Amazon.com: Dogs: The Ultimate Dictionary of over 1,000 Breeds: Desmond Morris: Books

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Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
A respected naturalist and the author of over 50 volumes on animal and human behavior, Morris has compiled a treasury of information on the dog. More than 1000 breeds are discussed, accompanied by 600 black-and-white illustrations. Although the sheer number of dog breeds cited would be sufficient to make this volume a highly recommended purchase for all public libraries, Morris's painstaking scholarship and research truly set the book apart from standard breed dictionaries. Individual breed descriptions are followed by references provided in chronological order. The book closes with lists of general breed reference works, regional breed books arranged by country, and books that examine breed groups. In addition to the scholarship and fluid writing style, Morris includes fascinating anecdotes about extinct dogs, edible dogs, recent crossbreeds, breed histories, alternate names, and even a dog that will herd fish. All breeds are listed in the index. A valuable book for serious dog enthusiasts and casual browsers alike. Cleo Pappas, Lisle Lib. Dist., IL
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Animal lovers have long been captivated by Morris' fascinating work in the field of animal behavior. This addition to his oeuvre will not disappoint. Morris says this is the reference book he always wanted. It didn't exist so he wrote it! While most standard guides focus on a breed's physical standards for the show ring, this guide downplays that aspect and instead gives a historical perspective.

More than 1,000 dog breeds are covered. Breeds that are officially recognized and registered by major kennel clubs are included, but this dictionary also encompasses unrecognized breeds that have played a part in the history of domestic dogs. New breeds such as the Schnoodle, service dogs for the disabled, and even dogs once bred for human consumption are discussed, as are wild dogs, wolf-dog hybrids, and obscure and extinct breeds.

Presentation and organization of breed information is unique. Dogs are arranged first according to their original function--"Sporting Dogs," "Livestock Dogs," and "Service Dogs." Within these broad categories the animals are separated by functional specialty, such as "Sighthounds," "Sheep-herders," and "Rescue Dogs." For each group, a short overview essay is followed by entries for specific breeds, arranged by country of origin. The physical appearance and disposition of the dog are described, along with the breed's history and development over time, as well as the background of the breed name. (There was at one time a breed called a Turnspit whose name precisely described its function--running in a wheel that turned meat being roasted before a fire.) Information about relationships among breeds and controversies among canine experts adds an interesting dimension. Some breeds are represented in small black-and-white drawings. In addition to an extensive annotated bibliography, a list of references appears after many entries. There is an alphabetical index of 3,000 breed names, with those appearing in the dictionary in capital letters.

Although not replacing official kennel club guides, this title will be a valuable supplementary source of information for dog lovers. It offers hours of delightful browsing through the history of man's best friend. RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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