The Complete Idiot's Guide to Designer Dogs (Paperback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: designer crossbreed, designer dog, designer clog, Did You Know, United States, None First (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

From Labradoodles to Bagels …

With photos, descriptions, specifications, and characteristics of more than 22 designer "breeds," this helpful guide provides detailed information on everything aspiring pet owners need to know, including finding a breeder. It covers the basics of nutrition, exercise, training, grooming, and safety for a new dog and lists benefits and desirable traits, such as low-allergy dogs, and explains what owners can really expect from their pet.

• Describes the canine health issues that may or may not arise with some designer crossbreeds

• Designer breeds are in the news with articles in major magazines and newspapers, coverage in newspapers and on television, and celebrity exposure

• Author is a well-known dog expert.

About the Author

Margaret "Maggie" H. Bonham is a popular and well-known pet book author, freelance writer, and sled dog racer. Her work has appeared in Dog Fancy, Dog World, Dog and Kennel, and Pet Life, among others. She has been a columnist and contributing editor for Dog and Kennel and Pet View magazines and a frequent contributor to Pets.com and Vetmedcenter.com. She’s the author of more than 15 books, including The Complete Idiot’s Guide‚ to Labrador Retrievers and The Complete Idiot’s Guide‚ to Golden Retrievers.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Alpha (May 3, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 159257369X
• ISBN-13: 978-1592573691
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #693,875 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another great read from Margaret Bonham , August 31, 2006

By	Shirley Kitelinger - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I really enjoyed the book .
I have Maltipoos and was interested to find a book that taught me a few things I did not know .I had read the book The Complete Guide to Mutts also and found it well written also .
The Complete Idiots Guide to Designer Dogs will help people to more understand what a crossbreed is and what they can expect .
I recomend it to all .

17 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The reason this book exists, February 16, 2006

By	Margaret H. Bonham "skywarrior" (Montana, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Hi! This is Margaret Bonham and I want to address some things about this book. Writing about Designer Dogs is a pretty controversial topic, no doubt about it. There's a lot of people who don't believe these dogs should exist at all.

The reality is, these dogs do exist and people want to know about them. When the publisher approached me, I knew I had the chance at researching these dogs and providing a very informative and unbiased book looking at all aspects of the designer dog and its popularity. You won't get hype here -- you'll get some pretty straightforward answers when it comes to what a designer dog is and more importantly, what it ISN'T. In other words, you get a look at all angles of these dogs and also (if you decide to buy one) how to find a reputable breeder who screens for hereditary diseases.

A lot of people aren't aware that they can find their designer dog at shelters and in rescues as various Poodle mixes. My book (which incidently is the first book out there on Designers) promotes rescuing and adoption. Before you judge the book by the topic, I suggest you check it out. Read it and let me know what you think. Chances are you'll find it a fair and unbiased book that looks to educate people on these dogs.

Thanks!!!!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good start, March 15, 2007

By	Margaret (maryland, USA) - See all my reviews

I found this book informative and easy to use. The section on finding a breeder is especially well-thought out. There is a section on finding a hybrid dog in rescues or in shelters as well. This book is comprehensive and can help point you towards a "designer dog" that will fit your family and lifestyle.