The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behaviour and Interactions with People

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Not a light read, but very, very interesting and enlightening.

This book contains papers written regarding dogs and their evolution over the millennia. Great for anyone studying biology or dogs as a whole.

Any book by James Serpell is not only an enjoyable read, but will improve your understanding as well!Enjoy!Judy