The Complete Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds

This book has about 384 pages and, with over 1000 photographs and almost 400 different dog breeds, it is definitely a good reference book. After a standard introduction by the author (Juliette Cunliffe) the book is arranged in the following sections: Anatomy of the Dog: Including photographs and drawings of canine skeletons, explanation on care and function of teeth and nails, a quick peak at the importance of sight, sound, and smell to dogs, and a snapshot of how most dogs today live. The author also covers coat types and color and markings in this section Canine Terminology: This section gives a good if slightly brief explanation of what is meant by the terminology used in this book and in others (such as what is meant by the term 'Head Shape' and how it applies to a Bull Terrier--who has an egg shaped head versus a Wire Fox Terrier who should have a brick-shaped head). This section goes into detail about the back and underline, ear shape and set, eyes and expression, fronts and feet, head and skull, noses, tails, and other features in the wide variety of dogs on this earth. Dog Care and Management: This chapter covers topics like finding the right dog, how to care for a dog in your home, and training, feeding, grooming and general care. Health and Breeding: This chapter talks about common health concerns found in dogs, what kind of an emergency kit to put together for your canine, caring for elderly dogs and breeding techniques The History of Dogs: This is a self-explanatory section, going into information about dogs in ancient history popular dogs, baiting sports, cart dogs, carriage dogs, dogs and the church, collecting dogs, and travel with dogs. It also touches performing dogs, sled dogs, war dogs, early dog care and early canine equipment, kennel staff and nursing, early vet treatment, and early coat presentation. It also goes into canine heroes, information on the `tail-waggers club', myths and magic, and, of course, dogs and royalty. Dogs in the Arts: Talks about famous authors and painters who found inspiration in the dog, as well as dogs in the movies Dogs in the Human World: Talks about the interaction between humans and dogs, how it varies and how it has changed and is changing. It talks about how humans have influenced dog behavior, how dogs have helped us, and how we came to the point of having them as pets and friends. This section talks about the import of working, search and rescue, tracking and police dogs, as well as herding, showing, and hunting dogs. Showing Dogs: Goes into further detail about the competitive world of dog shows and sports Classifying Dogs: Explains how dogs are classified and even shows drawings of extinct breeds British Dog Breeds: This is obviously the meat-and-bones of the book. Do realize that this book is about breeds recognized in the UK and so it may not agree on all things with books founded on AKC knowledge (not something I realized when I purchased the book) I have personally found i