Expanded Description:
Have you ever wondered how dog show judges learn to identify the subtle differences that separate a dog that is merely good from a dog that is outstanding? Now you can develop your own eye for sound movement and structure and learn how color, marking, size, and even leash position affect the judge’s perception. You get to actively participate in over 100 judging scenarios similar to what a judge encounters in the show ring and compare your opinion with the author’s. Dog Writers Association award winner.
2004 Dog Writers Assn. of America Writing Competition Winner, Best Reference Book!
What reviewers are saying...
"This book is based on Bob’s more than 20 years of writing and publishing
articles for the dog fancy. He integrated his skills as a dog illustrator with
his talent for taking a technical subject of evaluating and judging dogs into
written form that could be understood by the broad spectrum that comprises the
dog fancy. Bob’s work was, and is controversial. He was always learning. He
welcomed honest disagreement - as long as the person could provide reasons for
their opinion. This theme carries through in this book. As Bob states in his
foreword, "As the author, I will contribute an opinion as to the order of merit
of each class, but in the end the final decision is that of the reader. Go
ahead! Disagree with me, challenge me, and above all enjoy yourself!" The
attitude of a lifelong student and teacher of purebred dogs, that I was
privileged to know as a friend. Our discussions were always two way learning
experiences. Everyone involved in purebred dogs should buy this book. You can
start reading anywhere or start from the beginning and read to the end - you
will be challenged and you will learn - whether you want to be or not. The book
consists of 29 Chapters divided into four parts Sections. Part I, Type, Balance
and Proportions; Part II, Features; Part III, Movement; and Part IV, Faults and
Illusions." E. M. Gilbert Jr.
DOGS IN CANADA
"If one were to believe the average dogbook review, every-and anything that is printed between two covers is wonderful and should be added to everyone in the fancy’s library. Not so! There are positives and negatives in just about any dog book written (who knows better than I?) and what is valuable in a book is lost if the reader is not discerning.
What I like about the late Robert W. Cole’s new book is that it inspires the reader to think and compare. Having what’s right and what’s wrong in a breed put down in crystal clear images allows the reader to make those critical comparisons that pave the way for understanding and improvement.
And certainly, this writer can’t help but be flattered by Cole’s use, albeit unacknowledged, of four of the five elements of breed type that first appeared in the Dogs In Canada series “Unveiling the mysteries of breed type."
Breed type has too long been the dog game’s great enigma and any work that can help the student develop clarity in this respect is well worth the investment. Cole’s treatise contributes markedly in this respect.
His unquestioned graphic ability beautifully illustrates how even subtle deviations in structure can significantly alter what is intended.
He devotes ample space to this occurring in the type elements of silhouette, head, movement and coat (colour; marking, etc.) Particularly helpful are his graphics illustrating how length and depth of body opposed to length of leg contribute to or detract from correct silhouette.
My criticism of Cole’s book lies in his having omitted breed character as an element of breed type. Breed character is the sum total of all the mental and physical characteristics that define not only what the breed should look like, but how it should conduct itself. A dog possessing all the clues to its origin and history and assists the observer in establishing that all-important vision of excellence for the breed. It is critical in understanding breed type and its absence leaves the other four elements dangling.
In all fairness, Cole’s book of graphics and breed character is not easily illustrated. That said, character must always be addressed in any work concerning itself with breed type. So long as the reader approaches An Eye for a Dog with this in mind, it is a valuable addition to any dog fancier’s library." Rick Beauchamp
DOG WORLD
“How do judges pick winners? In this book, which won the Dog Writers Association of America 2004 award for Best Reference Book, readers learn how to puck the outstanding dog from the good and mediocre. Color, markings, size, and even leash handling can all influence the judge’s perception. The late Robert Cole was an outstanding illustrator, and his drawings show the reader subtle differences in balance and proportion, how movement should vary between breeds, and how faults can be masked.”
Stephanie Horan
WHIPPET WATCH MAGAZINE
“Highest praises for Mr. Cole. This book puts into
layman's terms so many things from structure to
movement to type. This should be a MUST READ for
anyone showing or breeding. I love how he explains how
different movements can be indications of structural
correctness or incorrectness.
The illustrations and "you be the judge" scenarios are
highly effective educational tools. Dog Show judges
should be required to read this cover to cover! Two
paws up on this great title!.”
Mary Magee
MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW
“[This book] tells how to actively participate in over 100 show ring dog-judging scenarios, offering a review of the concepts of breed type, balance, proportion, and breed differences. Chapters cover head features, proportions, trot profiles and more, making for an outstanding survey perfect for any library catering to dog owners and neo-pro show dog patrons.”
James A. Cox
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