trainer herself, encourages prospective buyers to study the profiles and choose an appropriate breed whose needs will match their lifestyle. She provides guidelines for choosing a breeder and for selecting a pup from a litter. The appendix includes a list of specialty breed clubs and contact person for each club. Written for people who want to show their dogs, The Road to Westminster walks a hypothetical owner through the entire process, from selecting a puppy through competing in the show ring. The Freemans take a friendly approach, peppering the book with reminiscences of their own show experiences and emphasizing dog shows as an enjoyable activity for owner, pet, and family. Another new work on the subject is Connie Vanacore's Dog Showing: An Owner's Guide ( LJ 10/15/90).--Ed. Though aimed at different readerships, both Lowell's and the Freemans' books would be worthwhile additions to public library collections.
- Deborah Emerson, Monroe Community Coll. Lib., Rochester,
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 275 pages
• Publisher: Henry Holt & Company (October 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805018921
• ISBN-13: 978-0805018929
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (43 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,774,419 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The only one I recommend!, November 29, 2000

By	emfdvm "emfdvm" (Oakton, VA) - See all my reviews

I'm a veterinarian and people often ask me what kind of dog they should add to their family. I tell them to get this book, decide if they truly want a dog and use the author's recommendations in selecting a breed and breeder and selecting a puppy. The breed descriptions are the most accurate and yet simple to understand that I've seen and the book covers many breeds not seen in most other books. I know from my own experience that the descriptions were right on target for my own two dogs. Other people whom I've suggested the book to have corroborated my story and had happy results as well.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unquestionably the most objective, actual information, October 13, 1999

By A Customer

I have bred several breeds of dogs all my life. This book is right on target discussing the breeds. Most books only tell you the advantages of different breeds. Lowell did research with many breeders to get actual pros AND CONS of different breeds. The best part is that she tells you what genetic diseases you need to watch for in each breed. Don't select a breed without reading this. No other book has this much factual information.

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is an outstanding book for the first time dog buyer!, September 23, 1999

By	Adrienne B. Cowart ([e-mail]) (Atlanta, Georgia) - See all my reviews

I have always wanted a dog and when a good friend of mine said that he would purchase one for me I was ecstatic. Not knowing what kind of dog I wanted, though, I decided to get online and get some information. Picking this book was the best decision I could have possibly made. I knew I wanted a small dog but didn't realize the different breeds and some really important characteristics that dogs have. This book was excellent in telling me the dogs' habits, what kinds of environments they need to be in, their health problems, and even what dogs not to pick out of the litter. It even gives you tips on how to recognize a dog that isn't a true breed; and with the detailed pictures that are contained within I am very confident that I will pick a perfect dog for me. This book is a must have for anyone thinking to buy a dog for the first time and wants to feel comfortable with their final decision.