Finnish Spitz: Special Rare-Breed Edition (CompanionHouse Books)

With more than 135 photographs, this guide contains everything you need to know if you own a Finnish Spitz or are thinking of buying one. The national dog of Finland, the Finnish Spitz is a devoted family companion whose claims to fame are his plush, solid red coat, foxlike 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, discussing the dog's unique hunting ability and how the efforts of two foresters rescued the breed from near extinction. The chapter also covers the breed's introduction to Britain and the United States. Author Juliette Cunliffe describes the breed as having "the temperament and character of a much larger dog," adding that it is adaptable, lively, friendly, and affectionate, all most desirable traits in a Nordic dog. Of great utility to potential owners of the breed, the characteristics chapter details the Finnish Spitz's physical attributes, personality, and health concerns. Anyone who owns a Finkie or is thinking of owning one will appreciate the information here on: *Finding a reputable breeder and selecting a healthy, sound puppy *Puppy-proofing the home and yard *Purchasing the right supplies for the puppy *House-training, feeding, and grooming *Obedience training *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, kennels, toxic plants, first aid, crate training, carsickness, fussy eaters, and parasite control. Fully indexed.
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