The Labrador Retriever: The Dog That Does It All

I loved this book, which is no mean feat, given the fact that I am a person who's had the distinct pleasure of sharing his house and his life with as many as six Labrador retrievers at a time over the last 20 years (I now have four), I am acutely aware of the wonder and awe associated with getting such a wonderful companion can be. Yet, sadly, I am also aware of the profound ignorance many would-be labrador-people are regarding how to select, introduce, and socialize this new member of the family. In that sense, this book , along with a number of others (e.g. Richard Wolper's "Family Dog") can provide the wary would-be initate with all of the essentials on how to successfully transform that cute little puppy into a happy, obdeient, and well-integrated member of the household. This book does offer one the expert advice one needs regarding the care and nurture of what has now become the single most popular breed in the United States, with information ranging from an impromptu history of Labrador Retrievers to such topics such as adoption options. The book also delivers to the prospective owner a wealth of facts and details regarding Labrador Retrievers. It provides essential and vital information regarding nutrition, socialization, and exercise, and offers some sage advice about how to find and select a reputable breeder. In addition, it also touches on aspects of ownerships such as common illnesses and chronic problems associated with the breed. This is a book I can heartily recommend! Enjoy!

The combined talent and experience of these two exceptional breeders has resulted in an outstanding, informative and well-rounded look at the Labrador Retriever. The book is a valuable source of information for anyone who owns a Labrador, or is interested in obtaining one. It covers the history and development of the breed, finding a responsible breeder to the care of the young and older dog. The book also provides a wonderful look at the versatility of the Labrador; from Show dogs to Field dogs, obedience, companions and guide dogs for the blind. It was wonderful to see the pictures and pedigrees of so many influential stud dogs of yesterday and today. Many of our own dogs can be traced back to these very special Labradors.The author's "take" on the functionality of the Labrador is exactly on the money. It is possible to have an outstanding looking Labrador that can also perform the tasks it was bred for. As seen on the cover, Baloo, as he is affectionately known, is not only an AKC Champion, from a long line of champions, but has also earned his Junior Hunter and Obedience titles. He is anything but clumsy, unathletic or dysplastic, and has an OFA excellent rating. Perhaps Baloo's most important gift to the breed has been his progeny. He is credited with producing champions, guide dogs, hunters and obedience title dogs, whom have also inherited his "superdog" temperament. The success of this particular dog can only be summed up as "a breeders dream come true".Buy the book; don't just leaf through it. You won't be disappointed.

I really enjoyed this book tremendously. It had excellent insight into the qualities of this breed and was very evenhanded in its evaluations. The sections on puppy, adult and senior dog care were useful and informative. I was particularly impressed with how the authors dealt with the subject of breeding. The list of responsiblities and situations breeders dealt with was informative and eye opening and I felt this was a very responsible treatment of that subject.

The writing is clear and concise, the photography is brilliant. Very enjoyable reading for Labrador breeders/owners/handlers. Chapters cover a broad range of topics; from selecting a puppy to caring for an older dog, and everything in between. What a treat to read!

This is a book for the novice and the veteran Labrador person alike (show, field or couch). Very well laid out, great photography presented by two of the most well respected names in Labradors today. This is a great book for someone considering a Lab, for breeders to send home with puppies or for a seasoned Labrador's bookshelf.