Understanding Your Dog

In This Chapter Getting to know the modern hunters Understanding the finer points of the breeds Choosing a breed that suits your lifestyle Learning to live with an energetic dog The “sporting” in Sporting Dogs is less about soccer and baseball than it is about hunting. The dogs of the Sporting Group — the Pointers,…

In This Chapter Getting to know the Terriers Choosing a Terrier that isn’t a terror Understanding the Terrier’s needs In name and in spirit, the dogs of the Terrier Group are down to earth. The name terrier is derived from terra, Latin for “earth.” Farmers relied on Terriers to control pests — mice, rats, foxes — in fields…

In This Chapter Characterizing the Herders Running circles around the competition Choosing a breed for your own flock Transitioning from farm to split-level To see a Herding dog in action is to see something quite amazing. Whether by staring, nipping, stalking, circling, or barking, Herding breeds have an incredible ability to control the movement of…

In This Chapter Defining the Working category Getting to know the workers Understanding the needs of sled dogs Socializing a protective breed The Working Group is a formidable assemblage, made up of dogs of great strength, courage, and devotion. The AKC category of Working Dog describes breeds that were originally bred for jobs other than…