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American Kennel Club
The New Complete Dog Book, 22nd Edition: Official Breed Standards and Profiles for Over 200 Breeds (CompanionHouse Books) American Kennel Club's Bible of Dogs: 920 Pages, 7 Variety Groups, 800 Photos
The New Complete Dog Book is the American Kennel Club's "Bible" of dogs. For the past 88 years it has been the ultimate breed resource--the one book that no purebred dog aficionado and expert can live without. In addition to being the longest continually published dog book in history, it is also the most successful dog book ever published, with over two million copies sold. The revised and updated 22nd edition contains revised breed standards, changes in breed classifications, and recently recognized breeds. Dog owners, breeders, and clubs will find the most current information here on AKC registration, competitive events, and programs. A celebration of every breed of dog recognized by the American Kennel Club--over 200 breeds--this new 22nd edition offers readers: Official standard for every AKC-recognized breed, including seven variety Groups and the Miscellaneous Class Breed histories, puppy-buying tips, and pet attributes, each breed written by one of the 200 AKC national parent clubs Over 800 exceptional color photographs of adults and puppies illustrate each four-page breed entry Spotlight on finding well-bred puppies, sports and activities for dogs and owners, AKC programs, and canine anatomy Illustrated glossary of canine terminology
920 pages, Hardcover
First published November 25, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 28, 2016
I was wondering when a new one would come out, and this is apparently it. I do like the addition of color photographs for the various breeds, though I also didn't really have an issue with the black/white photos many of the older editions had. As with previous additions, it is essentially a book of the AKC standards for the currently recognized breeds. The major strength this edition has over previous editions is that it contains breeds that were recognized in the past few years.
As far as weaknesses, the amount of general information (that is, the sections aside from the breed profiles and standards) is reduced from some of the earlier editions. I suspect this is simply to make room for the number of breeds now recognized without the book becoming any more unwieldy than it already is (it's huge).
The outlines of the breeds that are present before each standard are variable in the usefulness. Most seem to contain rehashed versions of the same information--basically, pick a responsible breeder, and trust that breeder to pick out the right puppy for you. Pick a healthy puppy. Some use outdated references to dominance model training, which has largely been disproven in recent years. Most breed profiles do not deal fully or entirely honestly with the issues present in the various breed, and this cannot be your only resource for breed research.
That said, if you're interested in seeing what the dogs in shows are judged against or just want a fairly pretty book with some general information on the majority of breeds you're likely to encountered in the United States, it is a good resource. It's just something to be used alongside other sources.
As far as weaknesses, the amount of general information (that is, the sections aside from the breed profiles and standards) is reduced from some of the earlier editions. I suspect this is simply to make room for the number of breeds now recognized without the book becoming any more unwieldy than it already is (it's huge).
The outlines of the breeds that are present before each standard are variable in the usefulness. Most seem to contain rehashed versions of the same information--basically, pick a responsible breeder, and trust that breeder to pick out the right puppy for you. Pick a healthy puppy. Some use outdated references to dominance model training, which has largely been disproven in recent years. Most breed profiles do not deal fully or entirely honestly with the issues present in the various breed, and this cannot be your only resource for breed research.
That said, if you're interested in seeing what the dogs in shows are judged against or just want a fairly pretty book with some general information on the majority of breeds you're likely to encountered in the United States, it is a good resource. It's just something to be used alongside other sources.
April 20, 2016
(Regarding the full-color 21st edition) This is an enormous book covering every AKC-recognized breed, with many breeds I've never heard of before.
We recently adopted a "hound mix" from a local animal shelter and from Internet searches, I have determined that she is most likely an American Foxhound.
I decided to peruse this book at the library instead of bringing it home. The information is interssting, but I did not learn anything new about our new family member and I'm not that interested in "breed standards." I am not planning to ever show our pets and I would be justas happy with a "mutt."
We recently adopted a "hound mix" from a local animal shelter and from Internet searches, I have determined that she is most likely an American Foxhound.
I decided to peruse this book at the library instead of bringing it home. The information is interssting, but I did not learn anything new about our new family member and I'm not that interested in "breed standards." I am not planning to ever show our pets and I would be justas happy with a "mutt."
January 6, 2018
Every time the AKC prints a new edition of this classic, they make it bigger. Now, the book is so huge it's unwieldy. Honestly, it's nearly a thousand pages. Either cut out the number of articles included or break it down into 2 volumes.
February 9, 2018
I think this is the best dog book because it tells you about every purebred dog
January 4, 2023
Super informative!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews