Ultimate Dog Book

Canine lovelies loll on every page of this beautifully designed, extravagantly illustrated guide to all manner of dogs. More than 100 breeds and their varieties are represented in naturally lit, full-color photos, with close-ups to highlight facial characteristics. For those interested in more than doggie cheesecake, however, breeder Taylor's text is insubstantial. Discussions of breeds are glib--the temperament of nearly every dog, for example, is described as ``loyal'' and/or ``affectionate''--and occasionally misleading (American enthusiasts are cited for having revitalized the Shar Peispelling checked , when in fact the irresponsible breeding of this dog in the U.S. is a well-known scandal). Taylor ( The Ultimate Cat Book ) pays but cursory attention to such medical matters as spaying or neutering pets, and is similarly terse in his coverage of training methods and the show ring. And readers who have pored over the hundreds of photos of pedigreed dogs may balk when Taylor, hastily championing the mongrel, writes: ``If it's a companion, friend, or a watchdog you need, why go for a purebred anyway?'' Better Homes & Gardens Book Club alternate and bonus. (Sept.)