The Ultimate German Shepherd Dog

Rating:
Summary: Decent Book
Review: Brit Sheila Rankin compiled this fascinating coffee table book which includes a wealth of information on the German Shepherd dog. The photographs are excellent and numerous. She includes information from a wealth of different resources and touches on everything from the History of the GSD to how to house train a new puppy.

I would suggest that this volume is a wonderful resource for those wanting an overall picture of what a German Shepherd is and should be, however, it is Not a training tool.

The chapters to do with training a GSD are abbreviated and simplistic in nature. The Ultimate German Shepherd Dog is however, a great resource for those contemplating owning a GSD or a a companion book for a more substantial training manual.

Rating:
Summary: Informative and Interesting
Review: Brit Sheila Rankin compiled this fascinating coffee table book which includes a wealth of information on the German Shepherd dog. The photographs are excellent and numerous. She includes information from a wealth of different resources and touches on everything from the History of the GSD to how to house train a new puppy.

I would suggest that this volume is a wonderful resource for those wanting an overall picture of what a German Shepherd is and should be, however, it is Not a training tool.

The chapters to do with training a GSD are abbreviated and simplistic in nature. The Ultimate German Shepherd Dog is however, a great resource for those contemplating owning a GSD or a a companion book for a more substantial training manual.

Rating:
Summary: Decent Book
Review: I think this is a good book, but I think people need to be aware of what type of book it is. I think this book is excellent for pictures and basic dog knowledge. There is some information about all aspects of this breed, which I think is good. I don't think though that it is ideal book for people wanting to understand GSD psychology, as well as Schutzhund work. It does cover these areas to some degree as I mentioned, but not near enough.

I would recommend this book to people that like GSDs, and perhaps are interested in showing them. It has superb photographs and is nice to own for those purposes. I personally think though that showing dogs is primarily what cripple the breed characteristics and temperament that predominantly are used for any form of working task. If one wants to show their dog, then they should at least qualify in certain events that protect the breed's instinct and it's designed abilities. Many people feel that this is very unnecessary, especially when it comes to training them to protect. My opinion to people who want a pet is to get just that. I don't feel GSDs or any other working canines should be bred for any other reason than their intended purpose whether that is conformation work or hunting wild game.

I also wish that books designed for specific breeds would discuss things about their behavior rather than basic dog maintenance and other common knowledge topics that are discussed in books on dogs in general.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful!
Review: This book is a great coffee table book for both the novice Shepherd fancier and the experienced. It goes into detail about many subjects, from why the GSD is so much more than just a dog, through to health matters, with a particularly good illustrated breed standard and the views of various well known judges, with professional colour photos throughout. I like the sections on police, guide and service dogs written by people in those fields. This version has a far nicer cover than my copy, mine is beige and plain!

Rating:
Summary: One of the best ones yet!
Review: This is an excellent book! I recommend it to any one who wants to learn more about the German Shepherd, or even if you do own it buy it! The history is very detailed and each time I read it I get more info. I have a Shepherd myself and this book helped me work with her. It's a great book!

Rating:
Summary: One of the best ones yet!
Review: This is an excellent book! I recommend it to any one who wants to learn more about the German Shepherd, or even if you do own it buy it! The history is very detailed and each time I read it I get more info. I have a Shepherd myself and this book helped me work with her. It's a great book!