Renowned animal behaviorist Desmond Morris has created an impressive guide to the history and variety of man's best friend. The entries are accompanied by over 500 line drawings, which express the character of the dogs represented in a way that photographs often fail to capture. Divided into four m
Desmond John Morris (born 24 January 1928) is an English zoologist, ethologist and surrealist painter, as well as a popular author in human sociobiology. He is known for his 1967 book The Naked Ape, and for his television programmes such as Zoo Time.
An incredibly ambitious and comprehensive compendium, serving as an invaluable resource for anyone passionate about canines. Its sheer breadth of information, covering an astonishing number of breeds, makes it a true one-stop reference for identification and characteristics. However, while immensely informative and detailed, the dictionary format naturally prioritizes data over narrative, which can make it less engaging for a casual read. Despite this, for serious dog enthusiasts, breeders, or those simply curious about the vast diversity of dog breeds, this book remains an essential and highly recommended addition to their library.
I bought this as a resource for my local shelter, as they get Aussies and German Shepherds and Collies mixed up. I was really annoyed to find that the book used line drawing instead of photographs...and not very good line drawings, either. I'd expect someone with the name-recognition clout of Desmond Morris could have spent the extra dime for better illustrations. Using photos on the cover was just deceptive.