The Good, the Bad, and the Furry: Choosing the Dog That's Right for You

by Sam Stall

Book Overview

Honest and illustrated profiles of over of 100 dog breeds--for the aspiring pet owner looking to find their 'furever' furry friend

With The Good, the Bad, and the Furry, author Sam Stall has consulted with dozens of breed rescue groups to learn the best--and worst--traits of more than 100 different dogs, from Affenpinschers and Afghans to Whippets and Yorkshire Terriers. These illustrated profiles offer honest, warts-and-all assessments of the world's most popular breeds--and show which ones are right for you.

- Like to watch TV? The Brussels Griffon is a perfect companion for a couch potato's lifestyle.
- Love to garden? So does the Bernese Mountain Dog, so be careful. Anyone considering this breed should expect a backyard full of holes.
- Have a house full of kids? The trusty Irish Setter will be their best friend.
- Live in a big-city high-rise? Pass on the Jack Russell Terrier--these dogs have tremendous energy and need plenty of open space to burn it off.

With more than 100 illustrations and a handy at-a-glance icon reference system, The Good, the Bad, and the Furry has everything you need to find the right dog for you

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1594740216
• ISBN13: 9781594740213
• Release Date: April 2005
• Publisher: Quirk Books
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.8" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Best help ever

Provides a common-sense approach to choosing a dog. This is a must-read for any first time dog owner.

Great Book for Overview of Breeds

I think this book offers great overviews of most. Ok not every exotic breed is not covered. Of course the author can't be exact about every breed and some difference of opinion is normal. Every dog isn't the same in a given breed but this book, in my opinion, gives a good overview of each. I own a Pomeranian and found his description accurate. Buy this book if you are thinking of getting a pure breed dog!

A very funny book

If you want an honest (and often hysterical) assessment of every breed's strengths and shortcomings, I think there's no better book on the market. The author consulted with dozens of breed rescue groups to compile this material, and the foreword from ASPCA President Edwin Sayres says it all: "If you're contemplating the adoption or purchase of a dog...I urge you to read this book!" I urge you to read it, too!

Great book for starry eyed dog owners.

I loved this book! Perfect for starry eyed puppy buyers who aren't really sure what they are getting into. Dogs love you from the moment you get them. Nothing is worse than breaking your committment to them just because things get a little rough. It breaks a dog's heart. Informative and entertaining read. Very honest.

Incredibly helpful

One word: Honest. More words: One of the things about many pets books is they seem to have an agenda. This one doesn't. It's a very practical, readable guide to picking a canine pet. It will certainly upset people who already have their minds made up but that's not who the book seems to be for. Expect to see people carrying it into the bookstore. I know I will.