The national dog of Finland, the Finnish Spitz is a devoted family companion whose claims to fame are his plush solid-red coat, fox-like appearance, and his expressive voice. Called the "Barking Bird Dog," Finkies use their voices while hunting forest game and are known to howl and yodel to express their moods, desires, and woes. This Comprehensive Owner's Guide dedicated to the Finnish Spitz opens with a chapter on the breed's history in Finland,...

The experts at Kennel Club Books present the world's largest series of breed-specific canine care books. Each critically acclaimed Comprehensive Owner's Guide covers everything from breed standards to behavior, from training to health and nutrition. With nearly 200 titles in print, this series is sure to please the fancier the fancier of even the rarest of breed!

Focusing on "the barkless dog of Africa," this Comprehensive Owner's Guide is dedicated to the Basenji, which comes to Westerners via Africa's Congo. The Basenji is unique for his "barklessness"-he in fact yodels-as well as his felinelike cleanliness, his terrierlike hunting skills, and his teenagerlike naughtiness. British purebred dog specialist, Juliette Cunliffe traces the origins of the"Congo Terrier" (as it was once called) from the jungles...

One of the world's most ancient pure-bred dogs, the Norwegian Elkhound once trotted alongside the sea-faring Vikings as they voyaged through the Old World. Marked by its boldly energetic personality, the Elkhound of Norway proves to be a versatile companion and hunting dog, whose varied quarry included elk, reindeer, bear and game birds. Today the Elkhound is prized for its natural beauty, friendly temperament and independence of character. This is...

Hailing from the Balaeric island of Ibiza in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Spain, the Ibizan Hound is an elegant, sleek-coated companion dog that began as a powerful hunter renowned for its infallible ability as a rabbit courser. Keen eyesight and equally perceptive hearing afford this lithe, fleet-footed sighthound superb hunting and coursing abilities. The breed's unique deerlike appearance is accomplished by its clean-cut lines; its large,...

Written by one of the world's most respected authorities on Tibetan breeds, Juliette Cunliffe, a British native living in Tibet, this introductory guide to the Tibetan Terrier offers a rare look into this mystical canine from Land of Snows. Unlike any other dog, the Tibetan Terrier, a member of the AKC Non-Sporting Group, is not a terrier, but rather a fun-loving companion dog prized for his snowshoed feet, his hardy constitution, and his profuse...

German in name and French in origin, the Löwchen is an inquisitive, confident, charming clown" with a happy temperament that endears him to all. Though small in size, the stylish Little Lion Dog, as he is called, is leonine in heart and appearance. The distinctive lion trim in which the coat is fashioned, with full mane and tufted tail, distinguishes him from his Bichon family relatives and makes him an impressive sight from city streets, parks and...

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...

This Comprehensive Owner's Guide to the Bichon Frise serves as a complete introduction to this perfect "powder puff" of a pretty pet! The Bichon Frise, recognized around the world for his perfectly coiffed pure white coat, is an affectionate companion for the whole family. Beyond being pretty, he is sturdy, adaptable, highly trainable, and eager to compete. The breed excels at dog shows, obedience and agility trials, and as therapy dogs. Mapping the...

The experts at Kennel Club Books present the world's largest series of breed-specific canine care books. Each critically acclaimed Comprehensive Owner's Guide covers everything from breed standards to behavior, from training to health and nutrition. With nearly 200 titles in print, this series is sure to please the fancier of even the rarest breed.