By any standards, dogs are extraordinary animals. They have been part of human society for longer than any other domestic species. They exist in a greater variety of different shapes and sizes, and they occupy a wider ecological niche, from pampered pets and faithful servants to feral scavengers. Even our attitudes to dogs seem to oscillate between extremes. On the one hand, the dog is man's best friend, on the other, he is the despised and degraded outcast. This unique book seeks to expose the real dog beneath the popular stereotypes. Its purpose is to provide a comprehensive, state-of-the-art account of the domestic dog's natural history and behaviour based on scientific and scholarly evidence rather than hearsay. Anyone with a serious interest in Canis familiaris, its evolution, behaviour, and its place in our society will find The Domestic Dog an indispensable and fascinating resource.
1. Introduction James Serpell
Part I. Domestication and Evolution:
2. Origins of the dog: domestication and early history Juliet Clutton-Brock
3. Evolution of working dogs Raymond Coppinger, and Richard Schneider
Part II. Behaviour and Behaviour Problems:
4. Genetic aspects of dog behaviour with particular reference to working ability M. B. Willis
5. Analysing breed and gender differences in behaviour Benjamin L. Hart
6. Early experience and the development of behaviour James Serpell, and J. A. Jagoe
7. Feeding behaviour of domestic dogs and the role of experience Chris Thorne
8. Social and communication behaviour of companion dogs John W. S. Bradshaw, and Helen M. R. Nott
9. The ethology and epidemiology of canine aggression Randall Lockwood
10. Canine behavioural therapy Roger A. Mugford
11. Effects of owner personality and attitudes on dog behaviour Valerie O'Farrell
Part III. Human-Dog Interactions:
12. Dogs as human companions: a review of the relationshipLynette A. Hart
13. The welfare of dogs in human care Robert Hubrecht
14. Variation in dog society: between resource dispersion and social flux? D. W. Macdonald, and G. M. Carr
15. Population biology and ecology of feral dogs in central Italy L. Boitani, F. Francisci, P. Ciucci, and G. Andreoli
16. From paragon to pariah: some reflections on human attitudes to dogs James Serpell
17. The hair of the dog James Serpell
Index
James Serpell is the Marie A. Moore Professor of Humane Ethics and Animal Welfare at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, where he also directs the Center for the Interaction of Animals & Society. He received his bachelor's degree in Zoology from University College London (UK) in 1974, and his PhD in Animal Behavior from the University of Liverpool (UK) in 1980. He moved to his current position at the University of Pennsylvania in 1993. Dr Serpell is the current President of the International Society for Anthrozoology (ISAZ). He serves on the editorial boards of most of the major journals on animal welfare, applied animal behaviour, and human-animal interactions. His research focuses on the behaviour and welfare of companion animals, the development of human attitudes to animals, and the history of human-animal relationships. In addition to publishing more than 70 journal articles and book chapters on these and related topics, he is the author, editor, or co-editor of several books including Animals & Human Society: Changing Perspectives (1994), The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behavior & Interactions with People (1995), In the Company of Animals (1996), and Companion Animals & Us (2000).
"[...] is not just for dog lovers but also for the curious. With enough detailed studies to interest specialists, this book is readable and stimulating. It ranges from the psychology of pets and their owners to the fascinating history of dogs' domestication and diversification as a species."
– New Scientist
"[...] a richly varied, interesting and attractively presented book. This will be an extremely useful reference text for any veterinian, behaviour consultant or research scientist/student interested in companion animal behaviour. Highly recommended."
– A. L. Podberscek, The Veterinary Record
"I have read the book with great pleasure. For experts it offers a summary of the current state of research, for non-experts it offers comprehensible, attractive and very useful information. A pleasure to read, a very attractive book, with brilliant illustrations. Highly recommended!"
– Marie-Jose Enders-Slegers, ISAZ The Newsletter
"Reading this book increased my knowledge and stimulated my mind."
– Emma Magnus, Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors Newsletter
"[...] both welcome and long overdue [...] an admirable and wide-ranging compilation."
– Stephen Harris, The Times Higher Education Supplement
"[...] the best reference work currently available on the topic."
– Dennis C. Turner, Animal Welfare