The Invention of the Dog
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The Invention of the Dog
A fascinating illustrated history of humanity's favorite dog breeds, uncovering their unique traits, evolution, and origin stories.
A fascinating illustrated history of humanity's favourite dog breeds, uncovering their unique traits, evolution and origin stories.
A fascinating illustrated history of humanity's favourite dog breeds, uncovering their unique traits, evolution and origin stories.
Did you know that Dachshunds were once fierce hunters of wild boar? Why the Havanese holds the title of Cuba's national dog? Or why the Papillon is named after the French word for 'butterfly'? In The Invention of the Dog, Tamsin Pickeral uncovers these surprising stories and more, exploring how humans have shaped over 70 breeds to hunt, guard, herd, retrieve and, of course, to be loyal companions. With over 200 breeds recognized by Kennel Clubs around the world, one question remains: where did they all come from?
In this lavishly illustrated book, Pickeral tells the story of over seventy of the most interesting and important breeds. With warmth and wit, she uncovers their unique personalities, quirks and histories, from the dainty Pekingese once carried in the sleeves of Chinese emperors, to the towering Great Dane, a gentle giant among canines. Organized by breed group, such as 'Toy' and 'Sporting', the book explores how each breed came to be, blending curious facts with charming anecdotes. Along the way, she reveals how these dogs have captured the hearts of everyday owners, kings, queens, emperors, celebrities, artists and writers alike. Richly illustrated with artworks, photographs and historical objects, this book is a joyful celebration of our centuries-old obsession with man's best friend.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780500029275
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd
Format: Hardback
Date Published: 03 September 2026
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Thames & Hudson Ltd
Illustration: 90 Illustrations, black and white; 70 Illustrations, color
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Width: 168.0mm
Height: 222.0mm
Weight: 0g
Pages: 224
About the Author
Tamsin Pickeral is an animal specialist and an art historian. She is an internationally published author who has written several acclaimed books on animal themes. These include The Dog: 5,000 Years of the Dog in Art (2008), The Spirit of the Dog: An Illustrated History (2012) and Dogs Unleashed: 400 Breeds (2019).
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