The Complete Standard Poodle Hardcover – April 28, 1998

I ordered this book and another supposedly comprehensive book on the standard poodle at the same time. The other arrived first, and I wrote a scathing review of it. I therefore had low expectations when I received this book. I was pleasantly surprised. This author shares her love and knowledge of Standards freely, and really helps a new owner in realizing the special depth of character and sensitivity that they have. I feel as if I have a wise friend helping me bond with my new fuzzy girl, and care for her more adeptly.

Having bought 6 books on the breed I chose to raise, I found Eileen Geeson's book by far the most informative. Although I was reluctant to purchase a book that is 12 years out-of-date, reviews persuaded me to give it a read.As soon as my Complete Standard Poodle arrived, I dove in. The author has bred, shown, and judged standard Poodles in the UK for three decades (by 1998). She is recognized as the leading British authority on the breed. She provides excellent history and photographs of outstanding dogs and great advice on how to judge, groom, breed,and raise standard Poodles.To my total astonishment, she feeds her champion Poodles, and recommends you feed your Poodle, the RAW-MEATY-BONES diet! "There is no doubt that dogs like a variety of foods. Being natural carnivores they love the internal organs of other animals such as beef (usually complete with well-chewed grass and vegetables), their meat, bones. everything. As natural scavengers they eat anything from scraps to the compost heap. Dogs descended from wolves and still carry their natural instincts. These instincts are often depressed by an owner who refuses to accept their dog is a dog. I have had Poodles come to stay with me who will not so much as look at a raw meaty bone while there is a human in sight, yet leave the dog alone with the bone and you will soon hear it crunching with great passion."In addition to RMB, she says table scraps and cooked veggies are good supplements to the diet. Tom Lonsdale (author of Raw Meaty Bones) could have written Ms. Geeson's feeding recommendations. I would love to know if she read Dr. Lonsdale's earlier writings; his major book was not published until 2001. The book has no index and acknowledges only a few Poodle experts and photographers. Perhaps, Ms. Geeson is simply a sensible dog expert, who recognizes dogs' wolf origins and the dietary needs of carnivorous pets.My Poodle babies adore raw-meaty-bones. I am happy to follow Ms. Geeson's advice to feed my Poodles RMB. I wonder how many other standard Poodle owners have similarly followed her advice. She is the leading Poodle expert in the UK ....I wish only that she, or a follower, will update this good book with recent genetic and health information. Cropping tails has become unlawful in some countries; how does this affect judging? Nonetheless, this is by far the most informative book on standard Poodles yet written. I recommend it.

When I ordered a breed specific book that says complete, I guess I was expecting more in depth information. I didn't find anything really in depth or new in this book.

Great guide to poodle growth and maturity, from birth through senior sensibility. If you have a Standard Poodle in the house, you should have this book on the shelf.

Just the right readable size, and perfect information about my standard poodle, and any babies I may adopt in the future. It is indeed complete and conscise information, and priced well, and packed nicely, came quickly, thanks .

I didn't particularly like the cover photo, but I did a lot of research on buying a standard poodle (do not go the "puppy mill route!!"--so sad) and one of the things I researched were the many books out there that are available to the reader concerning this breed. This seemed like one of the best. When I received it, I was really glad I chose it.The author is English, I believe, so keep that in mind...some of her phrasing is slightly different. Also, some of her advice goes against other books I have read, in certain small aspects. For example, her dogs sleep on her bed. Most dog books recommend getting your puppy used to a crate in a very specific manner, and it is probably safer to have them sleep there from the start. What if you need to leave? Wher will you put a new puppy comfortably for an hour or two if it doesn't have a safe little den already?Also, her dogs eat table food. This is incredibly complicated to do properly. She has bred Standards for YEARS. You can't just give a dog scraps. She has an elaborate menu but--trust me on this--I don't feed my own FAMILY this rigidly. Good, high quality dog food is available to all of us. Skip the table food.Other than that, this is the coolest book! It had great facts, tips on trains, grooming and showing, lists of breeders, etc. I read it cover to cover! When I was done, I realized my new family pet was probaby better than all of us, with an older lineage, handsomer in musculature, and maybe even more intelligent. All at only ten weeks old. So what. I am proud to owned by a poodle!

Entertaining read but it was expensive £40 second hand...should have waited as cheaper ones were listed later but I just got my poodle baby and couldnt wait!

An excellent book full of information and interest.Obviously written by someone who is not only very knowledgeable about Standard Poodles but also loves the breed, and that clearly shows.It is a joy to read.

Lots of information and lovely photos. Bought when got Bramble, our Black Standard pup - very useful - would certainly recommend.

Good book