AKC Breed Standards Reference — The Complete Dog Book (1973) — American Kennel Club | Hardcover, Nonfiction

The AKC’s The Complete Dog Book stands as one of the most trusted guides ever written for dog lovers and breed enthusiasts. A foundational title in the Nonfiction / Animal Care genre, it shaped how generations understood purebred dogs and the standards that define them.

This vintage copy offers that same authority, presented in a format dog owners and collectors continue to reach for decades later. Photo-verified and ready for any reader who appreciates a reliable, historically rooted reference.

Quick Specs

• Item Type: Hardcover Book
• Size: 9.5 × 6.5 × 2 in
• Material: Cloth hardcover boards
• Color: Teal boards with gold & black lettering
• Origin or Maker: Howell Book House, New York
• Year or Era: 1973 (Second Printing)
• GENRE: Nonfiction / Animal Care
• Language / Pages: English / 640 pages
• Identifiers: ISBN 0-87605-461-0; Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 72-88163

Edition & Features  

• Edition/Printing: New Revised Edition, Second Printing
• Illustrations/Maps/Plates: 130 photographs; 64 drawings
• Extras: AKC motif endpapers; updated breed standards through September 1, 1972

Condition Grade: Good

Notes: Boards show rubbing and corner wear with softened spine ends. Light surface marks and age toning visible on page edges. Interior pages remain clean with no visible writing or tears. Binding firm and fully intact.

See all photos for detail—sold as pictured.

Condition Grade Key
Near Fine: minimal wear; tight; clean.
Very Good: light wear; clean text; minor flaws.
Good: noticeable wear; sound reading copy; some marks.
Fair: heavy wear; complete but worn; priced accordingly

About the Author American Kennel Club

Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club remains the leading authority on purebred dog standards and responsible ownership in the United States.

A classic reference for anyone who loves dogs and the history behind their breeds.

Disclaimer  

The vintage items I share with you have been previously owned and loved and may show some wear. Please use the pictures as a guide. While I do my best to capture colors accurately, your monitor or device screen may display colors slightly differently from the actual item.
Care & Handling: Handle with clean, dry hands. Store upright, out of direct sunlight, around 68°F and 40–50% humidity. Avoid damp storage and extreme temperature changes.
If you have any questions or need more photos, feel free to ask.

About Reading Vintage

At Reading Vintage, I curate one-of-a-kind treasures for book lovers, decorators, and collectors—including vintage books, retro bookends, and charming collectible pieces.