The Complete Dog Book: 20th Edition

Excellent proof standard

I am a dog lover. This book is truly complete in many important ways. My library has this book available both in circulation and in the reference department. This unusual situation speaks well for this book. This book details over 150 breeds with up to 5 pages of detail on each breed. Every dog owner should have this book handy especially if their dog interacts with any other breeds. My dog and I go to a nearby dog park where we interact with many other breeds. If a prospective dog owner is studying to determine which breed of dog is best for them and their family this book should prove to be very valuable. Information in the book includes sections on history, training and health care. There are over 100 illustrations in full color.

In my opinion this is a nice book. I am very active in show dogs and the AKC, so this book suits me fine. However, some people may not be completely happy with it. For instance, if you want to know what breed of dog you should get, this is not the book to help you. Although it glosses over the history and care of each breed, you will need a lot more information if you want to decide which breed to get. Also, if you are not into purebred dogs or their standards, you probably wouldn't be interested in the book, maybe only the last section with dog care in it. Which brings me to this point: if you are looking for a book which teaches you how to care for your dog, this book only contains only the absolute basics, and you will need a much more detailed book to teach you thorough care. Another thing is, there are more than 400 breeds of dogs, and since the AKC recognizes around 150 of them, this book only gives you a small taste of all the breeds that are out there. With that said, I truly enjoyed this book, and if you are none of the above, then I recommend this book to you!

A "MUST HAVE" book for the American dog lover. This book is the Official Publication of the American Kennel Club. Loads of information, with photos of recognized American dog breeds. Great for people trying to decide which breed to own.From inside flap of the front cover:This is the best selling dog book of all time, well on the way to its second million!America's official book on the pure-bred dog, published by the American Kennel Club since 1929, THE COMPLETE DOG BOOK is dedicated "to acquainting the public with the appearance and qualifications of each breed, and guiding their owners in keeping their dogs healthy, happy and well-behaved."

I think this book was wonderfully written and the word complete in the title doesn't even come close to the truth. There was wonderful insight to the origin, temperment and care for dogs. The glossary and possible medical problems for dogs in the back is great.

Definitely the complete dog book. Only the AKC could compile such a magnificent encyclopedia of dogs, their temperments, genetic problems, not to mention some basic training and health tips. As a dog owner and writer I find myself constantly looking into this book for needed facts and reading far beyond what I originally intended. What more can one say?