Mutts: America's Dogs
In this encyclopedic approach to the all-American dog-the mixed breed-behaviorist Kilcommons (Good Owners, Great Dogs, Warner, 1992) and coauthor Capuzzo have considered mutts from all angles and come up with over 100 combinations. They start out by providing an introduction to mixes and pointedly denounce purebreds, contending that purebreds are riddled with problems from overbreeding and lack of hybrid vigor. In Part 2, the meat and potatoes of the book, the authors use the American Kennel Club classification as an organizational focus to group their mutts by type: sporting (including retriever, setter, spaniel, and pointer mixes), hound, working, terrier, herding, and nonsporting. Offering insight into the behavioral characteristics of the purebred that make up the mutt in question, Kilcommons and Capuzzo tell readers what to expect from various combinations of breeds. Part 3 focuses on selection and training, giving commonsense advice that would benefit all dog owners. Peppered with humor, illustrative stories, and captivating photos, this guide should be read by all potential owners before they purchase that "doggy in the window." Essential for public libraries.Edell Marie Schaefer, Brookfield P.L., Wis.Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.