The Original Dog Bible: The Definitive Source to All Things Dog (Original Dog Bible: The Definitive Source for All Things Dog) (Paperback)

~ Kristin Mehus-Roe (Author) "Where do dogs really come from?..." (more)
Key Phrases: cropped erect, long drop ears, akbash dog, Country of Origin, Possible Health Concerns, Alternative Names (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This comprehensive book certainly lives up to its subtitle; editor Mehus-Roe, former managing editor of Popular Pets, has culled a wealth of information on over 250 breeds. The work opens with a history of dogs "in our world," which briefly covers dogs in religion, and then moves on to the more interesting chronology of dog rescue and welfare. Later, the author addresses the important issues of dogs and the law (e.g., noise ordinances, poop scoop laws, etc.). New and prospective dog owners will learn a lot from the chapters on choosing the right dog, finding a dog (whether through a breeder, shelter or other option), and bringing a new dog home. The best part of the book, however, covers "life with a dog," with sections on pet care partners like sitters and walkers, emergencies, lost dogs, biting, traveling with a dog, and a fantastic chapter on activities one can do with one's dog, ranging from playing Frisbee ("or canine disc") to sledding and herding. Of course, health and daily care are covered in depth, and a final section focuses on dogs who work (with police teams or therapists, for example). Color photos throughout.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

This is truly a world compendium of canines, representing every known--and many unfamiliar--dog breed from Africa to the U.S. Here, find the French Barbet, the Hungarian Mudi, the Japanese Tosa Ken, all documented with such details as alternative names, activity level, best owner, and special needs--in addition to good color photographs. What's even better? The wealth of information surrounding the more than 250 breed profiles: daily activities and ideas, like starting a dog park; historical data, including genetics, law, and religion; daily and long-term health care; training and behavior; and working dogs and related careers. While perusing, dog lovers will find lists of, for instance, first-aid kits, charts about toxic plants, and quotes and fast facts throughout. From the people who publish Dog World and Dog Fancy, it's a wonderful salute to an individual's best friend, even for those unfortunate enough not to enjoy a companion. Barbara Jacobs
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Paperback: 752 pages
• Publisher: BowTie Press (May 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1931993343
• ISBN-13: 978-1931993340
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.5 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #31,550 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

• This item is part of The Bowtie Press Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Until Something Better Comes Along, August 17, 2005

By	Lee Charles Kelley "dog trainer/mystery novelist" (New York City) - See all my reviews

This is an excellent, wonderful, well organized book on almost everything you could want to know about dogs; breed types, history, veterinary advice, training, etc. The writing is clear and breezy, the graphics and photos are great, and the book is HUGE! However, like all books of this type, when you cover all the bases (which THE ORIGINAL DOG BIBLE does) you end up not being specific enough about certain topics. Since canine behavior and training is my area of expertise that's what I'm focusing on here.

For instance, in a section about how to stop your puppy from biting, the ORIGINAL DOG BIBLE says, "Do not allow your dog to nip or bite when playing." That's good advice, in a way, but how? By punishing the dog? Scolding him? Or by simply ending your playful interactions with the pup and not re-initiating them until he figures out how NOT to use his teeth in play. The author, Kristin Mehus-Roe, leaves it to the reader (and, I suppose, to the dog) to fill in the blanks. She also gives out the old advice about how to play tug-of-war; in other words, don't let the dog win. Actually, the opposite is the best way. You should always let the dog win and always praise him enthusiastically for winning. This increases the dog's interest in the game, builds confidence, curbs aggression, and has a tendency to increase his ability and desire to focus on you even when there are strong distractions around.

In the section on a dog's social behavior this book is also a little behind the curve. The author is half right, in that she says dogs are genetically engineered (my phrasing) to form close social bonds. That's good. I like that. It's accurate and it gives dog owners the right, loving frame of mind in dealing with their pups. But then she goes on to say that the pack is "a power hierarchy," and that a dog's "rank can rise and fall." This is outdated information, based on old research. In fact, when wolves live in the wild the packs are cooperative in nature, not antagonistic. And there is no hierarchy at all. Hierarchies only form when wolves live (stressfully) in captivity and are forced to form very unnatural groups. It's been my experience that dogs only exhibit these unnatural types of hierarchical behaviors when they're under stress as well.

Still, this is a must-have book. So if you feel the need for a compendium of dog "knowledge" always ready at your fingertips, THE ORIGINAL DOG BIBLE will do just fine until something better comes along. (But don't count on that happening; it must have been damn hard to get as much information into this one volume as Mehus-Roe already has).

Lots of kudos and four stars for the immense nature of the undertaking itself.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best value EVER, May 6, 2005

By	Matt Pitt-Depp "Dodgerblue" (California) - See all my reviews

I never thought I would find a book like this. I own a couple of og-encyclopedia type books, and they're great for breed descriptions. But this Dog Bible is like 5 more books rolled into one. It covers so much that I very much doubt I will ever need another book on dogs again. For roughly $20 after shipping this is a steal, and you will never spend $20 more wisely than this amazing resource. I was disappointed by the shortsightedness of the reviewer below who didn't give this book a chance because it wasn't all about Pugs. Please disregard the comments he made. This book has information on EVERYTHING, and is not intended to be a breed only title. I for one would rather know everything about dogs and a lot about pugs than nothing about dogs and everything about pugs...

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Its truly the dog bible., March 18, 2007

By	S. Earlywiine "Bryansskinny" (Baton Rouge, LA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

It really does have everything a dog owner, dog lover or a person thinking of getting a dog needs. It has over 200 different breeds with basic info on each. Information ranging from an extensive history on dogs, how to choose a new dog and traveling with one, many health problems, training and behavior plus many dog jobs, which I think is really neat. It is full of wonderful, colorful pictures and little boxes full of bonus information like the most popular breeds of a certain year. Highly recommend for all.