Authors: B.J. & Peter Spanos
Genre: Nonfiction
Publisher: BJ Spanos Ink
ISBN: 1-884330-09-6
Price: $25.00
The Sport of Schutzhund is a book for dog lovers, but especially for those who have an affinity for German Shepherds. Schutzhund means “protection dog” in the German language, but it also refers to a specific breeding program “aimed at creating the ultimate working dog to serve mankind.” The modern goal of Shutzhund is to develop the German Shepherd breed to its fullest potential through a series of exercises called a trial.
The trial consists of three parts: tracking, obedience, and protection. Those dogs fortunate enough to successfully complete the exercise and obtain the coveted title join a very elite class of breeding animals. Schutzhund is for people of all ages and “offers the opportunity for dog owners to compete with each other for recognition of both the trainer’s ability to train, and the dog’s ability to perform as required.”
The Sport of Schutzhund is not meant to be a training book. Rather, it is an introduction to the sport as it is represented in the United States. Labeled a “photographic essay” the book features full-color images showing dog and trainer in every light. It is as close as you’ll come to the sport without attending the event yourself. Each chapter begins with a brief explanation of its content followed by a series of photographic descriptions. If a picture is worth a thousand words, the images in the book speak volumes.
I highly recommend The Sport of Schutzhund for anyone – especially dog lovers who enjoy good healthy competition.
Reviewer: Gene Berger
Bergers Book Reviews 