Collie (Comprehensive Owner's Guide)

One of the world's most recognizable purebred dogs, the Collie with his signature rough coat and ineffably dignified expression is the quintessential children's dog, as immortalized by Lassie on film. Originally designed to be a robust working dog in Scotland, the Collie fast became known for his brains and beauty, prized for his near-human personality and his love and devotion to his family. This Comprehensive Owner's Guide to the Collie offers potential owners a glimpse at this miracle of a purebred dog, unraveling various theories of the breed's origins and recounting the breed's arrival in the United States where it has remained a popular favorite. Author Samantha Moore discusses the breed's many appealing characteristics and potential drawbacks to give the reader a realistic picture of this beautiful, but demanding companion dog. New owners will welcome the well-prepared chapter on finding a reputable breeder and selecting a healthy, sound puppy. Chapters on puppy-proofing the home and yard, purchasing the right supplies for the puppy as well as house-training, feeding, and grooming are illustrated with photographs of handsome adults and puppies. In all, there are over 135 full-color photographs in this useful and reliable volume. The author's advice on obedience training will help the reader better mold and train into the most well-mannered dog in the neighborhood. The extensive and lavishly illustrated chapter on healthcare provides up-to-date detailed information on 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, or kennels, toxic plants, first aid, crate training, carsickness, fussy eaters, and parasite control. Fully indexed.