Filled with beautiful color photographs of these furry friends, this book reveals virtually everything needed to appreciate this joyous, lovable companion.“No other animal has shared as much with humanity as Canis familiaris, the domestic dog. Indeed, for at least 32,000 years, this creature, but one paw-step away from the wolf, has willingly and happily traded freedom for an uncertain … for an uncertain relationship with humankind. –From the Introduction.
Chapter One, “Evolutionary Dog,” traces the domestic canine back to the Paleocene Era, then introduces its canid relatives. Sidebars highlight the fascinating evolutionary differences between wolves, modern wild dogs and other canid relatives. Dogs have been both revered and scorned throughout history. Egyptian law protected beloved dogs and worshiped a dog-headed god. But the dog’s spiritual heyday came to a halt in the Middle Ages, when the Christian church declared dogs dirty and poisonous, due to rabies, and they were scorned and feared as werewolves and worse. Yet, in the seventeenth century, dog popularity rose again as European aristocracy celebrated and bred all sorts of specialty hunting dogs. The Renaissance brought dogs, including miniatures of hunting breeds, to all levels of society.
Chapter Two, “Cultured Canine,” is a survey of artistic homage paid to the dog. From Homer’s Odyssey to Dickens, Kipling, Jack London, and Dean Koontz, dogs have been featured as analogy, metaphor, and hero. From the Egyptians to Leonardo da Vinci and beyond, the dog has been featured in paintings and other media. Notable dog lovers include President Roosevelt who loved his Scottie dog Fala, and General Patton, who named his Bull Terrier “Willie” after William the Conqueror. Working dogs are discussed, from shepherds and hunters, to Search and Rescue and service dogs.
Chapter Three, “Physical Dog,” is a guide to understanding and caring for your dog. First, each of the dog’s senses and physical attributes are described, to reveal how they see the world. Important care issues are discussed, such as whether you should get your “fixed,” or his ears cropped, and what ailments your dog is likely to suffer from. You’ll find information about dog behavior, tips for proper training, advice on when to vaccinate, and information about choosing and caring for puppies.
Dog Life closes with a “Gallery of Breeds,” a parade of fascinating canine types in pictures, with brief descriptions of their unique personalities and special characteristics. Overflowing with endearing photographs and enlightening, entertaining text, Dog Life is sure to capture the fancy of dog lovers everywhere.
Award-winning author Amy Shojai is one of America’s foremost pet journalists, and the author of more than 30 dog and cat care nonfiction titles, and the pet-centric September & Shadow Thrillers.
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Excellent book for sophisticated information about dogs evolution, modern breed personalities, pampered pet care, and anything else you need to know about Canine culture. Great for you who are beginning a journey with your first dog AND you who are experienced dog-lovers!
What can I say but WOW this is an incredible book. The information and background of possible origins of dogs. The evidence left behind of dogs in our lives in ancient times and the influence they have in modern times. So much information on what to expect from different breeds. The plight of so many dogs today as a result of indiscriminate breeding and owners lack of responsibility that is causing shelters all over the world to run out of room. She mentioned how shelters are full of purebreed dogs as well as mixes. I would add that for each breed there are breed specific rescues. Many try to monitor shelters for specific breeds but not all. You just search for the breed plus the word rescue to locate ones closest to you if you dont see one at your shelter. But there’s nothing at all wrong with mix breed dogs either. Or do both and save 2 lives. I was so glad to see the section about dogs that are put in danger in our war zones and our police units. They are not appreciated and are often ignored by many. When memorial day rolls around they are rarely if ever mentioned even though many of their lives were lost while saving so many lives. The dogs that worked til exhaustion during Sept 11 recovery were exposed to the same chemicals as humans and many of their lives were cut short as a result. They are never acknowledged in services either. Some dogs were so depressed and upset not to find live people that handlers had to have a volunteer hide in order to let them find them so as to lift the spirits of the dogs. Many war dogs return with PTSD as well and need to be adopted into extra loving homes in order to save them from the same plight as too many shelter dogs.
Its obvious she put a lot of time and research into this book. And the pictures are outstanding and of top quality. You will definitely want to purchase the print book because the quality is beyond just an ebook and will make it easier to show off and share with your friends. This is an excellent book to have out in your den or family room to share with everyone and take my word you will want to. I plan on purchasing the print book soon. You do not want to pass on this book thinking you wouldnt be interested in dog history. It is fascinating as well as informative. And I stress again that the images are stunning.
I would like to add one character to the stars chapter. I know she wasnt able to add them all but this little guy needs to be added. Higgins who was the little dog star in Petticoat Junction and went on to make the movie Benji. What makes Higgins extra special is that he was rescued from a shelter. And Benji helped to promote adopting from shelters. He also won similar awards as others. As he was getting up in years it was his daughter that carried the baton in all the following Benji movies. Higgins grabbed our attention on the tv show but it was as Benji when he, and later his daughter, grabbed the hearts of even the most guarded and melted them. A perfect example of the intelligence and love hidden in mixed breed shelter dogs. You wont find a better book for the history on dogs as well as an intro to some of the many different breeds as well as the importance their role has become with humans. If there was a 6 star rating available this book would certainly rate it. Actually I give it a 10.