Gundogs Unveiled

Cover Gundogs

Gundogs Unveiled is a unique book covering a wide range of topics about gundogs, from their historical beginnings to their role in modern society. Thirty recognized Gundog breeds are described and illustrated with almost 300 carefully selected photographs and illustrations.

Breeds are compared in easily referenced tables. Gundog Terminology is explained in simple terms, illustrated by over twenty original purpose-drawn graphics. General topics such as care and management of dogs in our modern society complement the breed information.

This book is written by Jane Harvey, a well-respected dog expert, author and judge. Over the last ten years, her widely acclaimed website, www.JaneDogs.com, was used as a platform to attract material from Gundog specialists. These contributions, now refined and peer reviewed, are presented in this contemporary book written for anyone with an interest in Gundogs.

Payment and Delivery

If practical, you are also welcome to ring Jane and make an arrangement to pick up your book.

History of the English Setter

Book Contents

'Gundogs Unveiled' is a totally Australian production comprised of 254 individual pages. Each breed page contains a well researched history of each breed including references in the form of footnotes where applicable. All of the 300+ photographs and illustrations have attributions printed underneath them.

For simplicity of navigation, the book begins with the easily referenced Table of Contents Section published below. This is followed by 6 sections as follows:

1. General

This 'General' section serves as an introduction to myself and then gives an an overview of what pure breed Gundogs are. Lastly there is a general care section that gives an overview of what owning a Gundog is all about.

The Sections are:

• My Life with Dogs
• Junior Showmanship - A Royal Melbourne Show Initiative
• What is a Pure Breed Dog?
• Care of a Gundog

Original Graphics

2. Gundog Terminology

This section explains dog jargon used in Breed Standards and doggie talk by vets and dog breeders. Unless otherwise stated, this section combines use of our own original computer graphics some of which are overlain on photos of actual dogs, giving this glossary a new and unique approach.

The Sections are:

• Gundog Anatomy
• Gundog Head Components
• Gundog Head Shapes and Outlines
• Gundog Mouth(Bite) Terminology
• Gundog Body Terminology
• Gundog Coat Terminology
• Gundog Gait Terminology

3. Spaniels

English Springer Spaniel

Spaniels historically flushed or 'sprung' game so huntsmen could capture it with primitive nets or by falconry. With the advent of the gun, the many different spaniel breeds we know today emerged. Their medium size, requirement of only moderate exercise, and ability to being easily trained, makes them fit admirably into modern society as family pets.

The Sections are:

• History of Spaniels
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Field Spaniel
• Cocker and American Cocker Spaniels
• Comparison between Cocker Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel (American) and Field Spaniels
• Clumber and Sussex Spaniels
• Comparison between Clumber and Sussex Spaniels
• English and Welsh Springer Spaniels
• Comparison between English and Welsh Springer Spaniels

4. Pointer and all Setters

Part of a Comparison Chart

The magnificent Pointer with its unique head is as legendary as the Setters. Historically these dogs were used to assist hunters to capture game. Their popularity began to rise in the 1700's when shotguns came into general use. The first recognized English dog show held in 1859 for Pointers and Setters only, secured their future. Today they make affectionate, yet glamorous family pets.

The Sections are:

• How the Pointer and Setters Work
• Pointer (English)
• History of Setters
• Irish Setters and Irish Red and White Setters
• Comparison between Irish and Irish Red and White Setters
• English Setters
• Gordon Setters
• Comparison between English, Gordon and Irish Setters

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

5. Retrievers

Retrieving dogs were developed to bring shot game back to the shooter and deliver it unharmed to the huntsman. This required a somewhat docile temperament and willingness to please. With origins in Europe and both sides of the Atlantic, they are considered here separately in North America, England, the Border Region and Scotland.

The Sections are:

• The Changing Role of Retrievers
• Labrador and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
• Comparison between Labrador and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
• Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
• Lagotto Romagnolo
• Spanish Water Dog
• Comparison between Lagotto Romagnolo and Spanish Water Dog
• Flat Coated Retriever
• Curly Coated Retriever
• Golden Retriever
• Comparison between Golden, Flat and Curly Coated Retrievers

Bracco Italiano

6. Utility Gundogs

European in origin, Utility Gundogs were developed as a result of the break-up of large estates after the French Revolution and Napoleonic wars. Required to work in more confined areas than their ancestors, Utility Gundogs combine all the functions of the more specialized English Gundogs described in this section. Utility Gundogs are active, versatile and easy to train. So they are popular with people who love to participate in modern activities like Obedience, Agility and Tracking.

The Sections are:

• German Shorthaired Pointer
• German Wirehaired Pointer
• Comparison between German Shorthaired Pointer and German Wirehaired Pointer
• Large Munsterlander
• Hungarian Vizsla and and Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla
• Bracco Italiano and Italian Spinone
• Comparison between Bracco Italiano and Italian Spinone
• Brittany
• Weimaraner and Weimaraner Longhair

Thankyou!

Epilogue, Acknowledgements and Index

The Epilogue contains the author's thoughts into the future of Gundogs in modern Society. Then there is acknowledgements. The book concludes with 6 pages containing a two-column alphabetical index for readers who require a quick reference to a name or term with Gundog or general connections.

The Sections are:

• Epilogue
• Acknowledgements
• Index

Customer Comments

Just LOVE your book Jane. Congratulations on a great production and I think I have most Gundog books ever printed. Has to be the best Gundog book available and a must for aspirants...well for judges for that matter. Love the paper quality and layout too.

Viki Knowles, 'Blazaway Park' Newham Vic Curly Coated Retrievers

Thank you again for the book, it looks great!! You must be so proud of the end result.

Joel Wallis, Frankston Vic, Weimaraners

I have just received your Magic Book, "GUNDOGS Unveiled".  I have had a good look, and it's great, well done.

Barry Kavanagh, Melton South Vic, GSP's and Retrieving Trial Judge

Congratulations and thank you. The book looks wonderful and what a great job you have done.

Zita Vafiopulous NSW, Golden Retrievers

My book arrived yesterday. You must be feeling very proud to see it in print. It's beautiful... and a really interesting read as well.

Marina Scott Vic, Irish Setters

Your lovely book was delivered yesterday. I had a brief look at it last night and it is a credit to you very informative and beautifully presented.

Esther Joseph Vic, all-breeds judge, Gordon Setter.

I have had a quick look through it looks fabulous. Thank you for using my Brittanys photos so beautifully

Fiona Elkner-Brown,Vic - Brittany

To bring this book to fruition at 82 years of age is testament to her passion. Read this book or just dip into it and you will find a wealth of interest and enjoyment. The photographs and graphics that illustrate the text are excellent.. and certainly marry with the text.

Sue Bebarfald, Glen Waverley Vic,

'Gundogs Unveiled' by Jane Harvey invites the turning of pages the moment you view its cover. It is a book for anyone with an interest in canines, not just the gundog breeds. Its chapters on canine terminology are illustrated with photos and diagrams clearly demonstrating the terms used in breed standards. This alone makes it a worthy canine reference resource. Well researched, each breed is prefaced by the purpose of the breed, its method of working, and the history of its development. Invaluable to those interested in judging gundogs are the comparison tables between breeds, instantly clarifying both the similarities and differences that define breed type.

Helen Davenport-Willis, 'OUR DOGS' Publishing Co, Greenwood Business Centre, Cheshire UK

'Gundogs Unveiled' is a top quality production with full coloured photographs, but most importantly it is reference that is written utilising the breed standards in use in Australia. It belongs on the bookshelf of all breeders, judges and lovers of gundogs.
Denise Humphries, Ballarat Vic, Gundog Judge

The book is beautifully presented, and is an excellent read for anyone wanting to learn more about all things gundogs.

Julie Wills, Heidelberg Vic Hungarian Vizsla

FABULOUS. A professional product from start to finish. This book is a real treasure. I am learning lots - it seems easier for me to take stuff in when it is in print.

Denise Leo, Arcadia South, Author of book on Pomeranians