Breeds Books

I was interested in purchasing a Fila, and this book helped me make my decision.

I recommend this book to any Fila owner. I learned a great deal from this book.

I bought a copy of this book while I was in Chicago to test for their fire department. I'd heard about it a few times, and I figured that I would buy it while I was up there.

In short, this truly was a great book. I've never read a book where so many of the stories stuck with me. You'll meet quite a few dogs through this book, but the one that sticks in my mind is Wino, Jr. He loved to frequent the bars in the neighborhood and befriended a number of the locals, who would steal food for him and give him drinks of their "adult" beverages. More than once the firefighters who took care of him would have a call from someone asking them to "pick up the dog that just passed out."

In a few of the stories, you would almost think that the dogs were actually reincarnated firefighters. Many of them had the same "personality" that most firefighters have.

If you're looking for a good book that will make you laugh and cry some, this is definitely for you.

In the past few years, firefighters have gotten increased, and deserved, attention and respect. But what of "that firefighter who is on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year"? That is the way Commissioner James T. Joyce of the Chicago Fire Department describes the firehouse dog in the introduction to _The Firefighter's Best Friend: Lives and Legends of Chicago Firehouse Dogs_ (Lake Claremont Press) by Trevor J. Orsinger and Drew F. Orsinger. It is no exaggeration to say that these dogs are for the most part not ornaments, not pets, but working dogs, busy with their responsibilities and taking them seriously. The authors are not firemen, but like many people, they admire firemen, and they realized that though there are volumes to record the history of the Chicago Fire Department, there were none devoted to its dogs. For some reason Chicago has a lot of these dogs, perhaps more than anywhere, and the stories here are funny, loving, and inspiring.

It is commonly thought that firedogs are just for show, good public relations for fire departments. They do get trotted out for photo ops and in parades, but many of the dogs here have valued roles as real worker dogs. Engine 30 has a dog named Thirty, a Dalmatian that has made 14,000 runs over the past nine years. Once on the scene, many dogs are eager to get into the work, helping to haul hoses or even entering buildings that are on fire. Many of the dogs are useful ratters. Dogs who stay in the firehouse are charged with guarding the valuables the firemen leave behind. It is significant that Chicago firehouse dogs do not have normal dog lifespans. Some of them die in the line of duty, boldly accompanying their men into burning buildings. Bruno of Engine 19 died from cancer caused by repeated smoke inhalation. Dogs do fall off speeding engines. Rags of Engine 24 stepped into water that had been electrified by a fallen wire and died, but his death ensured that his firemen avoided the same fate. One dog after another here is described as meeting death by being hit by a car at the scene. Sometimes dogs are too slow to move out and are run over by their own trucks, and more than one has been killed by being shut in the big firehouse door. Sometimes the fire station is in a bad part of town and the residents attack the dogs as symbols of authority. The other great hazard is obesity; the firemen all love to give their dogs table scraps.

There are lots of fine pictures here of dogs happily sitting on their engines, climbing ladders, marching in parades, posing for formal pictures with their crews, obligingly wearing fire hats, and being petted by guys who love them. There are plenty of dogs named Smokey here, and also Sparky, Ashes, and even Arson. There are stories of the far less successful firepig, fireduck, firegoose, and firegoat. There are great stories of heroic dogs, and if one or two have become exaggerated in the retelling by the firemen, that is only a tribute to the love and respect the firehouse crews bear for their mascots.

Highlights this versatile, dynamic breed as a top-class gun dog, popular show dog, and affectionate companion animal. Great photos. 160 pp. / 60 photos / HWL-1996

This book helped prepare for the new experience of owning a Flat Coated Retriever. The book was very helpful, and after four years I still refer to it. This book also has many wonderful photos of these beautiful dogs. A great choice of any Flat Coat owner.

This book covers everything from nutrition to genetics. A fabulous edition for a beginner or a novice breeder. It displays photos of some of the greatest Shepherds in history. It discusses their pedigrees, and all breedings wether successful or not. I cannot recommend it enough!!

ive owned shepherds all my life and worked them in the army. this is by far the best,most comprehensive info on shepherds i have ever come across. as a breeder i recommend STRONGLY to my customers that they get this book and not only read it, but study it as a reference tool for the rest of their lives. i cant rate this book any higher. sincerely, Jim Michaels

Although this book is written about Golden Retrievers, all the information available is applicable to training any dog. The author teaches you to develop a positive relationship with your dog and makes learning enjoyable for you and your pet. As a veterinarian I recommend this book, particularly the training chapters, to all my clients.

An excellent book giving all the basics one needs to know to be a good dog owner and have a happy, well behaved pet. The DVD demonstrates how to teach your dog good behavior, whithout suppressing the natural playfulness and enthusiasm he has. It shows how to engage the dog in a fun relationship with you, while you maintain the leader position, the one who is in control and makes good things happen for the dog.

Golden Retrievers are best dogs. They are the bes

This book is great for any age at any time. It's a good overlook book on the breed if you just want to know the overall on the golden. It's also good for some last minute look ups if your getting a golden yourself!!! Or if you just love goldens!!! A great book!! I have two Golden Retrievers myself and....Goldens RULE!!!

This out of print book succedes in informing the reader about the wonderful breed. It's in depth color photo sections are some of the finest in range and beauty. If you have a Great Dane sized heart, use your cyber paws to order it up!

In this practical, beautifully illustrated book, the author traces the development of the Dane from Germany to its world-wide popularity today, and using numerous kennel stories, brings to life many of the most important Danes and the people who have made the breed special. 319 pp. / 200+ color photos / TFH-1988

In my researcch of the Great Dane as a breed, I found this to be one of the most informative, helpful books I have encountered. It is a must have for anyone who is considering sharing their life with this wondreful breed.

Very thorough and interesting. It has photos and good text explaining things other books fail to cover. This includes health and training issues.

I own an autographed first edition of this book. At the time it was written I managed Nancy-Carroll Draper's Great Dane kennel known as Danelagh. If you are truly interested in the history of this breed, this is one of the best. Nancy-Carroll was also an International judge of Great Danes. She traveled around the world when I worked for her to judge dog shows. Definitely knows what and of whom she speaks. There is an error on the cover of the book in the author's name. Her name is Nancy-Carroll Draper, NOT Nancy Carroll-Draper. But that was an error made by her publisher or editor. Just a little trivia for you Great Dane fans. And yes, working for her was a fabulous opportunity that I still think about.

This now hard to find and out of print book is certainly a must have for any true Great Dane fan. Plenty of intense historical information, photos, and much more. Good luck finding it, it's well worth it!

I was extremely impressed with this book. It is an easy read and it is comprehensive. It teaches everything you need to know about Swissys.

I can't wait to get my new Swissy.

Definitely a great buy!

This is a really helpful book, which covers everything you'll need to know from training to healthcare, especially since we are first time owners of a Swissy. There are a lot of helpful tips and really great pictures. Overall, it was a pleasure to read and very helpful.