Explore the AKC's bible of dogs!
- 920 pages packed with sporting dogs, hounds, working dogs, terriers, toy dogs, herding dogs, and more
- Every AKC-recognized breed, over 200 of them, including 7 variety Groups and the Miscellaneous Class
- Over 800 photos of beautiful dogs at work and play, in full color
- Finding a breeder and the right puppy for you, including what to look for and red flags
- Breed histories, newly written for the 22nd edition, and pet attributes for each breed
The New Complete Dog Book is the American Kennel Club's "bible" of dog breeds. Since its original publication in 1928, it has been the ultimate breed resource—the one book that no purebred dog aficionado and expert can live without. In addition to being the longest continually published dog book in history, it is also the most successful dog book ever published, with over two million copies sold. Whether you're interested in show dogs or a particular breed as a pet, this is the ultimate guide to dogs!
This revised and updated 22nd edition contains updated breed standards, changes in breed classifications, and recently recognized breeds. Dog owners, breeders, and clubs will find the most current information here on AKC registration, competitive events, and programs. A celebration of every breed of dog recognized by the American Kennel Club—now 201 breeds—you'll find the official standard for every AKC-recognized breed, including seven variety Groups and the Miscellaneous Class; breed histories, each written by one of the 200 AKC national parent clubs; puppy-buying tips; pet attributes; over 800 exceptional color photographs of adults and puppies; spotlights on finding well-bred puppies, sports and activities for dogs and owners, AKC programs, and canine anatomy; an illustrated glossary of canine terminology; and a four-page profile dedicated to each breed entry.
Inside this book, among 201 dog breeds, you'll find profiles on:
- The Sporting Group: Cocker Spaniel, Golden Retriever, Pointer, Irish Setter, Labrador Retriever, Weimaraner, Wirehaired Vizsla—30 individual breeds
- The Hound Group: American Foxhound, Basset Hound, Bloodhound, Borzoi, Greyhound, Irish Wolfhound, Redbone Coonhound, Whippet—30 individual breeds
- The Working Group: Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Boxer, Bullmastiff, Chinook, Doberman Pinscher, Great Dane, Rottweiler, Saint Bernard—30 individual breeds
- The Terrier Group: Bull, Cairn, Glen of Imaal, Irish, Kerry Blue, Miniature Schnauzer, Norfolk, Rat, Russell, Scottish, Skye, Soft Coated Wheaten—31 individual breeds
- The Toy Group: Affenpinscher, Brussels Griffon, Chihuahua, Italian Greyhound, Maltese, Papillon, Pekingese, Pomeranian, Pug, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier—21 individual breeds
- The Non-Sporting Group: Bichon Frise, Bulldog, Chow Chow, Dalmatian, French Bulldog, Lhasa Apso, Poodles, Shiba Inu, Xoloitzcuintli—20 individual breeds
- The Herding Group: Australian Shepherd, Beauceron, Belgian Sheepdog, Border Collie, Finnish Lapphund, German Shepherd Dog, Old English Sheepdog, Pumi—30 individual breeds
- The Miscellaneous Class: Azawakh, Barbet, Belgian Laekenois, Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen, Peruvian Inca Orchid, Portuguese Podengo—9 individual breeds
Definitive, authoritative, and published by the American Kennel Club, The New Complete Dog Book, 22nd Edition is the ultimate resource for anyone interested in purebred dogs!
Reviews (55)
Not for the average dog "lover".......
This book is fantastic for advanced dog professionals only. It's not for the "dog enthusiast." It covers every breed and all their standards, etc. For the average dog lover, I'd go with the "Dog Encyclopedia." I'm in the middle and have both, so just wanted to share that information with you. :)
Great Place to Start
This book is fantastic! I'm so happy with my purchase. There is something for every dog lover in this book from sections on breeding, competition, the different AKC programs and funds, to finding and raising the perfect puppy and dog anatomy. There's so much info in this book I've started taking notes. The book is THICK, and even though other people posted pictures of its size, I was still surprised at how thick and heavy it was. It has a paper cover over the hard cover and has a ribbon in the binding as a book marker. The pages are high quality glossy paper that does not tear easily. Overall, very pleased with quality and content of purchase.
Glad I got the book
A greater than five pound book. It is best used for conformation. If you don't know what this means, don't get the book. I Initially had a defective book with many pages not completely cut so pages were connected together. A replacement arrived two days later. Well written first few chapters on dogs and showing them. I am just waiting to see genetic analysis and genetic diversity information to show up on any book. We are just not there yet. This is the 2017 publication so the name is not quite right as being " The New Complete Dog Book"
She said it is a really great resource. My husband saw the book before I ...
My sister is a knowledgeable and skilled dog trainer. I bought this book for her to use as a reference book. The book is comprehensive and she refers to it often. She said it is a really great resource. My husband saw the book before I gave it to my sister and he was totally enthralled by it, so I bought one for him too. He really enjoys looking through it and has learned a great deal about dogs. I plan to buy another of these books as a gift for a couple who rescues and adopts less fortunate dogs. I am sure they will really enjoy the book.
Very thorough, but small format
This is a very fact-filled and well illustrated book of all American Kennel Club registered Dog Breeds, however, the format is much smaller than my outdated AKC book from the 1990's That edition was more of a coffee table sized book and had fabulous large, colorful photographs of the Dogs and puppies. That is the biggest let down of this book, which I have been looking forward to.for many months!
A must read if you are buying a dog.
It has been quite a while since my first AKC book (1995) , the changes are terrific. The photos are outstanding, but, the information given on each breed, their traits, personalities, standard for each, e.t.c. really gives a novice reader insight when purchasing a pet . They even tell you whether a breed is good for first time buyers, seniors, small children, guarding, and so on. I recommend this book. The new breeds displayed, since my last book , makes the price worth it.
Bad binding
I thoroughly enjoyed the book it is very well laid out. Great pictures a lot more descriptions on the breeds. But the binding is falling apart. The inside flap is tearing from the seam of the book.
Best AKC Dog Book edition yet!
Very well made dog book! It contains the standards of every AKC breed as well as additional information on the breed's personality and owner requirements. Each breed entry contains at least 3 pictures: showing a puppy, an adult, and one in action. I'd say about 90% of the pictures are high quality and good representations of the breeds. It also provides a lot of information on AKC dog sports (with many pictures showcasing them). It even contains a section with tips for buying a puppy and a glossary of canine terms. I highly recommend this book to any purebred dog fancier!
Very detailed, authoritative treatment of AKC standards
Great resource for people like my mom, who adore Westminster Dog Show and knows most breeds, but not all. Very detailed, great pictures, good laminate pages, and exact details provides of standards. Very heavy. Worth the money if it's something you're into. authoritative
Great for any breed of dog.
This is a great book albeit heavy! Love the colored photos of each breed and they go into detail history of each breed. Well worth the price. Now lists some of the newer breeds.
Not for the average dog "lover".......
This book is fantastic for advanced dog professionals only. It's not for the "dog enthusiast." It covers every breed and all their standards, etc. For the average dog lover, I'd go with the "Dog Encyclopedia." I'm in the middle and have both, so just wanted to share that information with you. :)
Great Place to Start
This book is fantastic! I'm so happy with my purchase. There is something for every dog lover in this book from sections on breeding, competition, the different AKC programs and funds, to finding and raising the perfect puppy and dog anatomy. There's so much info in this book I've started taking notes. The book is THICK, and even though other people posted pictures of its size, I was still surprised at how thick and heavy it was. It has a paper cover over the hard cover and has a ribbon in the binding as a book marker. The pages are high quality glossy paper that does not tear easily. Overall, very pleased with quality and content of purchase.
Glad I got the book
A greater than five pound book. It is best used for conformation. If you don't know what this means, don't get the book. I Initially had a defective book with many pages not completely cut so pages were connected together. A replacement arrived two days later. Well written first few chapters on dogs and showing them. I am just waiting to see genetic analysis and genetic diversity information to show up on any book. We are just not there yet. This is the 2017 publication so the name is not quite right as being " The New Complete Dog Book"
She said it is a really great resource. My husband saw the book before I ...
My sister is a knowledgeable and skilled dog trainer. I bought this book for her to use as a reference book. The book is comprehensive and she refers to it often. She said it is a really great resource. My husband saw the book before I gave it to my sister and he was totally enthralled by it, so I bought one for him too. He really enjoys looking through it and has learned a great deal about dogs. I plan to buy another of these books as a gift for a couple who rescues and adopts less fortunate dogs. I am sure they will really enjoy the book.
Very thorough, but small format
This is a very fact-filled and well illustrated book of all American Kennel Club registered Dog Breeds, however, the format is much smaller than my outdated AKC book from the 1990's That edition was more of a coffee table sized book and had fabulous large, colorful photographs of the Dogs and puppies. That is the biggest let down of this book, which I have been looking forward to.for many months!
A must read if you are buying a dog.
It has been quite a while since my first AKC book (1995) , the changes are terrific. The photos are outstanding, but, the information given on each breed, their traits, personalities, standard for each, e.t.c. really gives a novice reader insight when purchasing a pet . They even tell you whether a breed is good for first time buyers, seniors, small children, guarding, and so on. I recommend this book. The new breeds displayed, since my last book , makes the price worth it.
Bad binding
I thoroughly enjoyed the book it is very well laid out. Great pictures a lot more descriptions on the breeds. But the binding is falling apart. The inside flap is tearing from the seam of the book.
Best AKC Dog Book edition yet!
Very well made dog book! It contains the standards of every AKC breed as well as additional information on the breed's personality and owner requirements. Each breed entry contains at least 3 pictures: showing a puppy, an adult, and one in action. I'd say about 90% of the pictures are high quality and good representations of the breeds. It also provides a lot of information on AKC dog sports (with many pictures showcasing them). It even contains a section with tips for buying a puppy and a glossary of canine terms. I highly recommend this book to any purebred dog fancier!
Very detailed, authoritative treatment of AKC standards
Great resource for people like my mom, who adore Westminster Dog Show and knows most breeds, but not all. Very detailed, great pictures, good laminate pages, and exact details provides of standards. Very heavy. Worth the money if it's something you're into. authoritative
Great for any breed of dog.
This is a great book albeit heavy! Love the colored photos of each breed and they go into detail history of each breed. Well worth the price. Now lists some of the newer breeds.
... I just went on the blind faith of the good reviews. They did not disappoint
My Nana and Papa wanted a dog breed book for Christmas and when I ordered I just went on the blind faith of the good reviews. They did not disappoint, this book is HUGE. Lots of great information. My Papa didn't want to open another gift because he was busy reading this book!
Excellent purchase.
This book was for my husband. He absolutely LOVES it. It's a real encyclopedia about all breeds. The shipping was very quick. Excellent purchase.
An important reference for dog owners.
The same excellent reference book it's always been. It deserves shelf space on every dog lovers' library.
Big. Thick. Impressive.
Bought this for my vet tech wife who LOVED it. Lots of details and great pictures, very inclusive, heavy enough to use for home defense.
Nice improvement from older volumes
This new version of the breed book is beautiful. The old volume was all black and white, this version has nice colorful pictures.
Great reference guide
Much better organized than my 2008 copy. I use the book a lot when meeting with new clients; especially when I'll be walking their dog. 5 stars
THIS BOOK COVERS ALL DOG BREEDS
If you have an interest in dogs, THIS IS A MUST HAVE! This books covers all PURE BLOOD DOGS and without it you are "flying blind".
I'm using this book to study for taking my AKC Judging License Exam...
Great reference manual for all the Breeds currently recognized by The American Kennel Club. Most of the breed descriptions are created by their respective National Chapter(s).
Broken binding
This is a replacement book I ordered because the first one had the hard cover come off during shipping. Replacement had the same issue. I really like the book but I don't want to take another chance with a third one.
Great Reference Book
Most comprehensive book on all breeds of dogs. Everything you need to know about a breed before you choose your dog. Great photo's and detailed write-ups.
Great pictures
Reads just like the Thanksgiving Day dog show announcer. Would have liked more info on different breeds temperaments.
Fabulous Update!
So happy to have this updated version.
I have always wanted this book. I am a ...
I have always wanted this book. I am a lover of all dogs and now I can learn everything about them that can be learned from a book.
Great revision
As a professional pet groomer, this book is a must have for breed standards. It was in perfect condition when it arrived.
WORTH IT FOR DOG LOVERS
This book is great for dog lovers or anyone who just wants to learn about dogs. It I also very big and each breed gets two pages. I think it’s worth the 40$!
Dogs
Great book
Love. Love. Love.
The book is amazing!! A great publish from the AKC. Love every page and every picture. The cover came a little worn from the book not being padded in the box, but it is still perfect.
Learn about dogs
Great resource book
Five Stars
Beautiful up to date on all the AKC recognized breeds. Great updated book. Arrived on time and as expected.
A billion pages long
This may be for a professional.
Five Stars
Very useful when you look for a new dog.
Beautiful & precise info on all the breeds!
Beautiful book, very thick and heavy but extensive info on each AKC breed. A must have for dog-lovers!
Doog book
Comprehensive
It is a nice book
I bought it for my 13 year old daughter who is a dog lover. She knows about all types of dogs, so I thought it would be a great book for her. It is a heavy book it is really nice also.
Five Stars
Great book to keep up with breeds
The New Complete Dog Book
Emocionada de haber recibido el libro que tanto quería. Llegó antes de lo estipulado y en perfectas condiciones. Estoy muy agradecida con el servicio🥰
Very thorough and interesting
I'm so happy I ordered this book!! It's so interesting.
Well laid out
Thorough and well laid out. Easy to follow
It’s such a great book
I’ve been reading all kinds of hardcover dog breed books since my childhood, and I’ve just started this one on the Kindle app. It does not disappoint at all.
Exellent
Expanded edition, more photos, more comprehensive than previous
Book fabulous. Packaging terrible!
I just paid $50 dollars for a book and it was put into a box with a few other items and arrived with the dust jacket mangled.
Five Stars
Ruff!!
Five Stars
YES!
Great condition
Use for reference very often. Love it!
Five Stars
The best