A rare breed in America, the German Spitz is one of Europe’s most beloved companion breeds whose popularity in the States has been eclipsed by three spinoffs—the Pomeranian, Keeshond, and American Eskimo Dog. Like those three smiling descendants, the German Spitz is a happy-go-lucky, lighthearted companion, ranging in size from Toy (7 inches) to Giant (18 inches), and occurring in all colors and patterns. Owners prize the breed for its fun personality, keen intelligence, and hardy constitution. The opening chapter of this Comprehensive Owner’s Guide is dedicated to the history of this breed, tracing its origins from the Peat Dogs of the Stone Age to its rise to favor in Victorian England to its spread throughout Europe and modern-day England. The chapter on the breed’s characteristics paints a portrait of this affable, attractive dog, ideal for a family with children, that requires very little of its owners other than grooming, exercise, and lots of love. This full-color edition, written by British dog expert Juliette Cunliffe, is the only book currently available on this terrific companion breed. New owners will welcome the well-prepared chapter on finding a reputable breeder and selecting a healthy, sound puppy. Chapters on puppy-proofing the home and yard, purchasing the right supplies for the puppy as well as house-training, feeding, and grooming are illustrated with photographs of handsome adults and puppies. In all, there are over 135 full-color photographs in this useful and reliable volume. The author’s advice on obedience training will help the reader better mold and train into the most well-mannered dog in the neighborhood. The extensive and lavishly illustrated chapter on healthcare provides up-to-date detailed information on selecting a qualified veterinarian, vaccinations, preventing and dealing with parasites, infectious diseases, and more. Sidebars throughout the text offer helpful hints, covering topics as diverse as historical dogs, breeders, or kennels, toxic plants, first aid, crate training, carsickness, fussy eaters, and parasite control. Fully indexed.

A rare breed in America, the German Spitz is one of Europe’s most beloved companion breeds whose popularity in the States has been eclipsed by three spinoffs—the Pomeranian, Keeshond, and American Eskimo Dog. Like those three smiling descendants, the German Spitz is a happy-go-lucky, lighthearted companion, ranging in size from Toy (7 inches) to Giant (18 inches), and occurring in all colors and patterns. Owners prize the breed for its fun personality, keen intelligence, and hardy constitution. The opening chapter of this Comprehensive Owner’s Guide is dedicated to the history of this breed, tracing its origins from the Peat Dogs of the Stone Age to its rise to favor in Victorian England to its spread throughout Europe and modern-day England. The chapter on the breed’s characteristics paints a portrait of this affable, attractive dog, ideal for a family with children, that requires very little of its owners other than grooming, exercise, and lots of love. This full-color edition, written by British dog expert Juliette Cunliffe, is the only book currently available on this terrific companion breed. New owners will welcome the well-prepared chapter on finding a reputable breeder and selecting a healthy, sound puppy. Chapters on puppy-proofing the home and yard, purchasing the right supplies for the puppy as well as house-training, feeding, and grooming are illustrated with photographs of handsome adults and puppies. In all, there are over 135 full-color photographs in this useful and reliable volume. The author’s advice on obedience training will help the reader better mold and train into the most well-mannered dog in the neighborhood. The extensive and lavishly illustrated chapter on healthcare provides up-to-date detailed information on selecting a qualified veterinarian, vaccinations, preventing and dealing with parasites, infectious diseases, and more. Sidebars throughout the text offer helpful hints, covering topics as diverse as historical dogs, breeders, or kennels, toxic plants, first aid, crate training, carsickness, fussy eaters, and parasite control. Fully indexed.

This Special Rare-Breed Edition, written by British Japanese Spitz breeder Michael P. Rule, proves a vital resource for dog lovers interested in this spectacular Nordic breed. Colorful and comprehensive in its scope, this book discusses breed history, accompanied by many important historical photographs, plus breed characteristics and standard as well as health care, grooming, obedience and house-training, puppy selection and everyday care.

This complete catalog of all things canine is essential reading for dog lovers everywhere. From Beethoven to Toto, dogs have a special relationship with humans and are forever known as man's best friend.?? The enduring loyalty and companionship of our four-legged friends is celebrated throughout The Dog Encyclopedia. Starting with their history, evolution, and anatomy, this beautiful book puts on a show of dogs in art and advertising, sport and service, and religion and culture. Famous dogs in fiction line up alongside heroic helpers. More than 400 dog breeds are introduced, from primitive dogs and working dogs to companion dogs and scent hounds. Each and every breed includes stunning photographs and fact-packed profiles detailing individual character, compatible owner traits, and breed-specific advice. If you're bringing home a new pet, this guide comes crammed with top tips for a balanced diet, exercise, grooming, and training, as well as a health section on continuing care, identifying illness, and veterinary visits. This perfect pooch package is an indispensable owner's guide and an invaluable reference for budding dog whisperers.

Once saluted on passing vessels as the Dutch Barge Dog, the Keeshond sets sail today as one of the world’s most recognizable spitz breeds. With its classic gray coloration, harsh off-standing coat, lionlike ruff, characteristic trousers, and expressive spectacle markings around its eyes, the Keeshond is unmistakably pure and distinctive in every way. Historically used as a watchdog, the Keeshond (pronounced kayz-hawnd) is alert and keenly intuitive, traits that make him a competent protector of home and property. This Comprehensive Owner’s Guide provides an insightful look at the history of the breed, tracing the evolution of Nordic spitz dogs in Asia and Europe, the emergence of the Dutch breed as distinctive from its German Wolfspitz relative, and the spread of the breed to England and America. The chapter on the breed’s characteristics provides a useful portrait of this intelligent and active breed, which for the experienced owner can make a dependable and affectionate companion. New owners will welcome the well-prepared chapter on finding a reputable breeder and selecting a healthy, sound puppy. Chapters on puppy-proofing the home and yard, purchasing the right supplies for the puppy as well as house-training, feeding, and grooming are illustrated with photographs of handsome adults and puppies. In all, there are over 135 full-color photographs in this useful and reliable volume. The author’s advice on obedience training will help the reader better mold and train into the most well-mannered dog in the neighborhood. The extensive and lavishly illustrated chapter on healthcare provides up-to-date detailed information on selecting a qualified veterinarian, vaccinations, preventing and dealing with parasites, infectious diseases, and more. Sidebars throughout the text offer helpful hints, covering topics as diverse as historical dogs, breeders, or kennels, toxic plants, first aid, crate training, carsickness, fussy eaters, and parasite control. Fully indexed.

From classic automobiles (the Mercedes) to great women (Marlene Dietrich), this book takes a look at the incomparable German exports that have transfigured American music, art, film, literature, and sports.

An extensive guide to more than 300 dog breeds, with detailed entries featuring high-quality photography and precise text. The clearest and sharpest recognition guide to more than 300 dog breeds from around the world. Authoritative text, crystal-clear photography, and a systematic approach make this the most comprehensive and concise pocket guide to dogs of the world. Packed with more than 1,000 full-color photographs of over 300 dog breeds, this handy reference book is designed to cut through the process of identification and help you to recognize a breed quickly and easily. Expertly written and thoroughly vetted, each entry combines a precise description with annotated photographs to highlight the characteristics and distinguishing features of each breed, while bands provide at-a-glance facts for quick reference. The introduction traces the evolution of the domestic dog, explains the difference between pedigrees and non-pedigrees, looks at how breeds are classified, and examines their characteristics in detail. Designed to delight and inform dog lovers of all ages – new owners, established enthusiasts, and envious admirers eager to tell terriers apart – the DK Handbook: Dogs offers a quick, easy way to hone your knowledge of hounds.

A prototypical working dog whose ancestry traces to the 15th century, the German Pinscher qualifies as a true Renaissance dog, excelling as a watchdog, farm dog, exterminator, show and competition dog, babysitter and home companion. Balanced and unexaggerated, the German Pinscher is medium in size, short in coat, muscular and elegant. Temperamentally the breed is both territorial and protective, discreet with its bark yet vivacious and ever alert. For the right person willing to be owned by an assertive, intelligent dog, the Pinscher promises close family companionship, good health and puppylike antics for many years to come. This Special Rare-Breed Edition dedicated to the German Pinscher presents a complete history of the breed in Europe and its arrival to the United States. Authors Sharon Morgan and Dee Gannon, breeders and exhibitors of the German Pinscher, offer an insightful look into the breed’s characteristics and attributes. Both the American Kennel Club standard and The Kennel Club (UK) standard are presented, with the latter amplified by British breeder and authority Gloria Cuthbert. Illustrated throughout with color photography, this new Comprehensive Owner’s Guide presents information on selecting and rearing a puppy, house-training and basic obedience, grooming, feeding, showing and much more. A special chapter on canine healthcare by Dr. Lowell Ackerman presents vital information that every owner needs to care for his dog.