Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #306087 in Books
• Published on: 1999-08
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 231 pages

Synopsis
The authors provide a fascinating history of the German shepherd dog''s development combined with detailed advice on choosing and training one of the most impressive and intelligent of the guard dog breeds.'

From the Author
The purpose of this book
The publishers wanted a book written for the international market. Unfortunately, material for copy from some countries arrived too late to meet the deadlines. The book was renamed the "ESSENTIAL GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG" but was still intended for the world market. Our three basic aims were consideration for the following:-

1. The WUSV (i.e.German) type prevails throughout the world.

2. The GSD was created as a working dog and should remain so.

3. The text should relflect a "hands on" approach resultant from more than thirty years of breeding, exhibiting, tarining and judging GSDs(we are both qualified SV judges and have judged the breed throughout the world).

The International Canine Federation (FCI), which works closely with the WUSV, is the controlling body for all breeds throughought the world. Britain and the U.S.A. are not affiliated the the FCI, whose members are required to adopt and observe the breed standard, also the breeding, exhibiting, judiging and working practices of the country of origin. Therefore, respect for WUSV/FCI principles and practices in Britain and the U.S is voluntary rather than obligatory, which explains the existence of divergent breed types and traditions in both countries.

From the Inside Flap
The German Shepherd Dog is acclaimed worldwide as the most intelligent and impressive of the guarding breeds. The GSD's outstanding temperament means that it excels in a variety of roles, from the disciplines of police and security work, to working as a guide dog for the blind, and competing in Working Trials, Schutzhund, Obedience and Agility competitions. The good-looking German Shepherd Dog has also enjoyed great success in the show ring, and is the companion dog par excellence. In this highly comprehensive Book of the Breed, the authors trace the history of the breed from its origins in Germany to its present status worldwide. There is detailed coverage of training the GSD, starting from the crucial stage of socialisation through to advanced exercises. Expert advice is given on diet, exercise, breeding, genetics, and health care in this lavishly illustrated book, which is a must for all GSD enthusiasts.

Customer Reviews

Very comprehensive, but blinkered view of GSD types
A good overview and introduction to everything to do with GSDs from the history of the breed to choosing a puppy, basic training, background information about various working uses of the GSD, showing, breed standards, breeding and common ailments. Very comprehensive.

However, very biased towards the so-called "progressive" UK breeders and the international type of dog/WUSV standards and is full of pictures of hinged/roached-back dogs. Very dismissive of the British-type dog and scant information about showing styles under a UK judge.