a good beginners book to GSD's or akitas or boxers? i want to start research on these breeds so we can decide properly.

ohhhh, the next one isn't definatley going to be an Akita then? I take it the 3 breeds are top of your OH list & you still have to wait untill you get to have your choice of a Mastiff :(
Sorry, I've no usefull info, but my sister has a Boxer bitch - 'full of beans', loves life to the full and can clean your face in 1 earger lick!!! Such a friendly girl :)

Jenny & Dave Killilea have a good Akita book...possibly called The Akita Today.  There is also one by Meg Purnell-Carpenter and an American lady (her name escapes me) that is also a good book.

Got loads of GSD books from years ago but cannot remember the names off the top of my head.

3 very different breeds to choose from!  Good Luck!

yeah, he is not certain and i like all of them so lots of research as we'll decide which will best suit the situation we have at the time we get one. i'm actually liking choosing between all three as they are all such different breeds. it'll be nice to expand my knowledge about all of them so no definates yet.

i'm feeling particularly fondly towards boxers at the mo- one of my new neighbours has a lovely bitch and tio met her yesterday and has fallen madly in love, its very funny, he was very huffy when she wasn;t out to play today lol

Boxers, an owner's companion by Ivor Ward-Davies is an excellent book, it covers everything.  You may have to order it, if so let me know and I'll give you the ISBN number.

> i'm feeling particularly fondly towards boxers at the mo

In that case a modern update of Ivor's book was written by his young partner Tim Hutchings called 'The Complete Boxer' ISBN1 86054 054 6
Quite heavily slanted toward the exhibitor, it does give very good illustrations and text about construction.

Thanks for that Toolz, I was thinking after I'd typed it that because Ivor died so long ago that the book may no longer be!  Even though we no longer breed or show Boxers, I often get Ivor's book out for something or other.

thank you both for the suggestions :)