Clumber Spaniel

A virtually unknown spaniel breed that has been around for over 150 years, the Clumber Spaniel achieved a moment of modern-day fame when ""Brady" won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show in 1996. When that handsome dog smiled into the TV cameras, many Americans got their first glimpse of this charming companion dog. Named for the Duke of Newcastle's Clumber Park estate in Nottinghamshire, England, the Clumber Spaniel is prized not only for his skill and acumen as a hunting dog but for his clownlike antics and bubbling personality. Breeder Ricky Blackman has written an excellent introduction to the breed in this Comprehensive Owner's Guide that retraces the breed's history in England and America, describes the breed's many unique characteristics (both physical and personality), and offers potential owners sensible advice about the selection, care, and training of a Clumber Spaniel.

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.