Purebred Dogs vs. Mixed Breed Dogs Which Dog Breed Is Best For You? 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy Advice You Can Trust: 180 Dog Breed Reviews Teach Your Dog 100 English Words How To Buy a Good Dog (Without Getting Rooked)

Author Michele Welton tells you which dog breeds are perfect for you -- and which ones would be a disaster. Candid reviews of 200 purebred dogs. The most honest and outspoken information you'll ever find. Success Stories Gina Spadafori, Pet Connection columnist and author of "Dogs For Dummies": ""In my 15 years as a syndicated pet-care columnist, I have found myself recommending this book to readers again and again. If you're looking for the inside track on finding the right breed and (even more important) the right breeder, you must read this book." Barbara Russell, Obedience Instructor: "The most honest reviews of purebred dogs I've ever read. Michele Welton pulls no punches in her opinions about the temperament and behavior of 200 breeds." Karen Greene, obedience instructor and veterinary technician: "This book is #1 out of all the ones I recommend to prospective dog owners. If you want honesty, and at the same time fun to read, no other book touches this one. It's an eye-opener." Barbara Simmons-Broane, Golden Retriever breeder: "I've never seen a book that puts the whole picture together like this one. It covers absolutely everything. Don't even think of buying a dog without reading this book." Peter Enoki, new Bloodhound owner: "A superb book. I especially appreciated the script you gave us for calling breeders on the phone. The interview questions were terrific and really helped me weed out the clueless breeders." Chelsea Ann Siebert, new Sheltie owner: "This book was so easy to read, I felt like you were talking directly to me the whole time. I never realized there was so much about purebred dogs I didn't know, especially about health problems." Sandra Kowalski, Poodle groomer: ""The best book I've ever read on buying a dog. The author lays it straight on the line and talks about dog breeds and dog breeders exactly as they are." Georgia Sukaris, new Shih Tzu owner: "I am now the proud owner of a beautiful Shih Tzu puppy! The questionnaire was fun, and matching up the breeds to my list of requirements was exciting. I can't thank you enough for being so thorough." Dr. David R. Miller Ph.D., searching for a Labrador: "I had no idea there were so many health problems in dogs. I didn't realize how common hip dysplasia was, or how to question a breeder about it or read a hip clearance certificate. Thanks to your book, I can approach dog breeders feeling confident that I'm prepared." Rick Shales, new Samoyed owner: ""All by itself, the word for word interview between a buyer and a breeder paid for this book. I never would have thought of all those questions or known the right words to use when talking with a breeder." Jeanne Schaefer, new Dachshund owner: "I was flabbergasted when I called my first breeder and he gave me most of the stupid answers you said to watch out for! Because of your book, I was able to recognize that he knew absolutely nothing about his own breed." Dianne Garcelon, German Shepherd breeder: "I wish every buyer who called me would ask these questions! They are definitely the questions that sort out the few good breeders from all the bad ones. Your book should produce many more informed buyers, exactly the ones I want to sell my good puppies to!" Danielle DeVrons, new Golden Retriever owner: "The first three breeders I called had never even heard of hip dysplasia -- this is unbelievable! Why are such people breeding in the first place? I was so glad to have your list of questions, it led me to a breeder who had OFA certificates, CERF certificates, and heart test results for both of my puppy's parents and all four grandparents. Hopefully Sadie will live a long healthy life!" Richard Curtiss, new Pug owner: "Would you believe two breeders tried to assure me that Pugs don't shed much? I responded, "Oh, really?" and hung up. Finally found a breeder who was brutally honest about all the negatives of the breed. Just like you are! And you're both right! My new Pugster sure is stubborn, sure does shed, sure does snort and fart. But because of your honesty I was ready for all this, and it's okay. Thanks for everything you wrote. People thinking of getting a really do need to hear these things." Jim Johansen, Sheltie breeder: "Your advice on picking out a puppy is very, very good. I can't tell you how many people would have chosen the wrong puppy from one of my litters if I hadn't stepped in to steer them toward a much more suitable puppy. If people would only test puppies with the tests you've suggested, they would stand a much better chance of getting the right puppy for them!" Rhonda McKerrow, new Standard Poodle owner: "I learned so much from the chapters on reading OFA and CERF certificates. I had never even heard of such things before. Also what the names on the pedigree mean, and the titles, and what should be in the sales contract. When I sat at the kitchen table with the breeder, going over the paperwork, I felt like a knowledgeable buyer because of your book." Cory Woods, searching for a Golden Retriever: "Laughed through your section on bad breeder ads! I've actually seen ads just like these in our newspaper. Now that I know what they mean, I sure won't fall for them. After learning so much from your book, I estimate that 95% of the people selling Golden Retriever puppies are unknowledgeable, irresponsible, or both. It's really bad!"

So you want to buy a purebred puppy! And you want it to be happy, healthy, playful, dependable -- the perfect companion to share your life for the next decade or two. You're ready to start searching. Your anticipation -- your eagerness -- makes me smile. Because I know how excited I've gotten whenever I started searching for a new dog for my own family. It's an adventure! Start with these three steps... Choose the right breed. One who matches your personality and lifestyle. Choose the right breeder. One who passes your interview questions. Choose the right puppy. One who passes your personality tests and health tests. Master these three steps and you'll have your dream dog! I can help you... YOUR PUREBRED PUPPY: A BUYER'S GUIDE (2ND EDITION) completely covers all three steps. I wrote this book so you would have everything you need to know to buy a beautiful, good-tempered, healthy purebred dog who will be a joy to your family. You'll learn exactly what to do, step by step, to find and buy the dog of your dreams. I could have written three completely separate books, one for each critical step. But it was too important to me that you have all three steps in one place, because you must get ALL THREE STEPS RIGHT. Getting one step right is useless without the other two. Let me explain what I mean. If you choose the right breed BUT you buy from an unknowledgeable breeder, your puppy will likely grow up to look and act much differently than you're expecting. Because you picked the wrong breeder. If you find a knowledgeable breeder BUT the breed turns out to shed too much or drool too much, all the knowledge and experience of your breeder can't do a darned thing about it. You picked the wrong breed. If you choose a suitable breed AND a knowledgeable breeder BUT you fall for the first puppy who tumbles into your arms, he may turn out to be hyperactive or nippy or stubborn or dull. You picked the wrong puppy. You see? You must get all three steps right. Right breed Right breeder Right puppy YOUR PUREBRED PUPPY: A BUYER'S GUIDE shows you how! It starts with... Choosing the right breed Many books will show you what the breeds look like, even describe what they act like. YOUR PUREBRED PUPPY: A BUYER'S GUIDE does much more! You'll learn, step by step, how to sort through all the breeds and select the perfect one for you. Compatibility is critical! A major cause of problems between an owner and his dog is that the dog doesn't suit the owner OR the owner doesn't suit the dog. Look at these mismatches: a permissive person choosing a strong-willed Chow a neat-freak family choosing a heavy shedding Pomeranian a sociable family choosing a suspicious Komondor a family with toddlers choosing a fragile Chihuahua Some people choose a breed because they like its muscular or flowing or angelic or because there's a litter up the street, or because their uncle had one who could practically . But in a month or a year, these people often discover, to their dismay, that they've started a ten- to fifteen-year commitment with an incompatible breed. Owner and dog will end up in a discouraging battle as the owner struggles to change the dog's natural characteristics to ones that he would prefer. But purebred characteristics can be hard to change! How to choose the right breed Evaluate yourself and your lifestyle. Decide which canine characteristics would best suit you. Choose a breed who tends to have those characteristics. Choosing a breed is fun -- with YOUR PUREBRED PUPPY: A BUYER'S GUIDE walking you through each step! My lifestyle questionnaire will help you evaluate your personality and lifestyle. You'll match your answers against the breed reviews and score each breed for suitability. My reviews and photos of 200 dog breeds (including many rare breeds you may never have heard of!) will help you choose the breed that has the traits you're looking for. Each profile includes: Temperament and behavior Attitude toward other pets Behavior problems Aggression or shyness Suitability for novice owners Suitability for children Health clearances required Sociability with strangers Cautions when buying Activity indoors Height and weight Natural or cropped ears Natural or docked tail Ideal owner Lifespan Shedding Brushing Grooming Colors Exercise needs Ease of training Training hints Popularity Origin of name History/past uses Similar breeds Click and hold on box below. "...I hold nothing back." Whichever breed you're interested in, I promise you, I hold nothing back. You'll find out what each breed is really like. Breeders don't always appreciate my honest, straightforward information when I'm describing their breed, but you will love it! "But I already have a good idea of which breed I want. Why should I check out 199 other breeds?" Click here for the answer. And even if you DO know which breed you want... there are TWO MORE STEPS you must take to find the right purebred dog. Choosing the Right Breeder and Choosing the Right Puppy. You will need YOUR PUREBRED PUPPY: A BUYER'S GUIDE for both steps! Choosing the right breeder Purebred puppies are not churned out of a plastic mold. The knowledge and skill of the breeder have a tremendous bearing on how your puppy turns out. The puppies from one breeder are NOT the same as those from another breeder. You must find a breeder who knows what a good representative of your breed is supposed to look like and act like -- and who ALSO has the knowledge and skill to match the right parents who have the right genes to produce such offspring. These are the good breeders you want to buy from. Good breeders are hard to find. Most people don't know what to look for when they read a breeder's advertisement in a dog magazine. Or when they call a breeder on the phone. Or when they visit the breeder's house. So, sad to say, most pet owners end up buying their puppy from an unknowledgeable breeder. Since these crummy breeders are the source of most of the health and temperament problems that have befallen the world of purebred dogs, YOU must learn how to recognize and avoid them. In YOUR PUREBRED PUPPY: A BUYER'S GUIDE, you will learn... Secrets About Breeders Twenty-five questions you should ask a breeder on the phone before you even consider visiting in person. The exact answers you should expect to hear. "Insider" terms to listen for. Examples of foolish answers and other red flags. Twelve signs that will tell you a breeder can be trusted. Fourteen signs that will tell you a breeder should NOT be trusted. Nine sources you can use to find a breeder. The most common source people use to find a purebred puppy -- and why you should NOT use it. Examples of good ads worth checking out. Examples of bad ads you should definitely avoid. Why a "USDA-licensed breeder" is someone to run away from. This information is so frank and candid that you will never read it anywhere else. You'll learn secrets that other people only wish they knew! Choosing the right puppy I'm not going to leave you hanging! Even with the best breed chosen and the best breeder found, you must sort through the available puppies and select the best one for you. Canine authority Roger Caras advises, "Never buy the puppy. Buy the dog the puppy one day will be." YOUR PUREBRED PUPPY: A BUYER'S GUIDE shows you how to PREDICT what each puppy one day will be. You'll learn dozens of important... Secrets About Puppies How much you should pay for a nice puppy. What might happen if you pay too much -- or too little. How old a puppy should be before you bring him home. How to examine a puppy's physical structure. Five revealing tests you can do to predict a puppy's temperament and personality. Secrets About Buying What to look for (and look out for) at the breeder's home or kennel. How to pin the breeder down to find out exactly what health testing he has done on the parents and grandparents of your potential puppy. THIS IS ESSENTIAL INFORMATION. How to read and understand genetic health certificates (OFA and CERF certificates). What to look for (and look out for!) in a pedigree. Two conditions you should never accept in a sales contract. Which clauses you should insist upon in a health guarantee. How to diplomatically say "No" when you really don't want to buy. Why I recommend "YOUR PUREBRED PUPPY" YOUR PUREBRED PUPPY is the best guide for potential dog owners because I show you, in precise, practical, STEP BY STEP detail how to master all three essential steps. Choosing the right breed. Choosing the right breeder. Choosing the right puppy. Don't just take my word for it. Read the reviews running down the left column of this page. I'm delighted that they're so happy with my book! YOUR PUREBRED PUPPY: A BUYER'S GUIDE, 2ND EDITION is available at your local library or book store.