Dogs of Africa [Illustrated] [Paperback]

Sian Hall (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 2003

Here’s a fascinating resource for anyone interested in the African breeds, including those newly recognized by AKC. Hall delves deeply into the history, characteristics, similarities and dissimilarities of breeds in the seven basic Africa dog types. Maps illustrate where the dogs originated

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Sian Hall was born in Kitwe Zambia. She obtained her BA (Hons) in Anthropology in English Literature at Rhodes University, and is presently a Ph.D candidate in Anthropology at the same university. Sian has had a life-long interest in the indigenous dogs of Africa, an interest which her family kept some of these little known breeds as pets. In 1990 she initiated a project aimed at researching and promoting the various popular articles and contributed to television programs on this topic.

Sian is also a writer having produced books on various topics. She is the owner of six Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

Product Details

• Paperback: 366 pages
• Publisher: Alpine Pubns Inc; illustrated edition edition (February 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1577790391
• ISBN-13: 978-1577790396
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,645,677 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exhaustive and extensive descriptions, July 26, 2003

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dogs of Africa (Paperback)

Dogs Of Africa is an in-depth, 366-page encyclopedic study of those canine breeds that originated on the African continent. From pariahs, hounds, and southern African dogs, to sighthounds, mastiffs, and small pet dogs such as the Maltese Poodle, exhaustive and extensive descriptions are combined with black-and-white photographs, histories of the breed origins and their uses, and a wealth of information both practical and trivial, distinguish this unique and specialized guide which is especially recommended for dedicated dog breeders in general, and African canine enthusiasts in particular.

5.0 out of 5 stars A treasure!, March 10, 2009

By 

Sanna Södergren (Sweden) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dogs of Africa (Paperback)

What can I say other than I am enchanted by this wonderful book! I do not have a sighthound or an African breed but they fascinate me so I got this book to learn more. I am enjoying every single page.
I had expected something like an ordinary book of dogs, a piece of history and then some words about temperament and that would be it. This book is NOTHING like the average book. It is clear that the author knows her stuff and that she really loves these unknown, rare and beautiful breeds. This is not just a breed book, it's a work of passion for the very special dogs of Africa.
My favorite breed is the Azawakh, but after reading this I am in awe of all the breeds presented here!
I have a Tibetan Mastiff myself and so much of what is written in this book can be translated to fit my breed since it's also a primitive breed. I've gotten several aha-moments and I am sure I will get even more as I dig even deeper into to ancient Africa and her hidden treasures, all in the shape of dogs!
This is by far my #1 favorite dogbook of all time (and I have ALOT of books on my shelf)!!! GREAT and educational and very enjoyable!

4.0 out of 5 stars Outside the Box Book, February 7, 2009

By 

S. Hopper "farm player" (West Virginia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Dogs of Africa (Paperback)

I was searching for a good book on Rhodesian Ridgebacks for an AKC-member friend of mine who raises and show her dogs. Every other one I considered was the same old formula: how to raise, grade, feed, train, and show them. Typical elitist doggie people fodder, and not impressive to serious breeders and show folks.
This book, written by one of their own, puts new perspective on the rich history and established usages of numerous dog breeds originating on the Continent of Africa. I would have enjoyed more color portraits but the mostly black and white pics represented a more realistic and au naturale portrayal of how these dogs live, where, and doing what, in their native habitats.
And it was this out-of-the-box presentation of all dogs African that did indeed hit the spot with my dog breeder friend. I have it on her authority that this is a fine and illuminating read.