Dogs: Working Origins and Traditional Tasks

by Mike Loades

Overview

A walk through history with man’s best friend, with stops in Alaska, the Middle East, and beyond—includes over 250 photos of canines at work.

Handle various dogs engaged in their traditional tasks, Mike Loades takes us on his adventures in the Jordanian desert, where he shares the saddle of his camel with a Saluki, and in the green hills of Wales, where he works cattle with a Corgi. He mushes Huskies in Alaska, drives carriages with Dalmatians, and flies falcons with Spaniels. Each encounter not only highlights the bond between humans and dogs, it also frames that connection in its historical context.

Different types of dogs appear the way they do because, at some stage in their development, they were bred selectively for a specialist job. The author takes key types on a walk through history. Along the way he explores the methods and practices of their original occupations. He delves into when, where, and why they were first bred as the types we recognize today. This fascinating and engaging book includes over 250 stunning color photographs of dogs in action, resulting in an illuminating journey through many cultures and time periods—and a personal, heartfelt tribute to the enduring partnership between humans and dogs.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781526742315
Publisher:	Pen & Sword Books Limited
Publication date:	01/04/2022
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	352
File size:	52 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Best known for his television appearances as the presenter of 'Weapons That Made Britain,' 'Weapon Masters,' 'Going Medieval,' and for the series 'Time Commanders,' Mike has also appeared on screen in well over a hundred documentaries as military historian and historical weapons specialist.

Additionally he has arranged fight and battle sequences for hundreds of stage and screen productions. He has lectured on arms and armor topics, including at The British Museum, The Royal Armouries and The Wallace Collection. He also directs historical documentaries for television and works as a consultant and filmmaker for the video games industry.

He has written six books, including highly acclaimed, major works such as 'Swords and Swordsmen' and 'War Bows.' His most recent publication 'Dogs: Working Origins and Traditional Tasks' is a book about the history of dogs. As well as having a fascination for swords, bows, and horses, Mike has had a lifelong enthusiasm for dogs. In this book he has been able to blend his love of dogs with his passion for history.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements vi

Notes on the Primary Sources vii

Introduction ix

Chapter 1 Herding and Droving Dogs 1

Chapter 2 Livestock Guardian Dogs 35

Chapter 3 Sled Dogs 55

Chapter 4 Draught/Cart Dogs 87

Chapter 5 Carriage Dogs 103

Chapter 6 Water Dogs 123

Chapter 7 Game Finders: Spaniels, Setters, Pointers and Tollers 155

Chapter 8 Sighthounds 193

Chapter 9 Scenthounds 217

Chapter 10 Mastiffs 251

Chapter 11 Terriers 271

Chapter 12 Companion Dogs 301

Epilogue 325

Bibliography 329

Index 330