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Notes:
- While some of
these bibliographies are fairly extensive, others are only just begun;
all are works in progress. Because each list is based initially on my
own library, there is a strong bias in completeness toward breeds I
have owned (almost all spitzes, particularly Keeshonden
and Pomeranians) or
of which I'm particularly fond (several terriers, toys and gazehounds,
plus Great Danes).
I am filling in other breed bibliographies as I have time, with first
priority on breeds that have been kept and loved by family members and
friends: Scotch Collie,
Fox Terrier, Border
Collie, Collie
and, again, various gazehounds. As to whether I'll ever get around to
the sporting breeds...eventually, I'm sure I will. Speaking of which—
- If there is
a breed or family of breeds you love that is covered skimpily or not
at all, please feel free to send me information on print resources.
I will be happy to expand this bibliography beyond its current limitations,
and I will credit contributors.
- I am only fluent
in English, but a number of the books listed here are in German, Dutch,
Swedish, Danish, Spanish, French, Korean or Japanese (or other languages).
I studied German in high school and college; with my very basic knowledge
of the language, the aid of dictionaries and grammars, and much time
and effort, I can read simple texts in German and pick out meaning from
simple texts in other Germanic languages, which is why you will see
at least some notations on Germanic-language books on my favorite breeds.
I cannot really give much information on books in other languages, so
if someone would like to volunteer commentaries on books in other languages
(including German and other Germanic!), I would welcome the assistance
and be very glad to credit the reviewer.
- If you see any
mistakes or omissions, please let me know!
- Breeds have been
categorized according to my own opinions, of which I have many (and
I freely admit not everyone will agree with all of them). If you don't
find the breed you're looking for under one category, try under other
headings just in case I've done something eccentric.
- Some breeds
lumped together by some registries under a single name are considered
separate breeds by other registries (e.g., the Norwegian
and Swedish Elkhounds);
where that is the case, I have generally opted for splitting. There
are other cases where I have lumped together varieties under a single
breed (e.g., Belgian
Shepherd). Choices were made partly to simplify listings due to
the fact that many published sources on such breeds cover all the varieties,
particularly in the cases where divisions are recent. Generally I have
consulted FCI
breed groupings and respected the practice of countries of origin in
my decision-making process. I am open to educated dissent, and will
consider making changes given sufficiently persuasive argument.
- The standard
by which I write my annotations is this: My ideal breed book is authoritative,
written by a person or persons with a longstanding association with
the breed and recognized expertise as a breeder, exhibitor or trainer—this
should be obvious, but is by no means always the case. The book addresses
every issue of dog ownership, including aspects the prospective owner
doesn't yet know if he or she will ever need or care about. I want:
- information
on the breed's temperament, character and personality, including
anecdotes from the author(s) and other fanciers about particular
individuals
- discussion
of typical appearance, structure and movement with reference to
breed standards from leading registries, including illustrative
diagrams and photographs, and some explanation of the reasoning
and/or history behind the standards' requirements
- breed history
from its origins to prominent historical and modern bloodlines and
kennels, and influential or outstanding human and canine individuals,
with information and photographs to explain their importance to
the breed's development
- extensive
illustration, both photographic and historical artwork, of individual
dogs of all ages and colors or types, including those who excel
in the conformation ring, in whatever work is appropriate to the
breed, in obedience, in agility, and in modern working roles such
as therapy dogs or assistance dogs where applicable
- discussion
of the breed's original job(s), as well as work done by individual
dogs of the modern day
- advice on
acquiring a puppy or grown dog, including information on breed clubs,
rescue organizations, and taking in a rescue dog
- a solid
introduction to training for good canine citizenship, the obedience
ring, tracking, agility and other dogsports, and the breed's original
work if appropriate, with reference to the breed's specific temperament
and some history of the breed's performance record within these
various arenas
- discussion
of known health problems in the breed, general canine health care,
injury and disease prevention, vaccination, when to call the vet,
and first aid
- grooming
how-to
- scientifically-based
up-to-date information on nutrition
- husbandry,
to include housing recommendations, care for the canine senior citizen
and dogs with handicaps or chronic illnesses (e.g., diabetes)
- methods for
dealing with behaviour problems
- dog shows,
including discussion of the fine points, accomplishments, and records
as producers, of the breed's great winners
- a discussion
of issues surrounding breeding, the most important being whether
or not to breed at all, with at least a chapter on inheritance
/ genetics (as understood at the time of writing) as it pertains
to dogs generally and breed-specific issues (genetic defects, color,
coat length and texture, etc.); sample breeding and puppy contracts
are an excellent addition, as well as a breed club's Code of Ethics
for breeders
- at least
an introduction to the actual process of breeding dogs, whelping,
raising puppies, and an outline of puppy physical, mental and emotional
development
- a bibliography
of the sources the author used in preparing the text
- a really
thorough index
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