We're Having a Puppy!: From the Big Decision Through the Crucial First Year

by Eric Swanson

Who's going to be your new best friend?Choosing a puppy is a lot of fun, but it's also an important decision. This unique guide shows you how to select the breed which most perfectly matches your personality and environment. Looking for a laid-back, comforting friend? A Saint Bernard or Pinscher would love to stay at home and relax with you. Need a dog that loves the city? Welsh corgis and French bulldogs are among the most cosmopolitan of canines. Looking for non-stop friendliness? Count on a Norwich terrier or beagle to bond as your most cheerful buddy. Active and energetic? Golden retrievers and greyhounds will keep up with you.Choose a puppy as you would choose a partner-- carefully! With the help of a personal questionnaire, profiles of various breeds and their personalities, and charts listing the main characteristics of more than 100 dogs, with Eric Swanson's We're Having a Puppy! you'll be on your way to proud puppy parenthood.

224 pages, ebook

First published October 15, 1997

Reviews

[Tina · Rating 1 out of 5]

According to this author, corgis are a best option for people who lead very busy lives and work a lot, as they're low maintance -- corgis are a terrible beginner option and they require a lot of excercise, mental stimulation, and attention to not become highly distructive. The "ancient Chihuahua" is inherently adorable? -- Vets seem to agree this breed bites the most. The great dane is a horrible choice for an apartments? -- they actually do great in appartment if you care for them properly. And according to the author a larger bully breed would be a much better choice for city living -- good luck renting with breed and size restrictions!... I could go on and on, but then I noticed his byline half way through and stopped reading.

The author lists "DVM," doctor of veterinary medicine, on the cover to mislead people to thinking he's an authority on this topic, when really only the author of the brief introduction is. The author's actual byline? The author lives in NYC and has 3 cats!

[Stephanie Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had some very valuable General information in a fun to read format. However when the author started getting more specific in his recommendations I found myself questioning his reliability. I would still recommend this book for anybody thinking about getting a dog who wants overview of what to expect.

[Monique · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not great--especially if you already know what kind of dog you're getting. Not enough specific training how-tos. Just lots of advice

[Elena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview, and discussion of difference in breeds. Also a good reality check.