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James G. Reynolds
Hairless Dogs - The Naked Truth by Fernandez and Rhae is a unique and erudite publication with the world of canine literature. In the introduction, Victor Joris promises the reader 'the most definitive and comprehensive history of hairless breeds ever written,' and the authors live up to this claim. Probably the most impressive factor about the book is the superb research and documentation. The authors take us for an interesting walk through the old myths and legends behind the breeds and then, through painstaking, exhaustive research and documentation, bring us the reality of the breeds. The juxtaposition of historical documentation with Darwinian theory provides fascinating insights into hairless breeds. Not that this is a 'dry as dust' historical tome; rather it is a well-written authenticated story reflecting the determination and accidents that have made the Chinese Crested, Xoloitzcuintli and Peruvian Inca Orchid Dog what they are today. Tremendous use is made of pictures and drawings, in lovely colour and black-and-white plates, that clearly show the development of the breeds and offer interesting viewpoints on their development. The section on the Xolos was particularly interesting to this reviewer as it paid tribute to the Contessa Lascelles de Primo Real - Lassie to her friends - who was so instrumental in reviving the breed. The Contessa grew up in the Montreal area and it was my pleasure to visit her home and kennel in Mexico. From a judge's viewpoint, the inclusion of the various breed standards and their evolution over the years should be compulsory reading. To anyone who wants to be considered a breeder, the extended pedigrees are a must. This work should provide interesting reading for anyone interesting in breeding purebred dogs. Frequently, breed books are rather superficial, concentrating more on favourite kennels and dogs rather than examining the roots of the breed and its development in any historical or scientific milieu. By applying many of the issues raised in this book to your own breed, you can develop into a more informed breeder. One of the most telling points the authors make is that 'natural selection is opportunistic not directional.' Their work reflects the impact of highly successful breeders to add direction to the promotion of specific breeds.— Dogs in Canada Magazine
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