Winner of the DWAA Maxwell Award for 2004 Best Reference Book!

Have you ever wondered how dog show judges learn to identify the subtle differences that separate a dog that is merely good from a dog that is outstanding? Now you can develop your own eye for sound movement and structure and learn how markings, size, and even leash position affect the judge’s perception! In An Eye for a Dog - Illustrated Guide to Judging Purebred Dogs you will get to actively participate in over 100 judging scenarios similar to what a judge encounters in the show ring.

Become familiar with:
• The concepts of breed type, balance, and proportion.
• How to evaluate fronts, toplines, the forechest, and sickle hocks.
• How canine trotting styles vary by breed and breed function.
• How to spot hidden faults—and how they can be masked.
• International breed differences.

Dog breeders, dog owners, “armchair” judges as well as professionals will enjoy the challenge of testing their dog-knowledge and powers of observation against those of author, illustrator, international all-breed judge Robert W. Cole.

Here's what AKC Judges say about An Eye for a Dog An artist, an anatomist, an author, a respected international all-breed judge and most importantly, a teacher. Bob Cole is a judge who not only verbalizes but writes and illustrates his interpretations of breed Standards. Every week in his syndicated column, he engages in this “reckless” behavior, raising the ire of some while at the same time educating many. A tip of the hat to one of the dog world's most knowledgeable and outspoken benefactors!
Gerald Schwartz, Contributing Editor "Dog News"

Robert Cole's work inspires the reader to think and compare. Having what's right and what's wrong put down in crystal clear images allows the breeder and exhibitor to make those critical comparisons that pave the way for understanding and improvement. A must for everyone who has an eye on the prize.
Richard G. Beauchamp, Author, Solving the Mysteries of Breed Type and The Simple Guide to Showing Your Dog

A quick reference to all that the eye sees on first glancing at the purebred dog. This new book will be a must in every Dog Person's Library.
Anne Rogers-Clark, Author, Annie...On Dogs

Author Robert W. Cole was a noted international conformation judge, illustrator and author of dozens of articles on purebred dogs. His earlier achievements included illustrating the classic Dog Locomotion and Gait Analysis by Curtis Brown, writing and illustrating The Basenji Stacked and Moving and authoring the You Be the Judge series of breed-specific judging booklets. Bob was a regular columnist for Dogs in Canada, Dog News, Dog World (U.K.), Ilio & Popoki as well as dog magazines in Australia and New Zealand. Bob lived in Canada with his wife of 50 years, Louise, Bull Terriers and Basenjis. An Eye for a Dog was completed just prior to his death in March 2004.

Click here to view an excerpt.

What reviewers are saying...

"This book is based on Bob’s more than 20 years of writing and publishing articles for the dog fancy. He integrated his skills as a dog illustrator with his talent for taking a technical subject of evaluating and judging dogs into written form that could be understood by the broad spectrum that comprises the dog fancy. Bob’s work was, and is controversial. He was always learning. He welcomed honest disagreement - as long as the person could provide reasons for their opinion. This theme carries through in this book. As Bob states in his foreword, "As the author, I will contribute an opinion as to the order of merit of each class, but in the end the final decision is that of the reader. Go ahead! Disagree with me, challenge me, and above all enjoy yourself!" The attitude of a lifelong student and teacher of purebred dogs, that I was privileged to know as a friend. Our discussions were always two way learning experiences. Everyone involved in purebred dogs should buy this book. You can start reading anywhere or start from the beginning and read to the end - you will be challenged and you will learn - whether you want to be or not. The book consists of 29 Chapters divided into four parts Sections. Part I, Type, Balance and Proportions; Part II, Features; Part III, Movement; and Part IV, Faults and Illusions." E. M. Gilbert Jr.

DOGS IN CANADA
"If one were to believe the average dogbook review, every-and anything that is printed between two covers is wonderful and should be added to everyone in the fancy’s library. Not so! There are positives and negatives in just about any dog book written (who knows better than I?) and what is valuable in a book is lost if the reader is not discerning.
What I like about the late Robert W. Cole’s new book is that it inspires the reader to think and compare. Having what’s right and what’s wrong in a breed put down in crystal clear images allows the reader to make those critical comparisons that pave the way for understanding and improvement.
And certainly, this writer can’t help but be flattered by Cole’s use, albeit unacknowledged, of four of the five elements of breed type that first appeared in the Dogs In Canada series “Unveiling the mysteries of breed type."
Breed type has too long been the dog game’s great enigma and any work that can help the student develop clarity in this respect is well worth the investment. Cole’s treatise contributes markedly in this respect. His unquestioned graphic ability beautifully illustrates how even subtle deviations in structure can significantly alter what is intended.
He devotes ample space to this occurring in the type elements of silhouette, head, movement and coat (colour; marking, etc.) Particularly helpful are his graphics illustrating how length and depth of body opposed to length of leg contribute to or detract from correct silhouette.
My criticism of Cole’s book lies in his having omitted breed character as an element of breed type. Breed character is the sum total of all the mental and physical characteristics that define not only what the breed should look like, but how it should conduct itself. A dog possessing all the clues to its origin and history and assists the observer in establishing that all-important vision of excellence for the breed. It is critical in understanding breed type and its absence leaves the other four elements dangling.
In all fairness, Cole’s book of graphics and breed character is not easily illustrated. That said, character must always be addressed in any work concerning itself with breed type. So long as the reader approaches An Eye for a Dog with this in mind, it is a valuable addition to any dog fancier’s library." Rick Beauchamp

DOG WORLD
“How do judges pick winners? In this book, which won the Dog Writers Association of America 2004 award for Best Reference Book, readers learn how to puck the outstanding dog from the good and mediocre. Color, markings, size, and even leash handling can all influence the judge’s perception. The late Robert Cole was an outstanding illustrator, and his drawings show the reader subtle differences in balance and proportion, how movement should vary between breeds, and how faults can be masked.” Stephanie Horan

WHIPPET WATCH MAGAZINE
“Highest praises for Mr. Cole. This book puts into layman's terms so many things from structure to movement to type. This should be a MUST READ for anyone showing or breeding. I love how he explains how different movements can be indications of structural correctness or incorrectness. The illustrations and "you be the judge" scenarios are highly effective educational tools. Dog Show judges should be required to read this cover to cover! Two paws up on this great title!.” Mary Magee

MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW
“[This book] tells how to actively participate in over 100 show ring dog-judging scenarios, offering a review of the concepts of breed type, balance, proportion, and breed differences. Chapters cover head features, proportions, trot profiles and more, making for an outstanding survey perfect for any library catering to dog owners and neo-pro show dog patrons.” James A. Cox