Breeds Books

The French Bulldog by Muriel P. Lee is the definitive guide on this charming breed. The books' design, layout and lavish illustrations have as much personality as the breed itself. This text is an encyclopedic approach to the French bulldog and will appeal to both the dog fancier and the novice alike.
The chapter "Pieces de Resistance" by Gary Bachman, who is a connoisseur of French Bulldog related ephemera, creates an extraordinary overview of objet dart ranging from a pair of Faberge smoky quartz Frenchies to unusual knickknacks, lamps, toys and tobacciana of the breed. Chapter by chapter The French Bulldog chronicles the history of the breed's popularity from the 1800's to the present with contributions of canine specialists worldwide. This book, a Kennel Club Classic, is an informative and entertaining guide that will introduce you to the Frenchie as an authoritative text and a superb introduction to unusual collectibles for every dog lover.

A tour de force. Muriel leaves no stone unturned. The only book about Frenchies that you'll ever need. Outstanding photos!

The French Bulldog by Muriel P. Lee is a must have book for any French Bulldog owner or fancier. This book comprehensively and deftly covers topics ranging from the history of the breed to the breed's portrayal in art and collectibles. The author's decades of experience with Frenchies shine through in this piece, as does the expertise of the other top notch contributors to this book. This book is one of depth, substance and beauty. The excellent text is accompanied by wonderful photos. This is a book that French Bulldog fans will enjoy reading and re-reading over the years.

Ms. Lee, a well-known and respected author in the industry, first made her name with the still popular "The Whelping and Rearing of Puppies: a complete and practical guide". This book follows her excellent reputation for books on specific breeds. A number of chapters are written by experts in their field such as Dr. Jan Grebe, current President of the French Bull Dog club of America, and Anne Hier, respected AKC and UKC judge. Despite the different viewpoints of the various contributors, the book is a cohesive whole and reads extremely smoothly. This must be considered one of the most complete and authoritative books on the subject for years to come, and is essential for all frenchie enthusiasts and fanciers.

The French Bulldog by Muriel P. Lee is not only the most complete book on the breed, but it includes a section written by Gary Bachman on Frenchie collectibles. Lee also engaged Dr. Janice Grebe to contribute a comprehensive section on health and care of this wonderful breed. French bulldogs doing utility, obedience and therapy work also are included. But for many readers, the icing on the biscuit will be the superb pictures of Frenchies being the adorable and adored family members they were born to be. Making people happy is what Frenchies do best of all!

This is a truly wonderful exposition of the IW breed. It is lamentable that it is now out of print and therefore so expensive to own. Even so, it is such a thorough compendium of Irish Wolfhound knowledge and lore that it is worth having.

In my opinion, this is the best book ever produced on the Irish Wolfhound. In depth information which is easily understood by the novice as well as totally absorbing for the more experienced owner. Mary McBryde has done the Irish Wolfhound proud. A must for anyone with interest in this very special breed.

Bought this book yesterday and it's worth every penny that was spend. Since I dont own a Wolfhound and wanted to know more about them before I got one, this is the perfect book. It has everything you need to know. Not just all the boring Kennel, champion part were most other books go into great detail for those who are interested in showing and breeding. Since I'm not,other things are more important like the character,the history,the feeding of puppy's and adults and all the other things that dog owners find important for everyday life. Thank you very much for writing such a great and informitive book with so many great pictures.

I paid an enormous amount of money for this book. Every breeder I spoke with acknowledged it as the premier source of information extant for Irish Wolfhounds. (One breeder said they'd never heard of it, and that raised my eye considerably.)

It was worth every last penny, but for the life of me I don't understand why it's not still in print. There isn't a single book on Irish Wolfhounds that stands up to this, and when you compare this book with others, it's similar to comparing an Irish Wolfhound to a gerbil. No comparison.

The pictures are worth a million words. It's often difficult to get an idea of how immense this beautiful and gentle dog truly is, but there are eye turning pictures in this book that make you wonder if it's a dog or a bear. Aside from its enormity, it's also a stunningly beautiful dog (although many consider it wiry and ugly - their loss), and again, the photographs and drawings capture the true essence of this most magnificent dog perfectly. If all you want is a picture book, this is the book for you. However, I wouldn't advise spending $300 on a picture book if that's all you want. Look on the web, there are great photographs of this leonine canine everywhere.

The author covers so many topics, and she does so with a sure, knowledgeable hand. She begins with what it's like to live with Wolfhounds, and that is an important chapter for anyone considering taking this dog into their home. It's not like buying a German Shepherd, or a Labrador, or even a Mastiff. This dog requires *space*, not to mention room to run. Lots of it.

There is an excellent chapter, that was my personal favorite, on the history of the Irish Wolfhound. You'll find many writings on the internet that say this or that about the Wolfhounds ancestry, but this is the authority.

From there forward the book moves from choosing a Wolfhound (companion or show dog?; what color?; first contact with the puppy) to rearing; adult care; feeding; basic training; breed standards; how the different colors are produced; showing the wolfhound; coursing; breeding; whelping a litter; caring for the litter; health care; and finally discussions on Irish Wolfhounds in the UK, Ireland, North America, and worldwide.

If you have a question about an Irish Wolfhound after reading this book, then rethink your question - you're probably asking the wrong question. It's all here, and it's as magnificent as the dog itself.

This was a great investment. I took another's advice and spent the extra money to buy this book versus a smaller, cheaper Wolfhound book. I am so glad that I did. It has a great in depth history of the breed including the efforts of those who worked so hard to keep the Wolfhounds from becoming extinct. It covers puppyhood, breeding, health care, training feeding. It has it all. I went ahead and bought it new to avoid the waiting list. Definitely worth the money!!!

I ordered this book since I was soon to get a newfie pup. I am so glad I did. The book is filled with 99 different stories about 99 newfies. They are short reads that touch your heart. I just have to share the stories with whoever is around while I am reading it! It is a fun and inspiring book. Although there are no pictures ( I like to see photos of the dogs) it is still an excellent book.

This is a must have for any owner or wanna-be owner of a Newf (or any dog for that matter)! Through the eyes of many different people you can pull together a true picture of what life with a Newfie can be, from the good to the sad to the ridiculous. The varying perspectives come together to show what wonderful, loyal, loving furballs these `Gentle Giants' are and how much they can add to your life. In addition, 90% of the profits made on this book are going to the Newfoundland Health Challenge for scientific research to benefit this beautiful breed. You'll laugh, you'll cry and you'll want to hug a Newfie! Congratulations and thank you Pat for putting it all together :)

This book is for anyone who's ever wanted a newfoundland dog! Know what your up against BEFORE you welcome one of these drool slinging, fur dropping, vacumn killing puppers into your life! 'Cause once you do, your done. Your life will no longer be your own, neither will your bank account, house, or anything else you used to hold in high esteem . This book will show you the ups and downs, the laughter and tears, and frighteningly, how much smarter they are than us!
Read this book to understand you are getting so much more than a "dog". You are getting a human in a dog suit, in other words a Newfoundland!

While readers of this book will enjoy the benefits of generous doses of laughter (and sometimes tears), Newfoundland dogs everywhere will benefit from the purchase of "Ninety-Nine Newfies." The author, Pat Seawell, is generously donating 90% of the book's profits to the Newfoundland Health Challenge, a trust run by the Newfoundland Club of America, which funds scientific research into Newfie health problems. So buy the book to bring joy to yourself and to bring improved health to our Newfoundland friends.

This book shows the true sides - all the wonderful traits that we grow to love. Including the stuff only a Newfie "parent" can appreciate!

Of course, with 4 of the stories being about my "grandpuppies", I had to have it on my bookshelf!

This is still the definitive book on the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. Almost anything you want to know about the breed is here: its history, pedigrees of some well-known ancestors of today's Tollers, training information, even a full pictorial on how to groom a Toller from start to finish. Alison Strang and Gail McMillan share their love of the breed as well as their knowledge. I recommend this book to every Toller owner or would-be Toller owner, since your life won't be the same once one of these little red rascals joins your family.

This is just about as good a book on any breed you can get, it has pride and place with my other books.

If you are seriously considering adopting a Toller, then this book is a must-have reference. Ms. Strang encapsulates key information and lays it out in an easily-accessible format. She discusses the history, breeding, and temperament of the Toller in a comprehensive and interesting way. The step-by-step grooming section (and accompanying photos of the late, great Barney) is the best I've seen to date. It's rare to find a groomer familiar with the breed in the US; most assume they are small Goldens and that grooming is done similarly. Au contraire! When I used to bring my dog to a groomer, I learned years ago to bring a photocopy to serve as their cheat sheet/user's guide. Due in no small part to this section (and some hands-on training-thanks, Alison and Sandy MacF!), I now groom my own dogs. This reference has enriched our knowledge, understanding and enjoyment of the breed. We suggest it to people who meet our dogs and want to learn more. I definitely recommend it for anyone interested in this intelligent, active and keen breed.

It is is very good book about Tollers. Lay-out is very high quality. If you have Toller of your own or you want to know about Tollers it is a good buy.

This fantastic book really gets into all corners and hide-outs of the Toller. Alison's and Gail's knowledge of this dog is simply amazing. We as breeders show the book to all our friends in the dog world, and many of them has already bought it. Simply fantastic. Thanks Gail and Alison

The book is well written and consist of a wealth of knowledge about the breed. Unfortunately it is to theoretical and not as practical as I hoped it would be. Also the pics are dull and in black and white and doesn't give the book an attractive feel to it. Also some chapters in the book are useless information unless u plan to write a thesis about the first dogs in the line. Overall some useful info. in this book but will not consider it to be the ultimate book to describe Alaskan malamutes

We bought this book shortly after it first came out and from that point forward we have purchased copies for anyone who has gotten one of our puppies. We feel strongly that along with our mentoring new owners, this book provides a resource for them to understand their dog. Bobbie Brooks has done an outstanding service to our breed with this book!

You will find all you need to know about this fantastic breed from grooming, showing, training, and of course the origin. I recommend it to everyone who loves mals like me!! (greetings from Malta Europe)

I wish a bought this book before I got my first Malamute. It's got everything about the breed. As a malamute owner, it's one of the best books I've ever bought. I would even bet it's the most comprehensive book ever written on ANY dog breed!

This book tells it straight about the butchest dog there is. You can't say fairer than that.

I absolutely loved this book. It is a child's view of the Japanese internment camps.

I was assigned the topic of Japanese Americans and the internment camps for my final paper. First of all, I think this book accounts for my great grade. The book is full of information and photographs. Ms. Oppenheim also makes the story of what happened so clear. I am ashamed that my country did such a thing to their own citizens. It's scary really. It's also weird that not that many people my age even know about it. This should be taught more.

In many ways, "Dear Miss Breed" may be the best way to share the JA WW II experience with middle and high school students as the letters leave a personal touch to the story; yet there are plenty of accurate historical references about WW II events that affected the JA community. Even if you have read every book about life in Camps for JAs, Miss Breed's story just may move up the list and become your favorite book on this topic...everyone should read "Dear Miss Breed."

_Dear Miss Breed: True Stories of the Japanese American Incarceration During World War II and a Librarian Who Made a Difference_ by Joanne Oppenheim is the remarkable story of one woman who "fought injustice through the power of words and small, but constant, acts of kindness."

In 1942 Clara Breed was the first children's librarian at the San Diego Public Library. She loved children, and she loved books. Most of all, she loved connecting the two.

On April 1, 1942, Americans of Japanese ancestry, considered a threat to the security of the United States, were given one week to prepare for evacuation to an unknown site. They could take with them only what they could carry. They had to store, sell, or abandon the rest of their possessions.

As Miss Breed said good-bye to her young patrons at the railroad station, she gave them stamped postcards addressed to herself so that they could write her when they reached their new home. Thus began correspondences that would see families through their short-term "home" (horse stalls at the Santa Anita racetrack) and their home for several years (the relocation camp in Poston, Arizona). Over the years Miss Breed sent the children books, Christmas and birthday gifts, treats, and requested items. Even more important, she showed the children and their families that she cared for them. She wrote articles about their treatment for _Library Journal_ and _Horn Book Magazine_, awakening teachers and other librarians to their plight.

_Dear Miss Breed_ contains excerpts from the 200+ letters that Miss Breed received from the children between 1942 and 1945. Sadly, only one of the letters she had written could be found. However, the content of her letters can often be inferred from the children's letters.

Oppenheim introduces the children with photographs and brief biographies. Then she begins an account that is basically chronological. Through primary sources such as drawings, cartoons, official notices, articles, and letters to the editor, she reveals the attitudes of that time. Through their letters the children present first-hand accounts of their experiences in the detention camps. The families inspire us with the optimism they demonstrate in the face of oppression. Excerpts from Oppenheim's interviews with the correspondents decades later and excerpts from testimony during CWRIC (Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians) hearings held in cities across the United States in 1981 provide the perspective that is possible only after time has elapsed.

_Dear Miss Breed_ is masterfully told. The story is especially important as we find ourselves in the midst of another war when questions of detention and freedom are again an issue.

Recommended for sixth grade and older, including adults.

Can we stand firm for JUSTICE in wartime? HOW CAN WE NOT??

Clara Breed had a passion for children. She could not be silent when witnessing unjust actions taken by our government following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor (December 7, 1941). In the Foreword for this 2006 book, Elizabeth Kikuchi Yamada wrote "I am appalled I did not realize that I was a prisoner of my own government." (Read her moving poem on page 265).

The first children's librarian in San Diego, Miss Breed had become well-acquainted and friends with many children of first generation immigrants from Japan. As a child I learned from a sermon the Japanese numbers *ichi* - *ni* - *san* - *shi* - *go* ~~ On page 17 the author explains that "sei" is translated "generation" and is the key to the words *issei* - *nisei* - *sansei* - *yonsei*. ALL persons of Japanese ancestry in America are called "Nikkei" - - *kei* meaning thread or lineage.

When families were forced to leave for internment camps (the U.S. govt. says "internment" is not the correct title), the librarian's compassion was not 'switched off'. The children must have hung on desperately to their parents' stoic optimism to get them through the shock of being so ill-treated by the nation in which they were born, and other cruel ironies. Joanne Oppenheim's research and story-telling turned up pictures and letters of those young people & gathered them into a book well worth its "heft"!

It is easy to believe that Joanne Oppenheim was *destined* to tell this story. While 'tracking down' members of her own graduating class in upstate New York, she used her detecting skills to locate Ellen Yukawa who had been a classmate in 1945-1946 after release from internment. This is a poignant story in itself. Involvement in the extensive research in finding Miss Breed's other young friends seemed inevitable for Oppenheim.

It is disheartening to read that persons who later gained significant prominence (i.e., Chief Justice Earl Warren & cartoonist-author "Dr. Seuss") allowed their prejudices to surface publicly. (See the cartoon on page 40). Racism dictated laws which fed the greed of many who bought up confiscated land. Politicians who foisted their prejudices on the public deliberately fed the wildfires of Fear. This happened despite the efforts of *First Lady* Eleanor Roosevelt, and many respected clergy & Quakers.

Reviewer mcHAIKU deeply respects Clara Breed for being a positive influence in the lives of children who suffered greatly from the traumas of that war. Readers must ensure that Joanne Oppenheim's work stays visible in libraries and classrooms to remind teachers & students that all of us must be careful to respect the victims of any conflict.

*Believing that JUSTICE must be our standard, we shall act with compassion.*

Having read McCaig's other books, I found this one fascinating, but I agree that you might have to be a border collie enthusiast to really enjoy it. The trip through Scotland and finding Gael held my rapt attention. I agree with the Publisher's Weekly review, that McCaig should have stayed on the theme of his new dog and her subsequent life. He left me hanging on that one and I'm hoping there will be a sequel. Despite that, I loved the book anyway.

The only problem with his books are that they seem to read far too quickly. I find myself putting them down just to make them last. He knows how to pull you into a good story. "Nop's Trials" is a particularly great story. Unfortunately for me I stayed up all night with this one in hand until the very last page. Tired but glad to have read this one.

"Eminent Dogs, Dangerous Men" reads great but I'll lose no sleep from this one. A wonderful and captivating read. A real insiders perspective on working dogs and the sheepmen who work with them.

This is a fascinating read for dog lovers.

I have occasionally had friends decide they wanted a Border Collie - friends I knew should not get a Border Collie. I give them this book and it does a great job of changing their minds. And it entertains them at the same time.

I liked this book so much and it stuck with me so when I first read it - the many comments of his "wee bitch" and naming her Gael that my Gael was named from this book. Border collie enthusiasts who see just names on the papers of their dogs may well see some of those names in here. Wonderful people and dogs in real life and an enjoyable read of working dogs, both trials and every day dogs, in Scotland. Loved the book...as someone else mentioned if you're not a fan of border collies you might not find it quite as engaging. Recommended reading for border collie owners!!

A Border Collie owner, I could hardly wait to read this book, and the author's other books, Nop's Trials and Nop's Hope. A one-time visitor to Scotland who can't wait to go back, I eagerly looked forward to this book. And, I was not in the least bit disappointed on either count! The author's style is easy-going and readable, with a subtle humor throughout. His images are brilliant and I just felt like I was present for each scene that he wrote and a part of the action. Someone who has no interest in the working Border Collie might find the book dull. So also might someone who is not particularly interested in the very different lifestyle of the shepherd of Scotland. But for us who love the working Border Collie and find the life of the Scottish shepherd and his/her dog intriguing, this is an absolutely must-read book, over and over again!

We just lost our Golden Reteiever of 10 years totally unexpected due to cancer. She ran off to die. We were able to find her and bury her in our backyard. "Amy", the Golden in the book is like our Chantal who loved the Gulf beaches. For any Golden owner, this is MUST have book to help with the loss of the best breed of dog I've ever encountered.

I laughed and cried when I read this book. Vanderbilt truly depicts life with a Golden. My son was devastated when we lost our twelve-year old Golden; I sent him this book so he could, like the author, reflect on the joy of having one of these incredible dogs in our life. The author truly touches the sacred moments we share with these beautiful creatures. A must read for Golden owners.

This is a beautiful, honest book about a family's love for their Golden Retriever. While the humans in the story are skillfully drawn, the central character is Amy--a loving and loved Golden Retriever. I cried at the end of the book. The lesson of the book is that a much loved dog can have a dramatic impact on a family's life--even if she isn't a search and rescue or therapy dog.

You don't have to own a golden retriever to read and really enjoy this beautiful book. As a dog lover that I am, I read anything which has to do with dogs regardless of breed. This book is similar to "the dogs of our lives", a book which touches your heart and brings tears & laughter as you read it. Thank you Mr. Vanderbilt for sharing your memories with us.

I will admit right off the bat that the Chatham neighborhood that Amy and her human family inhabit is also my neighborhood. But I am sad to say that I never met Amy who sounded like a wonderful dog. All dogs are wonderful, in my book, and certainly in Arthur Vanderbilt's book "Golden Days." This is one of those tales where, although you know how it ends, you still weep at the end. Months later, certain scenes-- such as Amy's unusual love of bananas-- stick in the memory so that you feel you really knew Amy. "Golden Days" is a book about a golden retriever and it's also about those golden days of summer in a certain special place that Arthur Vanderbilt knows very well. I recommend this book for anyone who has ever cared for a dog. For anyone who has ever loved Cape Cod. In fact, I recommend this book, which is profoundly moving without being sappy, to everyone!

I was given this book as a gift in preparation for my new Cornish Rex kitten. I found it very informative. The author only confirmed my interest in having one of these incredible cats with personality plus++. The most important fact, for me, was her discussion of this breed's low tolerance to the pre-anesthetic, Ketamine. For the "pet quality" owner who will be spaying or neutering their Rex, this is certainly an important topic to discuss pre-operatively with your veterinarian.

This book is a wonderful reference for the Cornish Rex owner (really someone owned by a Cornish Rex!) or for people considering taking one of these balls of energy and loving, non-stop attention into their lives. These cats are a little different... and Greta Huls takes you through background, grooming, feeding, healthcare and breed standards in a very interesting, straightforward and informative way. For instance, the information on the breed's intolerance to pre-op drugs is invaluable and possibly a lifesaver. In addition, the wonderful photographs perfectly illustrate the Cornish Rex's beauty and character.

Greta's book is great. It is extremely informative. This is a great book for people with Cornishes in their family or ones who want to have one in their family. I learned so much more about my cat since I got her book. Excellent photos! A++++

As a devoted breeder of this wonderful breed of cats, I can wholeheartly recommend Greta's new book. She did her homework quite well and picked many breeders brains to come up with a great finished product. And a very much needed book for this breed. A+++++++++

when i first got my two cornish rex, i read all that i could find on the cornish rex breed, and i discovered that there were no comprehensive books on them. i really needed some tips + how-to's specific to rexes. fortunately, greta's book provides that. the text is informative and easy to read, as well as entertaining. thanks, greta! from one owner who's happier + a little more confident in her cat care now.

This book that will lift your spirits and warm your heart!

Willy was once an abandoned, handicapped chihuahua puppy dumped on the streets in a cardboard box.

Thanks to his adopter, who discovered the world of wheelchairs for dogs, Willy learned to fly!

Adults and children adore this book, and it is especially significant to the handicapped who share a special bond with Willy.

Make sure you also read How Willy Got His Wings

I find that the best inspirational tales come from real life - and this book is no exception. I saw the owner of Willy (yes, there actually is a real Willy) on Animal Planet and knew I just had to buy the book. It is as charming as expected and not just because of spunky little Willy, whose back legs are paralyzed and who has to learn to "walk" again, with the help of a special wheel-cart. It is just as inspiring to read of his owner's attempts to find a way to get him walking - using everything from acupuncture to helium balloons to hold up the back legs. A great read for the entire family!

This is the perfect book to teach empathy to children. The kindness that author Deborah Turner demonstrates towards her pet dog can be extended to humankind as well. We need to accept and love animals (and people) despite their weaknesses and frailties, focusing instead on their strengths and the love that comes back to us.

I read the book after hearing about it on tv, and have sent it to my great nieces. You see I am like Willy I am also in a wheelchair. I have never gotten to see my great-nieces in person and hope that when they reed the book and their mom explains to them that I am (like Willy) in a wheelchair that they cn understand why I haven't been able to come see them (they are in Oregon and I am in Missouri). Willy is a courageous pup and we can all learn from him how to face life's adversities.

Willy the Chihuahua lives at an animal hospital, because his back legs don't work. He dreams of having a home and a family and playing with other animals and chasing sticks. Then one day, a pretty lady comes and takes him home with her! Willy meets his new brother, another Chihuahua named Sweet Pea, and his new sister, a fluffy silver cat named Marshmallow.

Willy still can't walk or run, and has to use his front legs to drag himself from place to place, until his new mother tries some different ideas to help him get around--with often humorous results.

Filled with bright, gorgeous watercolor illustrations that even pre-readers can appreciate, HOW WILLY GOT HIS WHEELS is the story of a loveable and courageous little dog. Written for age levels 5-10, it's a book that everyone from toddlers to adults can enjoy on many levels. Authors Turner and Mohler have done a tremendous job of showing life from a physically disabled viewpoint without preaching or patronizing. Here's hoping we will get to hear more of Willy's adventures in the near future!

Kimberly Borrowdale Under the Covers Book Reviews