[.ca] Spanish Water Dog (ISBN 1593783442)

Spanish Water Dog,Cristina Desarnaud,Kennel Club Books, 2003:
158 pages of quality information and photographs actually written about this rare but growing breed. Covers all aspects particular to the breed from puppy to senior years including temperment and traits particular to the Spanish Water Dog. This volume is NOT a cut and paste production built around a template to sell pet products. A previous reviewer expressed a cut and paste impression. Portions of the book on general health care are obviously provided by the publisher for the series which this is volume 332. The author has adhered to an outline yet tailored her writing to give an objective and complete discussion specific for this somewhat unusual medium sized nonshedding herding and working water dog. The only attribute not covered is the interaction of the breed's wooly coat and snow.

Generic but better than nothing.:
Until this book was published, the only information regarding the breed was written in Spanish. I applaud the authors for their attempt to educate the English-speaking people of the world with regards to this ancient breed. The photos alone are reason to purchase a used copy of this book but when it comes to factual information on the history one should look elsewhere. I hope this book encourages other potential authors to conduct in-depth research by contacting the Association Espanola del Perro de Agua Espanol, the herders and fishermen of Spain before they attempt such a noteworthy undertaking.

A not so comprehensive guide:
I was most excited to receive my copy of the SWD Comprehensive Review. While the book is informative with tons of photographs it was too general for my liking. I was expecting it to be written more breed specific in all aspects and to tell me some things I didn't already know. It is almost like the SWD was just plugged into many sections as those pertain to all breeds. The sections on general doggie training and health were just that, general almost everyday information that most dog owners already know or rely upon their vet to take care of for them. If a picture is worth 1,000 words then the pictures in this book must make up the selling price. Other than that, the information was stuff I already knew before falling in love with the breed. I am disappointed.