The Reviews Are In

The Reviews Are In!!

The Truth IS Out There!!

Read what others have to say about

“Hairless Dogs - The Naked Truth by Fernandez and Rhae is a unique and erudite publication with the world of canine literature. In the introduction, Victor Joris promises the reader 'the most definitive and comprehensive history of hairless breeds ever written,' and the authors live up to this claim.

Probably the most impressive factor about the book is the superb research and documentation. The authors take us for an interesting walk through the old myths and legends behind the breeds and then, through painstaking, exhaustive research and documentation, bring us the reality of the breeds. The juxtaposition of historical documentation with Darwinian theory provides fascinating insights into hairless breeds. Not that this is a 'dry as dust' historical tome; rather it is a well-written authenticated story reflecting the determination and accidents that have made the Chinese Crested, Xoloitzcuintli and Peruvian Inca Orchid Dog what they are today.

Tremendous use is made of pictures and drawings, in lovely colour and black-and-white plates, that clearly show the development of the breeds and offer interesting viewpoints on their development. The section on the Xolos was particularly interesting to this reviewer as it paid tribute to the Contessa Lascelles de Primo Real - Lassie to her friends - who was so instrumental in reviving the breed. The Contessa grew up in the Montreal area and it was my pleasure to visit her home and kennel in Mexico.

From a judge's viewpoint, the inclusion of the various breed standards and their evolution over the years should be compulsory reading. To anyone who wants to be considered a breeder, the extended pedigrees are a must.

This work should provide interesting reading for anyone interesting in breeding purebred dogs. Frequently, breed books are rather superficial, concentrating more on favourite kennels and dogs rather than examining the roots of the breed and its development in any historical or scientific milieu. By applying many of the issues raised in this book to your own breed, you can develop into a more informed breeder. One of the most telling points the authors make is that 'natural selection is opportunistic not directional.' Their work reflects the impact of highly successful breeders to add direction to the promotion of specific breeds.”

---James G. Reynolds
[review appeared in the January 2000 Dogs In Canada magazine]

“Cortez led the Spaniards in an exploration of the New World in the 15th century. That expedition brought hairless dogs to the attention of Europeans, though the first European to see a hairless dog in the New World was Christopher Columbus.

This year, Amy Fernandez and Kelly Rhae lead another exploration into the world of the Chinese Crested, Xoloitzcuintli and the Peruvian Inca Orchid breeds with their book… The book is beautifully illustrated with a large color insert featuring photographs of the breeds, paintings including the Hairless dogs as subjects, and Amy Fernandez’ wonderful drawings. Each [myth] is unraveled with an explanation of the origin of the myth and the historic reasons for the perpetuation of the myth.

The book drew me in like a good mystery story. I turned the pages to learn who brought what in when, and why. I found myself pouring over the pedigrees in the “Development of Three Individual Breeds” section. Ancient histories are traced through archaeological evidence and along with modern histories set the stage for understanding the various standards…

Successful software development demands system architecture – an overall vision. So does a successful reference book. Software applications and illustration hone research skills and attention to detail. The two authors complement each others’ abilities and talents.

Amy Fernandez and Kelly Rhae’s book will be in the library of serious Hairless dog breeders, whether the breeders agree or disagree. But for those of us on the fringes of the Hairless world, this book uncovered the appeal of the Hairless dogs for those who love them and helps us understand the challenges of perpetuating the “Naked Truth”.

---Jeannette Nieder
[review appeared in the 1999 Chinese Crested Annual]

"A major work on the hairless breeds, much needed. The authors have dug deep into a fascinating subject."

---William F. Stifel
Former American Kennel Club president and board member,
currently writing a history of the Westminster Kennel Club

“Hairless Dogs - The Naked Truth offers an extraordinarily fascinating account of the origins, history, legends, and realities of these extraordinary and fascinating breeds. Plentifully illustrated with outstanding photographs and drawings, this marvelous book is a lively, humorous, and loving tribute to some of the world’s most startlingly photogenic and deeply soulful dogs.

Highly recommended!”

---Susan Conant
Author of Evil Breeding and other Dog Lover's Mysteries

“While the title certainly teases you, what’s inside is an absorbing portrait framed in a densely packed narrative of three of the world’s most distinctive-looking breeds.

Both authors approach their subject with a zest and a cutting-edge knowledge. Fernandez, of Forest Hills, NY, became involved with hairless breeds in 1981, purchasing a Chinese Crested. It wasn't long before she bought a Xolo, at a rare-breed show, which really hooked her. In the 19 years she has bred hairless dogs, her kennel has produced 100 title holders worldwide.

Outside the kennel, Fernandez is a painter and illustrator, specializing in pet portraits. Rhae, of Woodinville, a senior applications developer at Microsoft, has been involved in showing Cresteds most of the '90s.

Hairless Dogs will quickly become accepted as the definitive resource for these breeds. While it addresses myths and legend, history, genetics, breed management and care and concludes with a thorough reference section, the text is complemented with a superb balance of photos.”

---Ranny Green
Award-winning Pet Columnist for The Seattle Times
[review appeared June 27, 1999]

" Hairless breeds get coverage: If you are curious about the way hairless animals - particularly the Chinese Crested, Xoloitzcuintli, Peruvian Inca Orchid, American Hairless Terrier and Sphynx cats -- developed over the centuries, you will want to read Hairless Dogs - The Naked Truth by Amy Fernandez and Kelly Rhae. But if you are interested in owning, showing or breeding hairless breeds, this book is a 'must read'.

Fernandez, who has been breeding Xolos and Chinese Cresteds for 18 years, along with Rhae, who became interested in hairless dogs more recently, have done a tremendous amount of research, tracking these breeds through the centuries and around the world. Old-time pedigrees and portraits featured in the book are invaluable to fanciers. The authors profile dogs of the breeers who influenced the development of the breeds in this country and others.

Fernandez's dogs are featured in many of the photos. But with her accomplishments in showing and breeding, she has earned the right to be there. Discussions about genetics and health dispel many of the popular myths about hairless breeds.

Don't start reading if you have only a few minutes to spare. You won't want to put the book down. Fernandez and Rhae did a professional job of self-publishing this hardcover book.”

---Suzanne Hively
Award-winning Pet Columnist for The Plain Dealer
[review appeared July 27, 1999]

“Finally, a comprehensive work on the hairless breeds written by two people who know them best. Amy Fernandez and Kelly Rhae have filled a void with this richly illustrated volume that’s brimming with history and facts. Hairless Dogs - The Naked Truth belongs on every serious dog fancier’s bookshelf.”

---Darlene Arden
Author of The Irrepressible Toy Dog

“For as long as we have known about hairless dogs, they have been the subject of our fascination and endless speculation. We have so romanticized their history that it’s often been difficult to separate fact from fable. Until now. Amy Fernandez and Kelly Rhae have joined forces to deliver the definitive guide to the hairless breeds. Scholarly in its research yet entertaining and eminently readable, the book even goes beyond canines to discuss the hairless phenomenon in other species. The title is much more than a clever wordplay; The Naked Truth gives us precisely that, on an amazing group of dogs—and its arrival is welcome news for all owners, breeders, judges and admirers of these exotic breeds.”

---Allan Reznik
Editor-in-Chief, Dogs In Canada Magazine

“It is well written and overflowing with information. Obviously hours & hours of research went into the book. I think any dog person would like to add The Naked Truth to their library, so they can reread it and continue to refer to it”

---Glenna Fierheller
Canadian breeder of top winning Chinese Cresteds & Maltese
under the Four Hall's kennel prefix

“Dog fanciers of all breeds as well as those dedicated fans of the rare and unusual hairless breeds are in for a treat. Comprehensive in scope, thoroughly researched, written for the lay as well as expert dog enthusiast, Hairless Dogs - The Naked Truth, by Amy Fernandez and Kelly Rhae, is a must have and a must read. It has all the elements of a best seller—history, suspense, facts and figures, resources and references, and pictures galore. Dog people are always hungry for information, and this book delivers a three course meal plus dessert!”

---Leslie Rugg
Editor, Rare Insight, the magazine for and about rare breed dogs

Would you like to take the hairless quiz?

Copyright © 1999 Kelly Rhae. All rights reserved. Revised: January 17, 2000

No part of this webpage or site may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronically or mechanically, without the prior written permission of the author.