ATLAS OF DOG BREEDS OF THE WORLD

©  by Bonnie Wilcox, DVM and Chris Walkowicz  

Covering 400 some breeds, with more than 1100color photos and tipping the scales at 10+ pounds, the Atlas is the most in-depth book written on dogs in modern times. The authors believe, as do most animal behaviorists, that if more pets were chosen through knowledge rather than seduction by a pair of deep, soulful eyes, fewer pets would end their existence at an animal shelter....or worse. An understanding of the individual breeds can best be attained by a study of the parent groups and their accompanying predispositions/inclinations/proclivities. Only after such research should a pet be chosen to fill and complete a family and its individual lifestyle.

Our intent is for this book to help all dog enthusiasts more fully appreciate their own breed choice. These insights will help dog owners see what causes the pleasing characteristics -- as well as the ones that irritate them. Ingrained breed nature instills the sweetness, intelligence, loyalty, sturdiness, working and protective qualities thatwe desire in the various breeds. This very nature also motivates digging, yapping terriers; chasing, yelping herding dogs; aggressive, barking flockguards and mastiffs; straying, howling gun dogs and hounds; and independent, aloof sighthounds and pariahs.

Most people, however, have deep feelings for their pets and, according to surveys, consider them an important part of the family. For these dog lovers, it is interesting to discover and to share what makes their dogs "tick." Frequently, people tend to focus on the world of dogs from the narrow viewpoint of their favorite breed, as if it were an isolated phenomenon. Even the hobby breeder or exhibitor may attend a kennel club show and watch the Pomeranians, Schipperkes and Norwegian Elkhounds, all in different group divisions and be unaware that these breeds share a close common background. Through the Atlas, dog lovers will have the opportunity to look at the great diversity of dogs through a wide-angle lens.

Many people do not realize that more than 400breeds of dogs share our world with us. Some of them are common in their homelands; others are unknown even to the people who share their native countries. Yet all of these breeds have carved a niche and a relationship with humankind. Moreover, every one was created for a specific purpose. These are truly "Dogs For All Reasons."

bw/cw

 

 

(Excerpted from Atlas of Dog Breeds of the World (c) BonnieWilcox, DVM, and Chris Walkowicz)

  • Contents:
  • How To Use the Atlas
  • Breed Name Cross-Reference
  • Dogs For All Reasons
  • The Flock Guards
  • The Mastiffs
  • The Scenthounds
  • Gun Dogs
  • The Northern Breeds
  • Herding Dogs
  • The Terriers
  • Southern Dogs
  • The Dogs of the World
  • Glossary
  • Bibliography
  • Contributors
  • Index

©  Chris Walkowicz

Go to homepage