Structure in Action: The Makings of a Durable Dog

by Pat Hastings, Wendy E. Wallace, Erin Rouse

STRUCTURE IN ACTION is a must for all who share their active lives with dogs. It is an invaluable reference book for anyone wanting a dog for the high-octane lifestyle, since working and performance dogs need the soundest possible structure. Also, it provides excellent information for breeders, who bear the responsibility for matching the most suitable puppy or dog to a client s expectations. With over 400 visuals, this book details the structural strengths to strive for in breeding programs and the structural issues that must be taken into consideration before leading a dog into an active life.

Genres: Dogs

168 pages, Paperback

First published January 14, 2011

Reviews

[Missi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative. Easy read. Lots of pictures. I wish the pics would have been color though. Some of them would have been clearer. I liked the summary for activities at the end.

[Ari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great, probably the best dog structure explanation book I've ever read. Highly recommended for anyone who breeds dogs, and anyone who does dog sports.

[Paralee Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great information, with photos that show specific examples. Easy to follow and reference from as well.

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this interesting photo-book, author Pat Hastings seeks to provide functional explanations for the structural biases of purebred dog breeders. The pictures are illuminating, but of course I was left wanting more. It's definitely a worthwhile read in terms of knowing what is commonly considered "sound" versus "flawed".

I feel that the author could also have mentioned structural features, even some in breed standards, that are decidedly non-functional, and even detrimental. Sure that's a little outside the author's stated purpose (to identify features which grant improved working/sport ability), so I suppose my criticism is that the book could address many other issues surrounding structure. But then again, can I really fault the book for making me hungry for more?

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! This book really helped me articulate what is wrong with my dogs' structure. Now I just have to figure out how to fix it. Wish there was a book like this for horses.