Breeds Books

My daughter Claudia (2) loves Mini and her many summer adventures. She carries the book around with her and her favorite photo is the one of Mini swimming. We look forward to more Mini stories.

I've read this book over and over to my 4- and 5-year olds and when they see the great doggie pictures they laugh just as much as the first time. They always want to read the book again. Not only are the chihuahua pictures adorable (my kids especially like the one where she's in the swing) but parents will love the messages about summer safety that get reinforced every time you read the book. It covers everything from water safety to sunscreen to drinking plenty of water, and makes it all a bundle of fun, fun, fun. It's a guide to summer fun that's a hoot any time of the year.

What an imaginative little book! Minni is a photogenic doll of a canine who appeals to all dog lovers and all children. Her advice is simple and sound. The photographs are wonderful but I wish they could have been in color. Look out, Barbie! There's going to be a "Minni craze" among little girls.

This book is great...we all (dog lovers) know our dogs are really people in dogs' body..this totally shows how much we love them..how smart they are...how cute they are....and it is a great book for kids to read or for parents to read kids...I am giving this to all the dog lovers I know...and I know they will want to pass it on...I can't wait for the next one...
Maybe Guide to having fun in Omaha...maybe the Guide to how to have fun in Texas...It is great...
Thanks Dona for a great adventure.

k

I recently became interested in the Boxer. After doing some preliminary research on Boxers, Mr. Tomita's name came up as not only the best resource on this breed of dog but also as the Boxer's best breeder. I went to his home in New Jersey to talk with him about his boxers and to see the six generations living with him, so that I could get a real feeling for the breed and see if they are right for me. As his litany of works suggests, Mr. Tomita is a veritable wealth of information; too, he is extraordinarily nice. As I was leaving---after three and a half hours of getting to know the dogs---Mr. Tomita gave this book to me and suggested that I read it as soon as possible, in order to acquaint myself with this breed that I am recently so enamored with. On a plane flight the next day, I picked this book up and only put it down when I had finished it, several hours later. Tomita is neither verbose nor too brief; he is perfectly succinct. I have read an enormous amount of literature in all sorts of disciplines, and this is, literally, a consummate introduction to a subject I knew little about. That is not to say, however, that brevity is this text's only virtue. It is thorough, approachable and poignant. And as an added bonus, the author's historical and fact-based accounts are buttressed by wonderful anecdotes, such as his personal solutions to common problems and his incisive reasoning behind them. Did you know that if your dog ever breaks your grip and runs away, that you should run in the opposite direction or lay on the ground pretending to cry? Counterintuitive to the novice, perhaps, but Tomita explains this method's efficacy. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in The Boxer.

This book, having been written by a breeder, tells you alot about the breed. It is full of valuable information, that can be used everyday. The pictures are great, along with the complete background about the breed. Thanks for a wonderful book.

I have been breeding Boxers for over 15 years and I only give out this boxer book to clients. It is written by a man who knows and lives with boxers and has for many years. He breeds and shows and has a great record and reputation. I tell all my clients that this is the only boxer book they will ever need.

Our family was looking into the breed to research if Boxers were for us. This book was helpful and the information was clear. I also ordered Boxers - A complete Pet Owner's Manual by BARRONS. When both arrived together in the mail I was more inclined to pick up the book by Barrons first. The photos were more inticing and the layout and text was less inhibiting. I found myself picking up the book by Richard Tomita after I completed Barrons book. I would have to say I gathered information from both. If I could only select one - I would select Barrons.

This short, inexpensive book realistically depicts the unique challenges and responsibilities of owning this special breed. If everyone followed his advice, we wouldn't have the negative press we do today. If I bred APBTs, I would give one to everyone who purchased a puppy from me.

Finally, Finally! Here is a book written in an easy down-to earth style which covers the raising of one of America's most controversial breeds of dog. Mr Fenstermacher's knowledge of this breed obviously comes from hands on experience, as he has been breeding and raising these dogs for some time. He playfully writes of his own pets and gives brilliant examples of often overlooked training methods and their desired results. In this day and age of the dreaded "Pit Bull Danger" it is gratifying to read of these fine animals as loyal and intelligent pets

For someone who wants to get an American Pit Bull Terrier should read this book. It talks about responsible ownership and how to socialize your puppy so that it will become a good canine citizen. Although it has a whole chapter about dog-fighting which I don't like, it uses that information to explain the temperament of the breed - which is not a vicious animal like everyone says. Ofcourse pit bulls are dog-aggressive, although some live with other dogs their whole life without any incidents. They love people and strangers and are not guard dogs - in fact they love people so much that they will let a stranger in your house, take everything including the pit bull. Some pit bull owners even get other dogs like Dobermans to protect their pit bull. It might sound strange but its true. Bad breeding, dog-fighters, gangsters, and the media gave this breed a bad reputation. Before you buy a dog - read this book first. Pit bulls are only for very few people - only if you you are getting this dog as a pet, have lots of time to spend timewith them, socialize them, and have time to love them then may be you should consider this breed. Be a responsible owner!

for someone who knows nothing or little about the breed this is a very informative book and even greater for someone who refers to the breed as a blood thristy killer who lives to fight.if it can change my fathers view on an american pit bull terrier it can change anyones!

My brother served in the 1st Marines in World War II and was killed in the 2nd day of the invasion of Peleliu. My impression (from 55 years away from the event) is that very few historians or people understand the horrific battle that occurred on that island. I have read the book several times, and it gives a view from the front line Marine that has seldom been published in other battle descriptions. There is a video of Peleliu that I have in my possession that is a vivid and sad account of this campaign.

My brother in law, recently deceased, enlisted in the Corps on December 8, 1941, and after basic at Parris Island was attached to the 1st Batt., 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. In short, he was one of The Old Breed First Marines in every respect. We talked many times about Guadalcanal, Cape Gloucester, and Peleliu where he got the "million dollar wound" that rotated him home for the duration. Once a marine, always a marine (this was my dad's view, as well as my brother-in-laws). My father was also a gyrene who just missed WWII because of age, and because he was engaged in serious war industry work during the entirety of the conflict, but because he was an ex-marine (to the extent there are ex-marines), we were dedicated followers of the Pacific campaign from beginning to end. Be that as it may, The Old Breed is a riveting account documenting the hell those campaigns must have been. My Brother in law suffered from the effects of malaria for years, and whenever his bones ached, he blamed it on dengue fever that was also rampant on Guadalcanal. He recalled Bloody Ridge vividly, along with Washing Machine Charlie and the Tokyo Express dumping naval ordinance on their heads nearly every night, but as bad as Guadalcanal was, he always thought Peleliu was worse. He said, and I'm sure it's true, that it was sheer hell - trying to scrape a shallow foxhole out of coral, and fighting a dug-in enemy in terrain that looked like the back side of the moon. I think my dad was seriously disapppointed when I didn't join the Corps, but during the Korean war I was just a squid who was never truly placed in harms way. But I have always had a fondness for the Corps, and I'm sure there were none better than The Old Breed. One thing is certain - they did their time in hell, and are now guarding the streets of heaven.

THIS IS A MUST READ FOR ALL SONS WHO HAD A FATHER THAT WAS IN THE FIRST MARINE DIVISION THAT SAW ACTION. IT TELLS YOU EXACTLY WHAT YOUR FATHER OR GRANDFATHER EXPERIENCED IN BATTLE. THESE MEN WENT THROUGH SOME OF THE TOUGHEST ENVIROMENTS YOU GOOD IMAGINE,ESPECIALLY AT GUADALCANAL,NEW GUINEA, NEW BRITIAN AND PELELIU. IT REALLY TOUCH MY HEART AFTER READING THIS BOOK,ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU CAN'T GET MANY MARINES THAT WENT THROUGH THIS TO TALK ABOUT IT. THESE MARINES DESERVE A WWII MEMORIAL WALL.

My brother in law, recently deceased, enlisted in the Corps on December 8, 1941, and after basic at Parris Island was attached to the 1st Batt., 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. In short, he was one of The Old Breed First Marines in every respect. We talked many times about Guadalcanal, Cape Gloucester, and Peleliu where he got the "million dollar wound" that rotated him home for the duration. Once a marine, always a marine (this was my dad's view, as well as my brother-in-laws). My father was also a gyrene who just missed WWII because of age, and because he was engaged in serious war industry work during the entirety of the conflict, but because he was an ex-marine (to the extent there are ex-marines), we were dedicated followers of the Pacific campaign from beginning to end. Be that as it may, The Old Breed is a riveting account documenting the hell those campaigns must have been. My Brother in law suffered from the effects of malaria for years, and whenever his bones ached, he blamed it on dengue fever that was also rampant on Guadalcanal. He recalled Bloody Ridge vividly, along with Washing Machine Charlie and the Tokyo Express dumping naval ordinance on their heads nearly every night, but as bad as Guadalcanal was, he always thought Peleliu was worse. He said, and I'm sure it's true, that it was sheer hell - trying to scrape a shallow foxhole out of coral, and fighting a dug-in enemy in terrain that looked like the back side of the moon. I think my dad was seriously disapppointed when I didn't join the Corps, but during the Korean war I was just a squid who was never truly placed in harms way. But I have always had a fondness for the Corps, and I'm sure there were none better than The Old Breed. One thing is certain - they did their time in hell, and are now guarding the streets of heaven.

Even though I'm not a dog owner, I enjoyed reading this book.

Even though I'm not a dog owner, I enjoyed reading this book.

Even though I'm not a dog owner, I enjoyed this book.

I loved this book. It was a warm, sensitive, and informative story about a man and his dogs. It was the type of book that would make an excellent Christmas gift for some one who has had or who once loved a dog. It was a book that made you both laugh and cry. In the end you are happy you read it.

I was very impressed with the depth and extensive subject matter of this medical manual. Presented in an easily readable format, it addresses everything from toxic household items to serious medical conditions. It was a wealth of information for me as a novice poodle owner and I feel would also be an excellent reference for the more experienced owner as well. I do wish that it was available in hard copy as my standard puppy found the cover to be quite tasty and I am therefore ordering another copy (which will be secured on a high shelf).

This is an excellent medical reference book for poodle owners, but it is rather technical and clinical. Information is arranged alphabetically by topic, so it can sometimes be difficult to find what you are looking for if you don't already know the exact, sometimes medical, term. This is by no means a how-to guide for raising and caring for poodles, nor does it purport itself to be such a book. If your veterinarian mentions a specific condition or you hear about something afflicting another breed and wonder if it is something that can affect poodles (e.g., tracheal collapse), there is no better resource than this book. It also does a very good job of contrasting conditions and their effects on poodles of various sizes. When you know the condition, it is easy to learn about the symptoms; if you are observing symptoms in your poodle, though, it is not altogether easy to find what conditions the symptoms might point to.

Thus, as wonderful as this book is, it is not a practical guide for keeping your poodles healthy. For this reason, I do not believe this is a book that all poodles' humans should rush out and buy. A pet first aid book is much more practical and potentially life-saving, and the clinical presentation of the information in this medical manual will probably put off a good many people. Breeders will find this book much more useful than typical poodle owners will.

Great reference book on understanding the problems that can arise with your Poodle and help you understand the different remedies that your vetenarian might suggest.

The best book on Poodles I have found. Great book for new owners and those that love poodles. A must for anyone considering breeding. Informatiom is easy to read and understand. Contains all medical info in one book.

I own three rottweilers and am a big fan of the breed. This book was one of my first purchases as a rottweiler owner. The photographs in this book are wonderful. I was able to find almost all the rottweilers in my girl's pedigree in this book. It is loaded with terrific information regarding the breed's history and origin, showing, proper care and different activities you can do with your own rottweiler. I am glad that I made this purchase.

This book is coffee table quality and sits right there! I have gone back to it a million times for historical information and pedigree research. The many, many pictures give it a life of it's own! An outstanding book. Two thumbs WAY UP! :o)

I read your book and thought you went into detail a lot. You had a great variety of pictures to look at. I think if you had put ways of contacts to find out more information would have improved it even more. Over all a great book.

I've read and reread this book many times. The photos are great and it's very interesting and exciting to read about dogs and rottweiler fanciers I have met and heard of. I recommend this book as a "must have".

Being both a sighthound owner and a history buff, I was so delighted to have found this book. I can't recommend it enough.
I can guarantee that if you haven't had experience with sighthounds, you will want to after reading this! For those of us who know the breed, it is a long overdue salute to one of the most overlooked and unappreciated dog breeds in the world.
I especially liked the photos that accompanied the text. It was wonderful to see so many representations of greyhounds through the ages.
I thought that chapter 1, on the Greyhound family, was very informative, and the author managed to put a lot of information that is rarely found all in one place into a very readable and enjoyable format.
Read this book- You'll love it, even if you don't own a Greyhound! I hope that Cynthia Branigan's book helps many many more retired racing Greyhounds find homes with people who learn about them from her book as well.

I was not really interested in the history of greyhounds, but have been contemplating adopting one. I received this book as a gift, and enjoyed it much more than I expected. She makes it interesting with some amazing stories, with some astronomical numbers in some cases. The most interesting part is her own experiences with these dogs. A good read.

I thought I knew all there was to know about my Greyhound until I read this book. In it I learned that my dog's ancestors have been delighting humans for literally thousands of years. The book takes you on a tour of the history of civilization with Greyhounds in the leading role. If only history had been so interesting when I was in school! The artwork is breathtaking, the adoption anecdotes are both hilarious and touching and Cynthia Branigan is obviously both a scholar and a person with a big heart. If you own a Greyhound you owe it to your dog to learn more about his contribution to history.

This is an excellent book for those who want an in depth look at the history of the greyhound. It doesn't have info. on how to care, treat, or train, but it provides more background than I've found in any other book. The author uses personal references which make it more meaningful. Really, an enjoyable read from a greyhound foster parent, active rescuer, and a 4 time adopter.

If you have owned a Springer, enhance your enjoyment & memories with this wonderful read. A great book.

I have read other books by this author. Most of them are autobiographical (mixed with practical hints about dog training and bird hunting). All are well written. This one is the best, I think. That relationship with his springer transcends the usual mush. The dog obviously was a paragon, the dog of a lifetime.
The reciprocity between the two gives the lie to those who claim that dogs have learned how to con humans into doing their wont.
The book is well worth reading. It will enlighten and grab you.

I read this book to learn something about training English Springer Spaniels. I walked away with a deeper reflection on myself. The Author shares his experiences during the time when he acquired his first Springer. He also shared with you things that where happening in his life (like the passing of his father) and the deeper understanding of nature that blossomed during that same period. A wonderful book and a great read.

I found this one by accident in the local library. The title was the flash of motion; the cover confirmed that this book was, indeed, something I should have been seeking; and a few minutes' idling through the first chapter snared my full attention. Fergus is a rare combination of sophistication, rural woodsense, and honest observation (within and without). He's the "thoughtful action" sort of character, intelligent and very much at ease in his chosen home, who so puzzles and disquiets our urban cousins who simply have no frame of reference in which he fits. His springer spaniel Jenny sounds like a godsend as hunting dogs go, but with enough flaws to keep her off any pedestal, and enough love of the hunt to keep her in the field. My father's long-gone springer spaniel Maxie was the legend around our pheasant-oriented household in Nebraska, so for me, Fergus's essays about his relationship with Jenny provide insight into my father's character. Of course this book will be wrapped under my dad's tree this Christmas. Not to be missed--just don't read it in July, with grouse season several months away.

This is an engaging book, and a must read for lovers of the Iberian Horses--especially the Lusitano. Compared to Gonzaga's "History of the Horse Vol 1" this text is probably less historically accurate. However, The Royal Horses of Europe is much easier to read and contains more relevant information about more recent history.

The Royal Horse of Europe is a stunning book dealing with the horse breeds derived from the Iberian Peninsula (i.e. Spain & Portugal). It covers the history of these breeds, including their connection to the Great Warhorse of the Medieval Period. In addition, it presents information on Iberian horse sports, such as the corrida (the mounted bullfight) and the Iberian Schools of Classical Horsemanship. The writing style is accessible, yet does not sacrifice sound scholarship. 50 color photos and 75 black & whites illustrate the text. Note: This excellent book is extremely biased toward Iberian horse breeds. Eulogies are occasionally inserted where I would have preferred logical arguments. This is a minor gripe, however, for a book of such excellent quality. It is worth many rereads

Sylvia Loch does an excellent job of telling the story of the Iberian Horse (what we know as the Andalusian and Lusitano). It is well-written and has beautiful illustrations. One of the things I like the most about this book is that it is well-referenced. You can find out where Ms. Loch found her information on a subject in most instances, and this is a point where most horse books fail miserably. Anyone interested in Andalusians, Lusitanos, or their offshoots (Mustangs, Criollos, Paso Finos, Peruvian Pasos, Lippizaners, etc) will enjoy this book and want a copy for their libraries.

I am breeder of Lusitanos and I found this book very useful.
It has great information about story and carachteristics of Andalusians and Lusitanos.
I absolutely recomend this book for the ones interested in Iberian horses.