Mankind's relationship with the dog can be traced back for thousands of years. Indeed, the dog is probably our oldest non-human companion. Excavations of Middle Eastern fossils, believed to be at least 12,000 years old. Interestingly, for an animal that has been so important to us for so very long, there is uncertainty as to the exact way in which domestication of the dog occurred. We cannot even be absolutely sure of the evolutionary route by which the dog itself came about- although most experts are in agreement that the wolf is the most probable ancestor. This guide explores in more detail the most likely theories of dog evolution. It also explores some of the ways in which the dog may have begun to befriend humans.

Looking for the ideal, perfectly compatible canine companion for your family? Your search ends here. From spaniels to sheepdogs, The Complete Dog Breed Book is all you need to find the perfect pet for your family. Fully illustrated and featuring over 400 of the world's best-loved breeds, this comprehensive guide offers expert advice on keeping, training, and caring for your beloved dog. The book's special Q&A selector charts help you make the right choice as per your lifestyle and convenience. Clear and practical instructions on care cover the essential aspects of looking after a dog, including handling, grooming, nutrition, health, and exercise. The visual training program features step-by-step photographic sequences, explaining the specifics of basic obedience. Tried-and-tested notes on how to identify and prevent common behavioral problems provide a fascinating insight into the behavior of dogs and how we interact with them. The Complete Dog Breed Book is a one-stop manual to help you become the owner of a happy, healthy, and well-behaved dog.

The ultimate resource for dog lovers, this authoritative volume on selecting and caring for any kind of dog focuses--in the ASPCA tradition--on mixed breeds, a major difference from most other dog books, which describe only purebreds. 650+ photos. (Pets)

Why This Book The Ultimate Guide to Wild Canines, Primitive Dogs, and Pariah Dogs is geared toward the experienced dog owner who wants to own a pure wild canine, a wolf dog, coydog, dingoX, or primitive/pariah dog. In this book we will examine pureblood wild canines and their crosses and look at several primitive/pariah breeds. We will lay out the challenges that you can expect from these breeds, including housing, transporting, and socializing. We will also discuss the current state and provincial laws surrounding ownership of wild canines. This is not a training manual. If you are an inexperienced dog owner and think having a wild canine or cross is cool or a status symbol, please read this book very carefully. Wild canines are not for the inexperienced dog owner. For the sake of the dog you plan to bring home, please consider your decision very carefully. These dogs are a challenge even for experienced dog handlers. Wild animals and their crossbreeds do not belong in 99% of homes. The rehoming options are slim, and your pet wild canine may end up paying for your decision with its life. Primitive dogs have a long history of living on the edges of human habitation. They may not come with the same legal challenges as a wild canine, but you will still have plenty of work ahead of you including training and socializing your primitive. Carefully think through your decision to adopt a primitive. Bringing home a “couch wolf” can cause problems in your home. If you’ve accidentally gotten a primitive dog from a shelter, I highly encourage you to read this book, then find a reputable trainer who understands that this is not just a dog. I acquired my primitive dog accidentally and while I was an experienced dog owner, I was still baffled until I realized what she was and adapted to her behaviors. A common domesticated dog is a huge responsibility. However, a wild or primitive dog requires far more work. Owning one may be the greatest experience in your life, but it will also be one of the biggest challenges. For the sake of your future pet, take the time to read this book carefully. Owning a wild dog – a wolf, coyote, dingo, or even something imported from Africa – might sound like an amazing opportunity. Imagine the looks you’ll get! Imagine how much fun it will be to walk down the street with your silver coated wolf by your side. However, before you make that sort of commitment, take some time to learn about wild dogs. Bringing a wild dog into your life can have some long term legal and ethical outcomes. Because wild dogs are governed by state laws, The Ultimate Guide to Wild Dogs, Primitive Dogs and Pariah Dogs examines the basic laws and requirements for those owning wild dogs. What happens when your wolf dog mistakes cattle for their rightful prey? Can you keep a coy-dog in an apartment? Did you know that finding vet care can be a challenge for your wild dog and that their nutritional, training, and exercise requirements are different? Will your homeowner’s insurance even cover a wild dog? Before you make a commitment to a wild dog, learn what you can expect from bringing an undomesticated dog into your life. This book also examines pariah and primitive dogs, those with specific physical characteristics who live on the outskirts of human society. These dogs are somewhat more socialized than a wild dog but come with their unique challenges and interesting personalities. If you’ve met one of these unique dogs during a trip to another country, how do you go about bringing it home? What sort of quarantines are in place? Can they be fully associated into a home? This book answers all these important questions and will help you to decide if a wild dog, primitive dog or pariah dog is the right match for your home and family.

This comprehensive photographic guide includes over 200 breeds that are presented in more than 900 full color photographs.

This encyclopedia to 140 canine breeds--including a few relatively unknown breeds in North America--presents entries alphabetically, with color photos, capsule descriptions, and sidebar charts that list physical traits and general exercise and space needs. 150 color photos.

This is a comprehensive reference for dog owners and prospective dog owners. Opening sections discuss breed evolution and point out the many physical and behavioural traits, and there are profiles of over 150 breeds in all, including 27 new breeds

This heavily illustrated, full color depiction of just about every breed of dog out there celebrates our four-legged friends and their history.

Is a Springer Spaniel too high-strung for an apartment? Is a Golden Retriever the best choice for a family with young children? This easy-to-use, A-Z guide profiles the behaviors of all breeds recognized by the AKC, as well as a cross-section of mixed breeds. The authors also discuss how to choose the right breeder, how to select a puppy and prepare for its homecoming, and more. Line art.

This definitive encyclopedia is a comprehensive visual guide to more than 180 breeds from all over the world. Everything you need to know about dogs, from choosing a breed to grooming, feeding and exercise is described in full detail, and there is a step-by-step guidance through basic first aid and training. Descriptions of each dog's temperament will help you choose the right dog for you and your family.