The Reference Shelf

Want to learn more about the Pembroke Welsh Corgi? The following is a list of recommended books taken from the regular feature "The Reference Shelf" in our quarterly newsletter, Corgi Files. For information about contributing or subscribing to Corgi Files, contact our editor, Doug Sanders. 

General Information

For the person who is thinking of getting a corgi and wants to learn more about the breed, what to expect and if a corgi would fit into their lifestyle, we recommend the following books.

The New Pembroke Welsh Corgi by Deborah Harper is the "Bible" of corgi books written by one of the "first ladies" of corgis. It leads you through the history and background of the corgi. You will also get a wonderful picture of the beginnings of the breed in the United States as well as chapters about great kennels, bloodlines, famous bitches and studs, performance, whelping and grooming. An all around must have for the corgi lover.

The New Illustrated Study of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Standard – Prepared and Published by the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America, Inc. This new and updated study of the corgi is invaluable to both novices and old timers to the breed. The illustrations are beautifully done and it explains the standard in clear, easy to understand language that anyone can follow. It will live on my nightstand.

Training

How To Be Your Dog's Best Friend written by the Monks of New Skete is a common sense guide to raising your dog from puppyhood to old age. The Monks began by raising and training German Shepherd Dogs as a means of supporting their order but now share their expertise with owners of all breeds. Their dogs live with them as a constant companions as they go about their daily tasks and their focus is on building the bond that enables this practice to work in the real world. More recently, they have authored a work specifically aimed at puppy training -The Art of Raising A Puppy. Both volumes are an enjoyable read chock full of good information.

Mother Knows Best by Carol Lea Benjamin is another guide filled with rock solid training information . . . this time offered up with a wry sense of humor and delightful line drawings. Specific information on puppy learning stages is a must for breeders and owners alike.

Playtraining Your Dog by Patricia Gail Burnham. The author begins with the premise that "A person gets the dog that he deserves" and proceeds to share here rather unconventional methods for motivational training. Most modern trainers use positive reinforcement in their methodology these days, but with a copyright date of 1980; Burnham was way ahead of her time. She includes all the exercises required by AKC in Novice, Open and Utility. 

What All Good Dogs Should Know by Jack Volhard & Melissa Bartlett, Howell Books. This paperback book is inexpensive enough to give each puppy buyer when the puppy goes home. The book is user-friendly with its many cartoon drawings of various breeds of dogs to illustrate various points. The authors discuss dog behavior in easy to understand terms. Their theme is to not let a puppy do things as a puppy that you will find unacceptable when they reach their adult size. The methods are humane and lay a good foundation should you want ot pursue more formal obedience work. A definite "must have."

How To Raise A Puppy You Can Live With (2nd Edition) by Clarice Rutherford &David Neil. Alpine Publications. The authors discuss puppy development from birth through adolescence. There is a chapter entitled "Breeder's Responsibility - The First Seven Weeks" that should be required reading for all who breed dogs. This chapter highlights things that breeders can do to help the puppy become ready for it's most important job - being a good companion and pet. Puppy buyers will find the book interesting too.

Competition Obedience Training

Beyond Basic Dog Training by Diane Baumann. Howell Books. This book was published in 1986 and was the forerunner of all the "new" positive training methods. Ms. Baumann looks at the mistakes dogs make from four standpoints; dog is confused, dog is afraid, dog is distracted, and dog feels it has a choice. The "corrections" are adapted to the standpoints. She emphasized reading your dog. Hers is also one of the few books to address training short dogs-a plus for corgi owners! Her methods are meant for soft dogs but will work for any.  The book covers Novice through Utility and her explanations are easy to follow. Her final chapter is entitled " The Relationship" and is very philosophical with respect to the dog-trainer relationship.

Competitive Obedience Training for the Small Dog by Barbara Cecil & Gerianne Darnell. T9E Publishing. This book is written for short dogs but the methods work on all dogs. The authors take the obedience exercises and organize them in a different manner. For example, there are three types of downs: the down/stay (in and out of sight), the drop on recall, and the signal exercise down. These are put together in one chapter. Puppy training is addressed. When the authors disagree on an approach to an exercise, you get each person's opinion along with her reasoning. Novice through Utility training are covered and the authors discuss tournaments, handling and training towards an Obedience Trial Championship. 

Dog Health

Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook by Delbert Carlson & James Giffin. Howell Books. I believe this book has just recently been revised for its third edition. This book is the one I turn to for advice, suggestions and whether or not to go to the vet NOW or wait until morning. There is a chapter on emergencies along with an easy-to-find index of signs and symptoms. infectious diseases are discussed.  There are chapters on breeding, pediatrics and geriatrics. All excellent all-round book with easy to read directions and good illustrations.

Breeding

The Joy of Breeding Your Own Show Dog by Anne Seranne is my favorite among all my how-to books. The author brings her many years of breeding showing dogs to create a gem of a treatise. This books goes way beyond the actual whelping process (although this is covered thoroughly) delving deeply into the ethics and philosophies of dog breeding.

Successful Dog Breeding, The Complete Handbook of Canine Midwifery is penned by long-time breeder/exhibitor (and now judge) Chris Walkowicz, and the breeder/veterinarian Bonnie Wilcox, DVM. This team interviewed hundreds of other breeders to come up with a comprehensive guide to the entire breeding process - from selecting a mate to selling the puppies and all points in between. This book is an invaluable reference tool with its complete glossary of technical terms and a fully cross-referenced appendix listing breed specifics and predisposition.

Born to Win by Patricia Craige is a wonderful read for both the experienced breeder and those trying to learn the intricacies of pedigrees and breeding. Linebreeding, outcross, inbreeding – what are they and under what circumstances should you consider each? This book is chock full of good advice as well as Genetics 101 and a primer on those pesky recessives!

Control of Canine Genetic Diseases by George A. Padgett, DVM. This reference takes you several steps further than the previous book. If you are ready for a serious study of pedigrees, modes of inheritance, genetic diseases and test mating give this one a try. Not a quick read, but a real in depth study of genetics.

Structure

Canine Terminology by Harold Spira. So you are sitting around the ring listening carefully to the "experts" casually tossing out terms like barrel hocked, bat ears, straight shoulder, no drive! You smile and try to look like you understand every word. Well, here is a book that will explain each and every phrase to you, with pictures! You may have a hard time locating it as it is out of print, but it is invaluable.
Editors Note:  This book has been reprinted and is available at www.dogwise.com.

Dogsteps by Rachel Page Elliott is a real classic that belongs in the library of any serious student of canine anatomy as it related to gait. The clear simple wording and easy -to-understand drawings are aimed at the layman, but it will be valued by the expert as well. An invaluable aid in understanding what is good and what is faulty action. We also recommend the excellent video that she made as a companion to the book. Somehow it makes things so much clearer when you "see them in motion".

Behavior

The Intelligence of Dogs by Stanley Coren. Whether you buy into his theories or not, this is a fascinating book. I especially enjoyed the section that evaluated the instinctive intelligence of herding dogs and attempted to trace and assign each herding behavior to a pack behavior easily identified in wolves. When it came to the adaptive intelligence of corgi – off the chart in my opinion! Also includes a very interesting IQ test you might like to try on your corgi (before they try it on you!).

Just For Fun

From Riches to Bitches and a Cadillac For your Vet! by Louise F. Shattuck, of Carry-On Kennel, is a hilarious romp through the sub-culture of dogdom with something for everyone. Shattuck's English Cockers have embarked on a variety careers, including conformation, tracking, obedience . . . but have obviously found their calling in the field of outsmarting their owner.

Southern Dogs and Their People by P.S. Davis & Roberta Gamble is a charming collection of photographs with short essays, poems and just plain old recollections centering around dogs and their special place in life, southern style. Be prepared to laugh and cry over this one.