Tools for this page
Print

Flawed Dogs: The Novel: The Shocking Raid on Westminster

(2009, Fiction - Animals, Written by Berkeley Breathed, Illustrated by Berkeley Breathed)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 4, age appropriate for kids over 6; suggested age 8.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Sweet story about the healing power of love.

Themes in this book include:   friendship, revenge

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Not an issue.

  • Messages:

    Teaches kids important lessons about overcoming adversity and persevering in the face of challenges. It also teaches the value of love between a human and a pet and the folly of revenge and ideals of perfection.

  • Role models:

    Heidy has a bit of a rebellious streak and is expelled from the St. Egregious Home for Troubled Girls for rigging the nuns’ toilets to flush in reverse. But she saves/steals a daschund named Sam whose owner only used him for his purebred status. Sam decides to take revenge on another dog and tries to rig a dog show but comes to his senses in the end.

  • Illustrations:

    Berkeley Breathed's illustrations are amazing and they impart the message of the story with humor and poignancy.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Some chase scenes and a couple of dog fights where a dog admits wanting to kill his enemy. Sam’s leg is caught in a bear trap, he is hit by a car, and he is also shot. Dogs chase and tear the clothing off of a woman twice. There is a scene where it appears that a baby is in danger. Heidy is an orphan and says her parents were "eaten by schnauzers." 
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Flawed Dogs: The Novel: The Shocking Raid on Westminster

Parents need to know that this endearing book has some scenes that might be tough for sensitive readers to take. A dog is shot, hit by a car, loses his leg in a bear trap, and is separated from his owner. There are several exciting chases and dog fight scenes, but the violence is tempered with humor and sweetness. There is also a scene involving people betting on a dog fight.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about jealousy. Why were Cassius and Mrs. Beaglehole so jealous of Heidy and Sam? How could they have handled their feelings in a better way? Have you ever been jealous of somebody? What did it feel like and what could you do to overcome those feelings?
  • Why didn’t Sam’s physical imperfections matter to Heidy? Why did Cassius think the imperfections would matter?
  • Why do you think the dogs at the Last-Ditch Dog Depository loved watching Lassie Come Home?
Tools and tips that can help

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you read it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Flawed Dogs: The Novel: The Shocking Raid on Westminster?

  •  I think this book is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • New in Theaters

    Age 7+
    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Offbeat family adventure may charm adults more than kids.

  • Issue Spotlight

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Set limits long before they get behind the wheel.

  • Must See TV

    Age 7+
    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Zany adventures are low on depth but high on imagination.

  • Member Buzz

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Is it easier for parents to communicate with their kids via text?

  • Download This

    Age 10+
    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    Dark, cool tunes OK for kids too young for the movie.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.