Breeds Books

This book should be required reading for everyone especially those who make the decisions about whether we wage war or not. I'm not into the logistics of troops and such. Rather the descriptions of daily living conditions and mindsets were haunting.

This book lives up to all the praise it has received from reviewers such as Paul Fussell. It goes a long way in diminishing the romanticized and fictional idea of war, usually held by those who never go to fight it.

Outstanding first account of Marine Corps actions during WWII. Great to visit that place after so many years.

Over the last decade, I have given several copies of this book to friends who did not know about the horrible fighting that took place at Peleliu. A Marine whose brother died there, first told me about the battle and loaned a copy of this book. I found E. B. Sledge's account of what happened there and at Okinawa to be told with compassion and humility. The Marines who fought there overcame impossible obstacles and paid dearly. We owe them our respect and gratitude.

I was fortunate enough to serve in W. Germany during the "cold war," with the US Army. Although there was the threat of combat, luckily it didn't happen for us. However, what these guys went through was pure man made hell on earth. It's not just the combat, but more so the stresses of unrelenting heat, humidity, decay, exhaustion, fear, etc. I think taking a bullet through the head would have ended up the easy way out, it was those who survived that in some respects had it the toughest. This country can never fully repay these Marines. Hopefully, they all found their peace with God.

I LOVED the book!! It is a cherished keepsake! Reading it I hung on EVERY word. I am the Proud owner of 4 Shilohs (3 have gone up to Rainbow Bridge)and love them as if they were my own children. Tina has done an amazing job against insurmountable odds and she has given us a most incredible breed!!! I have to admit that the book is a little extra special to me because my dog Starr (Bright Starr of Better Ways) is mentioned in it as well as her dad Lazarus and her mom Mona's Lisa of Better Ways and her mate King Zeus. The pictures are great too! I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to research this breed to see just what goes into creating a fine animal.

If you owned or knew one of the old time German Shepherds of the 1960's this is the book that will reintroduce you to these wonderful dogs of yesterday. Excellent history of the development of this breed. Do not be confused by others that call their dogs Shiloh Shepherds, make sure you are dealing with the original breed founder!
Excellent and very informative. Loved It!

Certainly Tina has had a very interesting life. But I was looking for a book that was more about Shiloh Shepherds. Not the life of Tina and her ups and downs. I feel that Tina has shared too much personal about her life in this book distracting the reader. We need a book about Shiloh Shepherds that is less political and states the facts. Let the reader decide for themselves. Tina has enough web pages to read through of her other stuff. I am very thankful to Tina for developing this breed. I owe her a huge debt of gratitude. I have owned GSDs, Pembroke Corgis and currently have two amazing Shiloh Shepherds. I will never live without a Shiloh in my life again. This is my opinion only.

I strongly recommend this book to dog lovers who have been disheartened by the dishonesty and greed that is an all too common part of the experience when dealing with breeders. This book will re-awaken your faith in humankind and provide you with the assurance that there is still a breed of dog out there that is the intelligent and gentle hero that you have read about in story books, an ISSR Shiloh Shepherd. I bought my first ISSR Shiloh a few months ago and had her shipped to me from New York to Oklahoma. This dog is everything that was described to me and more. It was not until after I had my dog that I bought the book, now I understand that truely great things are not created without a vision and an incredible amount of sacrifice, determination and faith. Read the book, but don't be surprised if your next purchase is a Shiloh Shepherd.
Michele McKenna
Tulsa, Oklahoma

I own an ISSR Shiloh Shepherd. I loved reading about the history and all the blood, sweat and tears that have gone into developing the Shiloh Shepherd! I am truly inspired by Tina Barber's strength and perseverance.

I definitely recommend reading this book! It is a very helpful tool to learn the truth about the Real Shiloh Shepherd and the breed founder.

I purchased this book as an expectant toy breed mother. It is a light hearted but informative book on the joys and pitfalls of having a toy breed in your house. I was a little disappointed in the lack of information on my particular puppy, a Chinese Crested, but then I didn't expect a lot of info on the Cresteds since most people know little about them. For more breed specific information, it's advisable to get a breed specific book. However this is a great reference for those who are looking at the toy breeds and don't know a lot about them. It's an easy read and the general information is great. The breed specific information is just enough to perhaps help someone choose which breed is a good fit for their family.

Easy reading, received lots of good tips to follow up on. Looking for more information on Chihuahuas, though. Wanted more information on that specific breed. But, like I said, there is a lot of good overall information to get you started on your knowledge of small dogs.

This well researched book covers all of the information that is needed before acquiring a small dog. Darlene Arden covers all of the breed specific information, including temperament, challenges and attributes for all of the small and toy dog breeds.

It is well written, fun to read and very thorough. And... it is a must read for choosing the right breed of dog.
Marilyn Krieger, Certified Cat Behavior Consultant

What a wonderful book! This book explains every concern imaginable for the small dog owner. From basic socialization, to common health problems, to reproductive issues; this book has it all. To top it off, is it loaded with some of the most heart-warming photographs I've seen in a while. You are doing yourself as well as your pint-sized buddy a huge disservice if this reference book is not the most read book in your collection. Reading this book allows you to feel the passion of the author. Feel the passion...read this book.

As the owner of 4 small dog rescues, I have found all of Darlene Arden's books extremely helpful and "small dogs, big hearts" is certainly no exception. It is filled with valuable information and should be a must read for anyone who has or is even remotely thinking about getting a small dog. Like all her books, this one is well written in Ms. Arden's easy to follow and understand style. I especially like the fact that this book contains mixed breeds and all the pictures are a wonderful addition.
I applaud Darlene Arden for emphasizing that these small breeds are not toys to be played with, but real dogs with real dog issues and needs.

Invaluable source of information for the pre-adopter. If you think you would like to adopt, read this first. It gives you insight into the needs of these dogs before you have one in your home. The portrayal of the work of bringing a grey into your home and heart is real and incredibly helpful in your preparations of the new arrival.

This book has good information on racing greyhounds, but most of it is general dog care and training. I would like it if the potential problems with adopting a racing greyhound were laid out more clearly, especially the possibility of danger to small dogs and cats. The rescue people do a good job of trying to evaluate dogs for this problem, but they simply can't offer a guarantee. Greyhounds are very sweet and generally easy keepers, but they do suffer from improper early socialization. Clearly the book wants to encourage adoption, but as with any adoption, people need to know there can be problems.

You need to read this book. It is the most comprehensive book of its kind. You will find all of the information necessary to help you make the right decision. Greys are the greatest breed of dog on the planet!

This book is an essential item for any who has or will be adopting a racing greyhound. Practical information presented in a logical, no nonsense way.

This book has a lot of important information about caring for your greyhound. I found it to be a great source!

I literally just finished this book last night. I had bought it over a year ago and had never got around to reading it. It is a thick book so can be a little intimidating. I found it on my bookshelf and decided it was time to get into the saga that is "The Proud Breed". I have never read a book that made me feel so much emotion. I was crying at several parts of the book. I am an avid reader of romance novels, but this one just blew me away.

Gavin and Tessa's love story is not just your `happy ever after' ending. No it is better than that. It is a real love story that has its ups and downs, joys and heart break. As I read the pages I found myself wishing for a love as strong as Tessa and Gavin's love. Their love endured so much because they were both willing to work hard for their love. They were willing to fight for each other.

I can not give high enough recommendations for this book. Gavin and Tessa's story touched me so much. They felt so real, and so alive (due to the brilliant writing in the book). I am so shocked this book is not more popular. It was an exciting story of a love that made it through everything. There is never a dull moment in the book.

If you are a fan of romance novels this is a must have. Trust me, it is worth it!

I love this book ... It is a great love story and life story. I have read it 3 times and never tire of it. I love Gavin & Tessa - they endure the hard times and come out stronger people for it. Highly recommended.

This is one of the best books I have ever read. The time period in which it was written is fascinating, and DeBlasis does a wonderful job of bringing it to life. Gavin and Tessa have a truly legendary love story!

I can't stand romance novels because they are unrealistic and the prose is flowery, overblown and insipid. The Proud Breed is an exception. My mother allowed me to read this book when I was 13 and I reread it many many times after that, as did my mom. Once my sister was given the chance, she, too, read and reread it. She has the original book which long ago lost its covers and the binding, and today,is held together with packing tape. Thankfully, I found copies in used book stores to give them!

I have not read the book in about 20 years and picked it up about 10:30 pm the other night. Five hours later, I put it down to go to sleep. Once again, I fell headlong into Tessa's world and will not rest until I have finished the book. I find myself laughing, smiling, crying all over again. Like an old friend, Tessa seems to have forgiven my 20 year absence! deBlasis' prose is strong and vivid without becoming the usual overblown blather of typical romance novels. Tessa would scoff at such nonsense and deBlasis wrote a book her heroine would love.

The history is accurate and, again, doesn't bog down the story as in other "historical" romances. It is easy to believe that people LIKE Tessa and Gavin really lived lives during the expansion of California.

Read this book, but only if you have several uninterrupted days with no pressing matters. Once you pick it up, you will be loathe to do much else but follow Tessa on her nearly life-long adventure. I, myself, must now return to her world!

Well then look no further; this is one of the best I've found yet. The Proud Breed begins in the 1840's as Tessa McCloud prepares for her sixteenth birthday. Great granddaughter of Don Esteban, one of the original Californio ranchero families, she has been "sold" by her father to the very evil Don Luis to pay off his gambling debts. Looking for a final respite before meeting her fate at the hand of Luis, Tessa goes to her favorite spot on the ranch and while swimming in the buff she is spotted by Yankee Gavin Ramsey who mistakes her for a servant girl and assumes she's fair game for the taking. Tessa attacks Gavin with her knife, but then nurses him back to health when she realizes he's been sent with a message and birthday gift from her great-grandfather. Love blooms, but the couple must find a way to escape her engagement to Luis and repay her father's gambling debts.

Once wed, Tessa and Gavin begin their lives and build their fortune in Monterey, the capitol of Old California, along with Gavin's partner, Indian. The old ways of the original California rancheros are threatened by an indifferent Mexican government and an influx of American settlers anxious to take control. As their business enterprises continue to grow and California reaches statehood Tessa and Gavin's marriage is threatened by jealousy, treachery, bigotry, adultery and the horrific acts committed by the revenge minded Don Luis -- yet they survive it all to build a family dynasty in the new State of California.

De Blasis does an incredible job of taking the reader on a grand ride through California's history -- from the now dying ways of the Californio Rancheros, old Monterey, the gold camps, lawless San Francisco with it's fires and the vigilantes, through the Civil War to the turn of the century and more as Tessa and Gavin's marriage withstands the tests of time and their dynasty is eventually passed on to their children. Peopled with memorable characters and abundant historical facts this was a highly enjoyable tale about a very strong willed woman and the man she loved until death did they part that will have you reading well into the wee hours of the morning. I did find the way the author worked Gavin and Indian into the Civil War to be a bit of a stretch, but other than that a near perfect read for me, and a highly enjoyable way to learn more about a fascinating period in U.S. history. Readers might find the last 100 or so pages are a tad bit slow at times, but well worth it for a very very bittersweet epilogue as the Ramsay family rings in the new century at the end of 1899 - have the tissue handy. 4.5/5 stars and highly recommended.

I purchased this book a few weeks ago when I adopted my new puppy, a Jack Russell Terrier - Chihuahua mix. I never owned a small dog before so I was intimidated about training and dealing with such a little animal. Deborah Wood's book has been a blessing and her explanations into small dog behavior are a real eye opener to what it's like to be so tiny in such a big world. The writing style of the book is entertaining and using her easy-to-understand techniques has made training a breeze. I've already taught my 2 month old pup to sit, lay down, come, and stay and we're already working on leash training! I highly recommend this book to guide a new dog owner through that difficult training period with their new furry friend.

I was thinking of getting a small dog and decided to read this book for information. I've had larger dogs in my life, so it was nice to get some ideas from a small dog perspective. This book was worth getting! :)

My Toy Poodle puppy is a live wire! This book walks you throught the training, socialization and development stages so anyone can raise a happy, well adjusted dog.

Found it easy to read and understand. Agreed with the training methods. Even gave the book as a gift, to one of my Papillon buyers.

This is a great book for the person that has never had a little dog. I learned alot. Very informative.

I do not own a Sheltie....yet. I bought this book at a dog show in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1986. I have craved one of these dogs ever since.
This book completely tells you everything you would ever need.

An absolute must for all Sheltie owners. It is the "bible" on the topic of Shetland sheepdogs. Highly recommended.

Some people have called this the Sheltie Bible. It's certainly detailed and goes into a lot of detail about issues most other books miss. In particular, it goes into some interesting history of US sheepdogs, and it talks a lot about what a good show dog should look like, and how you can pick a good puppy.

It's quite dated now but I'm not sure if there is that much progress in the owning of Shetland Sheepdogs, so I don't think this is a problem. The photos are all black and white and the fashion of the owners isn't really 21st century!

In summary, it's a good book. I would recommend a serious owner getting this in addition to a more general book about how to look after Shelties (for example, Shetland Sheepdog: A Comprehensive Guide to Owning and Caring for Your Dog).

I recommend this book to any sheltie owners who are looking to show their sheltie. The book has lots of grooming , show and breeding tips. I was disappointed as I thought it would be a more of a informative/general overview book about the sheltie breed. Like I said if you are going to show your sheltie or breed shelties I can see where this would be fantastic book, but if you are just wanting to know more about shelties I would suggest trying another book.

I've been a sheltie owner, both of pets, show, and obedience dogs. This book is the best book of any breed book on the market. It covers everything you need to know, and though most sheltie owners aren't going to breed(nor should they), I believe that every sheltie owner should read about the breeding portions, because I've met so many people who think their sheltie should be bred. This book at the very least gives information on that aspect, as some colours shouldn't be bred together due to genetic abnormalities.

If you groom poodles, this ought to be your bible. Heavily illustrated and up-to-date, the author provides detailed information on making the poodle look its best. Topics include bathing; tools, supplies, and equipment; hygiene and health; analyzing the dog against AKC standard to determine suitable styles; disguising conformation flaws; scissoring techniques; step-by-step clipping instructions; trends; grooming competitions; and European clips.
I bought the book when I decided to take on grooming my own poodle. It provides all the information I need to proceed with some measure of confidence.

All you ever wanted to know about grooming your Poodle can be found in this book. It tells you what equipment is needed and tells you what size blades to be used on what parts of your dogs different body parts. Very thourough.

I own a standard poodle and wanted to learn how to groom him myself. This book has taught me many things I did not know and has helped me considerably. For example, one should brush and wash the dog before shaving him because shavers are meant to be used on clean hair...who knew? I think every poodle owner should have this book. It is easy to understand and reads quickly.

This book is the quintesential grooming guide for poodles! Its very detailed and has lots of graphics/pictures to help. Very well organized, great infomation, and a good reminder that all groomers earn every penny the hard way!

The absolute definitive guide for grooming poodles, whether for pet trims or show. Lots of photos, and very good descriptions. She guides you in what grooming tools are necessary and how to use them. Lots of different instructions for loads of different pet trims. Anyone can learn to groom their Poodle with this book. It was the first book I got on Poodles and its the one I always recommend to those wanting to dabble in grooming their own.

A fun read for humans of all ages and their four-legged friends alike. Uniquely written from the dog's perspective. A must-have for Boston Terrier lovers!

A fitting tribute to the Boston Terrier, a remarkably personable, intelligent, loving, and lovable breed of dog-person. My Boston thoroughly enjoyed his brush with fame when he played a little game of ball with the book's "author" during a visit to Mickey's Onancock, VA home.

I find that I share this book more between friends than any other book I have owned! The photos, limericks and insights into everyday life through Mickey and Winnies' eyes are wonderful! This book is a must for Boston Terrier owners or those researching the breed for a companion. Other breed lovers should read it also! My Boston Terriers give it a paw's up also!!!

Took a great sense of humor to write this book as it is written as if the dog is telling the story!

This was a very cute book, it is very rare that I come across a book about Boston's that is so interesting. I received this book as a gift and it was the best Christmas Gift last year. To read about the similiarities that the Boston Terrier's in this book had with my own was so facinating. I shared this book with many of my friends, this is definately a winner!!!!

This is such a beautiful book. I have been a collector of rare and interesting rooster kitsch for years. Does anyone know where you can
see perhaps a show of these extraordinary birds?

This is a note card set with featured photos from the book "Extraordinary Chickens". The cards are approximately 4"x5" and have nice yellow envelopes with them. They come in a reusable heavy box with a chicken featured on the front. If you write a lot these cards are really very nice. I've repurchased them many times.

Excellent quality, stunning photos, makes a great coffee table book and topic of conversation! I never get tired of turning the pages, you can't help but laugh at the funny photos. The photography is awesome. Be sure to get the matching wall calendar, it's just as entertaining!

This hefty little book is a surprise on every page. I've always known chickens were beautiful, as all fowl, poultry and gamebirds are. But these lovely macros of the breed standards are really just incredible, from a fellow writer/photographer's point of view. Whatever your interest in these birds, be it a curiosity or a hobby, you will love this book.

I also like the size. Easy to find on my overloaded bookshelves. So kudos to Mr. Green-Armytage, for a job well done. Chickens aren't the most cooperative subjects for a photo shoot. I just wonder how many hours to photograph plus travel time he has into this!

My dad raised chickens all of his life. He had many breeds and varieties. He no longer has the chickens and when I saw this book I thought he would enjoy it. I gave it to him for Christmas and when he opened it he looked through it right away and said, "Maybe I need to get some chickens again." The pictures are great. Everyone at the party enjoyed the book and I know my dad will enjoy it over and over again.