A Breeder's Companion is a record keeping book, with space for 12 litters. It will help you prepare for and whelp a litter, and includes a whelping equipment checklist; care tips for mother and pups; healthy pup vs sick pup chart; whelping, temperature, and weight charts; vaccination charts; new owner information, and more!

Noble and dignified, if somewhat tousled, the Otterhound is no longer called upon to hunt his namesake quarry, though he now makes a reliable companion dog for an active family who knows how to keep him busy. This giant hunting scenthound is blessed with a boisterous nature, a sonorous voice and an irrepressible love of mud, traits that may not be welcome in every household. No dog as big (and messy) as the Otterhound is for everyone, and the Otterhound—though personable, even-tempered and friendly—is no exception. Author Juliette Cunliffe, a recognized authority on hound breeds the world over, paints a pleasing but realistic portrait of this majestic hound among hounds, offering sensible information about the breed’s training, feeding, care and maintenance. Students of the Otterhound will welcome the author’s concise but complete history of the breed in England as well as American breeder Elizabeth Conway’s retelling of the breed’s history in the United States. Like all editions in Kennel Club Books’ Comprehensive Owner’s Guide series, Otterhound discusses the breed standard, breed characteristics, puppy selection, owner requirements, healthcare and much more. Surely all admirers of this noble breed will welcome this Special Rare-Breed Edition as a cherished addition to their canine libraries.

A provocative look at the ‘cult of pedigree’ and an entertaining social history of purebred dogs—“a must-read for all dog lovers” (Booklist). So-called “purebreds” are the mainstay of the dog industry. Expert Michael Brandow argues these aren’t time-honored traditions—but rather commercial inventions of the 19th century that were marketed as status symbols to a growing middle class. Combining social history and consumer studies with sharp commentary, this reveals the sordid history of the dog industry and shows how our brand-name pets pay the price with devastatingly poor health. It includes chapters devoted to popular breeds such as: • Golden Retrievers • Boston Terriers • English Bulldogs • Labrador Retrievers An essential read for animal lovers and animal rights activists everywhere, A Matter of Breeding is a fresh take on the history pedigree dogs and encourages us to love all our furry friends—no matter the coat color or price tag. “If you’re considering welcoming a dog (or two) into your family, read Michael Brandow’s fascinating and eye-opening book before visiting a pet store or breeder.” —Betsy Banks Saul, founder of Petfinder.com

With almost 200 pages, corresponding photos, and step-by-step instructions, Puppy Start Right is the ideal book for fostering and enhancing a “parenting relationship” among people and their dogs! This book is a great resource for all dog parents, dog trainers, puppy socialization class instructors, shelters, and adoption agencies. Whether you are raising a new puppy, have recently adopted an adolescent dog, or are living with an adult dog, Puppy Start Right is the book for you. This book sets the foundation for a lifelong partnership between you and your dog based on a mutual understanding and trust. Puppy Start Right is more than a puppy book about socialization; it’s a positive approach to problem solving, prevention, and training, all without the use of force. Problem-solving topics address common behaviors of adolescent dogs, including mouthing/biting, jumping, chewing, digging, counter surfing, and stealing objects. Prevention topics include confinement/independence training, food bowl exercises, handling and restraint, and more. The book also includes: • The Developmental Life Stages of Dogs • Domestication, Social Behavior, How Dogs Perceive the World, and Canine Communication • How Dogs Learn • Positive Socialization and What to do if Your Dog is Frightened? • Applying the Problem-Solving Model to Prevent Common Behavior Problems • House Training in 5 Easy Steps • Foundation Training Exercises

In what promises to become an "Omnivore's Dilemma" for dog lovers—breed devotees and adoption advocates alike—The Dog Merchants is the first book to explain the complex and often surprisingly similar business practices that extend from the American Kennel Club to local shelters, from Westminster champions to dog auctions.Without judging dog lovers of any stripe, The Dog Merchants makes it clear that money spent among these dog merchants has real-world effects on people and canines. Kavin reveals how dog merchants create markets for dogs, often in defiance of the usual rules of supply and demand. She takes an investigative approach and meets breeders and rescuers at all levels, shedding much-needed light on an industry that most people don't even realize is an industry.Kavin’s goal is to advance the conversation about how all dogs are treated, from puppy mills to high-kill shelters. She shows that a great deal can be improved by understanding the business practices behind selling dogs of all kinds. Instead of pitting rescue and purebred people against each other, The Dog Merchants shows how all dog lovers can come together, with one voice as consumers, on behalf of all our beloved companions.

Dog breeds, both familiar and exotic, are profiled in this series offered by Kennel Club Books. The lavishly illustrated, hardcover volumes feature information on the breed standards and the special needs of each type of dog.

Health and welfare issues of brachycephalic (flat-faced) animals are one of the most pressing problems facing companion animals right now. Dogs, in particular, are suffering from a ‘brachycephalic crisis’ resulting from a perfect storm where predispositions to an array of health issues are amplified by a population boom for certain brachycephalic breeds such as the French Bulldog and Pug. But yet, for many owners, these dogs represent the perfect companion: endearing personas and cute looks in a socially desirable package. So where is the truth in all of this? This book will equip veterinary professionals, animal welfare scientists, breeders and owners with the fuller story about brachycephalic health and welfare. The first half of the book provides the context of how and why we are in this crisis, offering in-depth historical, social, ethical, communication, nursing, welfare, epidemiological, genetics and international perspectives. The second half shifts towards the clinical arena, with chapters that cover the background, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of the many unique healthcare needs of brachycephalic animals. Cutting-edge knowledge is shared on a range of disciplines including respiratory disease, ophthalmology, dermatology, dentistry, neurology, obesity, reproduction and anesthesia. With twenty chapters written by world-leading experts, lifetimes of experience and knowledge are condensed into the first book dedicated exclusively to brachycephaly in companion animals. This essential reference resource will inform, challenge and stimulate; it will open your mind to new opportunities for you to improve the welfare of brachycephalic animals by your personal and collective choices and actions. But prepare to be surprised: you may just find that your views on brachycephaly in companion animals will be changed forever.

Distinguished by its stunning white coat and unmatched versatility, the White Shepherd is a direct descendant of the German Shepherd dog. Although traditional German Shepherd devotees have shied away from solid white dogs, thousands of enthusiasts have embraced the beautiful, talented White Shepherd and established it as a breed unto itself. Whether on the farm, in the ring, in the water or in the home, the White Shepherd is an exemplary companion and competitor for the right owner.This book provides the reader with much-needed factual information about the breed, its history, including detailed sections on both noteworthy dogs and kennels, and the breed standard.

Discusses the selection and care of a poodle, including tips on housing, feeding, training, breeding, and showing.