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James Serpell
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The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behaviour and Interactions with People 0th Edition

by James Serpell (Editor)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 46 ratings
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The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behavior and Interactions with People
The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behavior and Interactions with People
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Dogs occupy a special position in human society. They were probably the first animal species to become domesticated, but their relationship with humans has always been ambivalent. Dogs form strong attachments to humans, even in the face of rejection and punishment, voluntarily allying themselves to us as faithful companions, uncomplaining child-substitutes, enduring workers, and excellent hunters and guards. Yet they are also reviled as vicious killers, unclean scavengers and outcasts. In this book, the many facets of dog behavior are set in the context of the dog's place in our society. Based on firm scientific research, the book dispells many myths and stereotypes about our canine friends, and it will be the definitive reference work on dog behavior for many years to come. Dog-lovers with an interest in understanding how and why dogs behave as they do will find this fascinating reading.
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  1. ISBN-10
    0521415292
  2. ISBN-13
    978-0521415293
  3. Edition
    0
  4. Publisher
    Cambridge University Press
  5. Publication date
    January 26, 1996
  6. Language
    English
  7. Dimensions
    7.75 x 0.75 x 10.25 inches
  8. Print length
    280 pages
  9. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"The technical quality of the data is high, the chapters well-written, and the book is well-organized. This title is a welcome addition to the scientific literature describing the behavior of dogs and dog-human interactions." Science Books and Films

Book Description

A scientific analysis of dogs, their behaviour, and their relationships with humans.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Cambridge University Press; 0 edition (January 26, 1996)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 280 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0521415292
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0521415293
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.88 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.75 x 0.75 x 10.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 46 ratings

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James Serpell

James Serpell

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
46 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Bob Pr.
5.0 out of 5 stars The Domestic Dog, James Serpell (Ed.)
Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2002
Verified Purchase
For those people hungry for scientific literature on dogs and curious about what other references there are on particular dog topics, this is a must read/must have text; almost every chapter serves as a review of the scientific literature on that topic. Those who don't care for reading anything drier than James Herriot's "All Creatures Great & Small" should avoid it.

The book is probably used as a text for graduate students and upper division majors in ethology, comparative psychology, zoology, etc. It was published early in 1996 so the information is current as of that date. The book is in its 5th printing so some professors must share my judgment of it. Let's hope that by 2005 there's a revised edition including and evaluating recent work.

It has 17 chapters written (or co-written) by 21 specialists in their fields -- British, American, Italian -- (after an introduction) divided into 3 major divisions: I. Domestication & evolution (2 chapters) ; II. Behaviour & behaviour problems (8 ch.s); III. Human-dog interactions (6 ch.s). The chapters provide an excellent summary and the key references to the area discussed. A few chapters have a definite British flavor but American readers will be able to transpose when needed.

Dog breeders (& many owners) may be especially interested in the chapters dealing with what's known about heritability of traits, temperament, etc., as well as the role of early experience on later behaviors, disorders, etc.

A few chapters are filled with research results in tables and graphs. One is dense with specialist jargon. But all are readable if you're interested in learning what the applicable sciences know and do not know about the dog. All chapters have information I found important and to some, I'll refer back to many times.
34 people found this helpful
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Fat Guy
5.0 out of 5 stars This thing is a textbook. in a good way.
Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2021
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This thing is seriously academic, which I was not expecting. It cites tons of studies and has published data and statistical graphics- but it's surprisingly engrossing and written with a pretty transparent point of view.

As a dog owner of 2 years I've always found it a little strange how other people react to dogs (projecting their own emotions, making statements as to their state of mind and desires) and always wondered if I was the strange one. The book isn't necessarily cold or detached by any means (nor do I think I am...) but discusses thoroughly the domestication of the dog and the many theories and studies related to the way they have been bred throughout generations, and their behaviors.

If you love dogs but think people are crazy this might be the book for you. And especially if you're someone who's attracted to academic rigor/biology/anthropology
One person found this helpful
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Reed Hartman
4.0 out of 5 stars Great for anyone studying biology or dogs as a whole
Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2015
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This book contains papers written regarding dogs and their evolution over the millennia. Great for anyone studying biology or dogs as a whole.
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H. Hedrick
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2015
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I don't have anything to add to the reviews of this book, but I recommend "The Truth About Dogs" by Stephen Budiansky which is in the same vein. The reviews for the Serpell book are from scientific people. The reviews for the Budiansky book are from the general public who "own" dogs. I think the title of "The Truth About Dogs" did not sound scientific and attracted a different audience than Serpell's book.
One person found this helpful
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Tamara Taylor
5.0 out of 5 stars Research based and informative
Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2015
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For any dog owner seeking a readable, research based explanation of various aspects of canine development and behavior, this book is a must. Serpell has done an excellent job of putting together well written chapters, with many citing little known research.
One person found this helpful
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Jill Robbins
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2014
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Not a light read, but very, very interesting and enlightening.
One person found this helpful
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Jim Concannon
4.0 out of 5 stars Professor
Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2014
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Used in college course. Interesting read and somewhat cerebrally challenging. Students needed some interpretation of the text, but for the most part, student enjoyed it.
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Judy Rapp Moore
5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoy! Judy
Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2015
Any book by James Serpell is not only an enjoyable read, but will improve your understanding as well!
Enjoy!
Judy
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Top reviews from other countries

DianeB7
5.0 out of 5 stars Very happy with it
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 3, 2014
Verified Purchase
This was a gift for a family member who had specifically asked for this book. The condition it came in was fine, exactly as advertised, and speedily despatched so perfectly happy. I can't tell you anything about the book itself as it was a gift and like a good sister I didn't read it myself before gift-wrapping it. My brother thought it was excellent though.
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Flick
5.0 out of 5 stars liked it
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 5, 2015
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Love this textbook, so much interesting information, good for students of zoology, or jut someone with an interest in dogs. My advice is not to try and read from page 1, but to use the index to find topic that interest you and read the book that way :)
One person found this helpful
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Canis bonus
4.0 out of 5 stars Finally some facts behind all the myths
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 31, 2009
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A collection of scientific abstracts on literature research/experiments relating to dogs and their behaviour. Guaranteed to put some dog-related myths to rest.

Among the myriad soft, barely researched, and oft-emotional literature relating to dogs and dog behaviour, this collection of articles stands out as one of the few oases of reliable, science-based facts.

Only minus points:
- I do not detect the logic behind the chosen subjects. The chosen articles are all dog-related, but the weight given to this or that subject seems random. This is perhaps as a result of limitations in available research?
- If you are not used to read scientific material, you might find the style prohibitively dry and put the book down before you even reach the second page.
9 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A study tool
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 7, 2016
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excellent for using as a study tool. Not a book for general reading but useful for gaining statistics for studies done on various aspects of dogs and our relationships with them. Using for a diploma.
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Mrs. E. Arnold
5.0 out of 5 stars EXCELLENT, BUT NOT YOUR AVERAGE BOOK FOR DOG OWNERS
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 6, 2015
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Read this book as part of my Diploma in dog behaviour. Very good, but also very scientific with a lot of tables, charts, etc and results and comparisons of experiments, studies, etc.. Not your average book for dog owners.
One person found this helpful
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