Dogs: The Ultimate Dictionary of Over 1,000 Dog Breeds [Paperback]

Desmond Morris (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2008

One of the world's leading experts on animal behavior presents an authoritative guide to the origins and characteristics of every recognized breed of dog, from the Affenpinscher to the Zanzibar Greyhound. In addition, a fascinating look at the conflicting theories of canine behavior sheds new light on some old beliefs. From household pets to wild dogs, hunting hounds to sheep-herders, cattle-herders, even fish-herders, this comprehensive survey provides the history, qualities, and characteristics of each breed. Expert, meticulously researched information combines with superb illustrations to make this an unparalleled resource for dog lovers.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Desmond Morris is a renowned animal behaviorist and the author of the bestselling books Catwatching, Dogwatching, Horsewatching, and The Naked Ape.

Product Details

• Paperback: 752 pages
• Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books (September 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570764107
• ISBN-13: 978-1570764103
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #369,875 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Desmond Morris was born in 1928. Educated at Birmingham and Oxford universities, he became the Curator of Mammals at London Zoo in 1959, a post he held for eight years.

In 1967 he published The Naked Ape which has sold over 10 million copies worldwide and has changed the way we view our own species forever.

An accomplished artist, TV presenter, film maker and writer, Desmond Morris's books have been published in over thirty-six countries.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT book, January 27, 2009

By 

Lindsay A. Roach (Nashville, TN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dogs: The Ultimate Dictionary of Over 1,000 Dog Breeds (Paperback)

I have been looking for an encyclopedia of dog breeds, and boy have found it in desmond morris'. Not only does it include registered dogs, but also dogs that have not been seen in over a century. It may not have photos, but the drawn images give you an idea of what the dog looks like. The breeds are broken up not only by type, but specified in type or what they are mainly used for such as "Sporting-Treeing Dogs-then by country of origin"
I would suggest this book every time

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Covers the countlessly diverse canine species and the details that separate them from one another, January 10, 2009

By 

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

This review is from: Dogs: The Ultimate Dictionary of Over 1,000 Dog Breeds (Paperback)

Dogs come in so many shapes in sizes, that keeping track of them all is a difficult endeavor indeed. "Dogs: The Ultimate Dictionary of Over 1,000 Dog Breeds" covers the countlessly diverse canine species and the details that separate them from one another. Dividing them by type and breed, each entry details each breed's description, traditional purpose, and many entries are accompanied by a simple black and white sketch of the hound. "Dogs" is an ideal reference for anyone whose job revolves around the canine, or for any dog lover who values his or her knowledge of man's best friend.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An All-Inclusive Reference, September 20, 2009

By 

Witkind "Hungry Reader" (Columbus) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Dogs: The Ultimate Dictionary of Over 1,000 Dog Breeds (Paperback)

Most lists of types of dog stick to the tried and true, using standard kennel club groups and well-known breeds. Desmond Morris includes the canids you see at Westminster and Crufts but also variations of standard breeds, breeds from all over the world and even some dog versions that are extinct. His categories include 12 types of sporting dogs, six of livestock dogs (including llama-herders)and 12 of service dogs (including truffle dogs). You may want to skip the section on edible dogs, but you will definitely want to read about the dorgie, a cross between a dachsund and Welsh Pembroke corgi doted on by Queen Elizabeth II. Morris' writing is urbane and entertaining, and his research has depth as well as breadth.