History Books..

Hey folks.. this is question for all you old heads and true dogmen out there. I have always been interested in what the breed was originally intended for the days of the box and matching you know just the history. So since I can't find anyone semi locally to teach me about it, in a mentor way..so far at least. I figure the next best thing is reading, reading, and more reading. So I've recently ordered a couple of books and I'd like to get ya'lls opinion on them and any other suggested reading. Thanks for any input. I recently ordered these two books.

1. The American Pit bull Terrier by Joseph L. Colby

2. The Dog Pit by Richard Fox.

 

The Colby book is pretty good. I would recommend the Complete Gamedog. You can order it directly from Wildside kennels. Also James Crenshaw's book is a good one, but expensive. You can get it here http://pitbullstuff.safeshopper.com/14/cat14.htm?722

 

MAN! That's a pricey read! (Crenshaw's)

 

Yeah $125 thats steep.. but I haven't been able to find it anywhere else for any cheaper.. that ought to be a damn good book.

 

both books are pretty good and informative but of the 2 i would take the one by Joe Colby.i have the book myself and i really do enjoy reading it.but if you can afford both then go for it they won't let you down.

 

Thanks Old man hehehe.. just kidding. I have ordered both of them just waiting on them to get here then Crenshaw's book is next on my list. But I want to hear from some people who have already read it and or own it before I go and drop a bill on that book.

 

crenshaws book is also pretty fair.i also like dick strattons first 3 books as do most other fanciers.my favorite is his first one.

 

So Old Timer when are you going to write us up a good readin?

 

sorry i never checked back sooner.well what do ya'll want to hear about?

 

Crenshaws book is a good one, especially if you are intrested in his line of dogs. It's not limited to blood he runs, but it (obviously) does go into more details about the dogs he's fed, bred, and shown.

Rocca's book "Fighting for life" is another decent read.

My partner ordered both of thes books, along with another, and I had all three read in 2 days. Once you pick them up, they are hard to put down

 

Did you try E-Bay,i collect old books and have found some pretty good deals there.

 

This my book list:

30 years with fightingdogs: G. Armitage
The sporting bull terrier: Eugine Glass
The american pitbull terrier: Joseph L Colby
American pitbull terrier & his master: L.B. Hanna

A half a century: Garry Hammonds
Colby's book of the American pitbull terrier
Fighting for life: F. Rocca
History of fighting dogs: dr. Dieter Flieg
Book of interviews: Fat Bill
Balkan gamedogs and Best of the best: Zinetti

and i recently orderd Crenshaws book.

 

Here are a couple more good reading books on the history of this great breed.

Dogs of Velvet and Steel by Bob Stevens

Memories Of The Pit Bull Terrier And His Master by L. B. Hanna- This book was written in 1926 and has ALOT of history about dogs from late 1800s through late 1920s. American dogs and dogs brought over from England and Ireland.

American Patriot and also Braveheart by T.L Williams- These books are mostly picture and pedigree books but they have some stories.

The Journal, A Book Of Pedigrees by Tim Murphy.

Register Of Merit Legends by Tom Ratliff is a good one.

30 Years Of Journal Cover Dogs byJack Kelly is a good one.

Crenshaw's book is a good read.
The Complete Gamedog is one of the best all around books for history, and learning general knowledge for this breed.
All the Richard Stratton books are good reads.
The Colby books are great read for history on the breed.

 

That is one of my favorite web pages! Even if you don't order from them, the site has a lot of good info.

 

If memory serves me correct, the book of chamipions has pictures of some of the dogs, and stats, but very few stories of the dogs. It is like a year end book of dogs who had ch/gr ch for the year. Just wanted to say that so if you ordered expecting to hear the stories of the fights, you wont be disapointed.

BTW, I would suggest the complete gamedog also, I have the big one by stratton, which I like. I especially like the story of the dog who dwells in the trees(pics included!LOL). I have read others that werent worth urinating on, basically books not written by dogmen, but books your relatives would buy you trying to bless you. I am interested in the crenshaw book and am wondering, for those who have purchased it, if it is worth the price also. I also enjoyed the book of interviews/fat bill.

Old Timer, I am sure we'd all like for you to post some threads, and write it like we was sitting around a fire and you telling us of some of your memories. I know I would. Maybe this summer I can come and visit and have a sitdown with you. Would really like that allot.

 

My partner bought it, I did not. However, I feel it is worth the money after reading it. Lots of good pictures, you don't see elsewhere, and some good stories.

You are correct, the book of Champions, has a paragraph or two at best, just descibing the breeding, times, and owner. Not match reports. Still neat, just don't expect match reports!

 

I heard about a book with the title ,, dogs of velvet and steel,, would like to know if its a good book. I have the book COURAGE Profiles of Important Pit Dogs. That book is realy nice to read with many many Pictures of real ones. Good book.

 

Start off with The Complete Gamedog by Ed Faron. Gives you a basis for almost everything you will encounter as a beginner. Also offers some in depth information on a variety of topics associated with bulldogs ie, breeding (genetics), nutrition, vet care...

A very good read and a must have.

Another staple depending on how much you want to learn, The Merck Vet Manual is a necessity. Not bulldog specific but a wealth of information that has helped save more than one good dog!

Yours in sport,
Pale Rider

 

I collect these books as well... I think The Complete Game Dog is prolly one with the most usefull information... I also love my Dogs Of Velvet And Steel book but i bought mine straight from bon stevens along time ago... I seen them goin on amazon for like 1800 bucks... Id love to have that armitage book as a matter of fact i tried to buy it on ebay sent the money like 500 bucks and got burnt big time...lol I have the world of fighting dogs its a good book to have but it touches alot of differnt breeds... Have the colby books there decent... Im not a big stratton fan his books have alot of pics but the info doesnt hit home with me...
Dan
Insane Kennels

 

I had both of B.Hall,Faron book and crenshaw book those are very good books.