商品簡介
Getting a dog is more like getting married than it is like buying a new car or lawnmower—it's a melding of spirits and a lifetime commitment. So, before you take the leap, you'd better make sure that your choice is based on more than a nice smile and a lively tail. And with more than 400 breeds to choose from, it shouldn't be too hard to find the right canine companion for you. Looking for a fun-loving pal for lots of rough and tumble family fun? You might try a Boxer or Spinone. Are you a neat-freak who values quiet? The meticulously clean, cat-like Basenji—the handsome Egyptian barkless dog—is for you. Looking for a dependable, even-tempered guard dog/baby-sitter? You might want to consider the fierce-looking Neapolitan Mastiff.
No matter what qualities you're looking for in a dog, there's a breed out there for you, and Choosing a Dog For Dummies can help you find it. Written by Chris Walkowicz, President of the Dog Writer's Association of America, this friendly guide fills you in on what you need to know to:
Figure out whether or not you really want to share you life with a dog
Decide which pet qualities you value most
Select and buy the perfect pet for you and your family
Give your canine pal the care it deserves
Find out about breed rescue
Select a kid-friendly dog
From Affenpinschers to Xoloitzcuintlis, Chris gives you the complete lowdown on 150 of the most popular breeds along with priceless pointers on:
Finding a reliable breeder and choosing the right puppy for you
Navigating registration and pedigree issues and handling the paperwork involved with getting a purebred dog
Preparing your home for the new arrival and adjusting to your new lives together
Understanding the unique instinctual qualities and demands of each breed, including grooming, exercise, training, and more
When it comes to matching the right dog to your lifestyle and temperament, it doesn't pay to play Wheel of Fortune. Make sure that the breed you choose is the right one and have fun doing it with Choosing a Dog For Dummies.
作者簡介
Chris Walkowicz, author of The Perfect Match and other books, is president of the Dog Writer's Association of America. She has raised numerous champion show dogs.
目次
Introduction.
PART I: Testing Your Pet-Ability.
Chapter 1: Ready? Set? Stop! What You Need to Know Before You Buy.
Chapter 2: Decisions, Decisions: Narrowing Your Choices.
PART II: Finding Fido.
Chapter 3: Looking for Love in All the Right Places.
Chapter 4: Adopting a Rescue or Ricochet Dog.
Chapter 5: But They're All Darling! Choosing the Right Dog.
PART III: Puppy Protection, Papers, and Puddles.
Chapter 6: Welcome Home! Preparing for Your New Arrival.
Chapter 7: Dealing with All Those Papers.
PART IV: A Panorama of Breeds.
Chapter 8: Fur, Fowl, and Fun: The Sporting Group.
Chapter 9: Talented Noses and Eyes: The Hound Group.
Chapter 10: Yo-Heave-Ho! The Working Group.
Chapter 11: Terra Firma: The Terrier Group.
Chapter 12: Cuddle Up a Little Closer: The Toy Group.
Chapter 13: Diversity Unified: The Non-Sporting Group.
Chapter 14: Head 'em Up, Move 'em Out! The Herding Group.
Chapter 15: Et Cetera, Et Cetera: The Rare and Miscellaneous Group.
PART V: The Part of Tens.
Chapter 16: Ten Musts Before You Buy.
Chapter 17: Ten Things to Look for When Choosing a Breeder.
Chapter 18: Ten (or More) Things You Must Give Your Dog.
Appendix A: Glossary of Medical Terms.
Appendix B: Resources.
Index.
Book Registration Information.
