The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds

by Joan Palmer

Lavishly illustrated, the 256 page directory of breeds is presented by group in the order: non-sporting, working, herding, gundogs, hounds, terriers and toy. The background to each breed is detailed - its origins, development, characteristics and, where applicable, mode of working. Breed standards are given as well as care boxes for at a glance tips for looking after each breed. Also featured are some 79 rare breeds, ranging from the ancient Hellenic Hound to the highly specialized Lundehund, or Norwegian Puffin Dog. An introductory sections covers the history of dogs, ranging back over the millennia to the wild dogs which first warmed themselves at the fires of early humans. There follow sections on the anatomy, physiology, and psychology of the dog, and specialist terminology is illustrated with examples taken from the breeds featured in the Encyclopedia. Photographs, maps, and drawings show how particular conformations and characteristics have evolved into groupings which are recognized today.

Genres: Dogs, Animals, Nonfiction, Reference

256 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1994

Reviews

[Stephen Wallace · Rating 3 out of 5]

My copy has Copyright 1994, this printing 2003.

Big book with a big nice picture of the dog on each page. Each page ahs a summary with some history, character and care, and a box with key characteristics; Class, Size, Coat, Colour, and other Features. Each breed includes a ‘care box’ 4 x 4 box with the amount filled in to represent amount of exercise, quantity of food that should be given, amount of grooming that is appropriate, and the last box is for suitability of the breed for a small house or apartment with more blocks indicated needing more room. The breed’s origin is mentioned in the summary but there is also a little globe map in the corner with a mark to indicate what part of the world it came from. I don't think that little map is helpful, but maybe for people who don't know any geography...

There is also a few pages in the front covered History and Origins of dogs, and formation and terminology. This and all the encyclopedia books have some information no the breed groups.

Something different though is there is a section in the back for rare breeds where some dogs are given a paragraph. I think some of these rare breeds in my other book are either not covered, or are given a full page.

Not as well laid out as my other Dog Encyclopedia books. Not as much history as I would like on each breed. It would be ok to pick it up from thrift store and use as a coffee table book.

[Soul-jurney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am studying Animal Sciences and this proved to be a good guide to breeds...

[. · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was informitive. I enjoyed reading it.

[Rishi · Rating 4 out of 5]

GOOD

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fantastic book! It is highly informative and written in simple terms, so I could understand. I <3 dogs so much.

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the bright colored illustrations.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely book of dog breeds, perfect for the dog fanatic! (Like me!)