The Dog: A Natural History

by Ádám Miklósi

Overview

An accessible and richly illustrated introduction to the natural history of dogs—from evolution, anatomy, cognition, and behavior to the relationship between dogs and humans

As one of the oldest domesticated species, selectively bred over millennia to possess specific behaviors and physical characteristics, the dog enjoys a unique relationship with humans. More than any other animal, dogs are attuned to human behavior and emotions, and accordingly play a range of roles in society, from police and military work to sensory and emotional support. Selective breeding has led to the development of more than three hundred breeds that, despite vast differences, still belong to a single species, Canis familiaris.

The Dog is an accessible, richly illustrated, and comprehensive introduction to the fascinating natural history and scientific understanding of this beloved species. Ádám Miklósi, a leading authority on dogs, provides an appealing overview of dogs' evolution and ecology; anatomy and biology; behavior and society; sensing, thinking, and personality; and connections to humans.

Illustrated with some 250 color photographs, The Dog begins with an introductory overview followed by an exploration of the dog's prehistoric origins, including current research about where and when canine domestication first began. The book proceeds to examine dogs' biology and behavior, paying particular attention to the physiological and psychological aspects of the ways dogs see, hear, and smell, and how they communicate with other dogs and with humans. The book also describes how dogs learn about their physical and social environments and the ways they form attachments to humans. The book ends with a section showcasing a select number of dog breeds to illustrate their amazing physical variety.

Beautifully designed and filled with surprising facts and insights, this book will delight anyone who loves dogs and wants to understand them better.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780691176932
Publisher:	Princeton University Press
Publication date:	04/03/2018
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	7.90(w) x 9.30(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Ádám Miklósi is professor of ethology at Hungary's Eötvös Loránd University, where he directs the Family Dog Project. He is the author of Dog Behavior, Evolution, and Cognition and a member of the scientific advisory board of the online app Dognition.

Table of Contents

Introducing the Dog 6

Chapter 1 Evolution & Ecology

Where Dogs Come From 14

Why Caninae Survived 16

Distant Relatives of Dogs 18

Emergence of Wolves 20

First Links with Humans 24

Who is the Ancestor of the Dog? 28

Emergence of Modern Dog Breeds 32

Free-ranging Dogs: Stray, Village, Pariah Dogs 34

Chapter 2 Anatomy & Biology

The Dog as a Mammal & a Carnivore 40

The Canine Skeleton & Locomotion 42

The Canine Coat & Skin 46

Eating Like a Dog 50

Canine Physiology 52

How Dogs See 54

How-Dogs/Hear 56

How Dogs Smell & Taste 58

The Genome 62

Inheritance of Traits 64

Chapter 3 Behavior & Society

Social Behavior in Canines 70

Hierarchy & Cooperation 74

Affiliation & Aggression 76

Territorial Behavior 80

Courtship & Mating 82

Development 84

Puppies & Early Life 86

Socialization 90

Play Behavior in Dogs 92

The Old Dog 96

Communication Between Dogs & Humans 98

Visual Signals 102

Acoustic Communication 106

Olfactory Signals 110

Chapter 4 Sensing, Thinking & Personality

How Dogs Think 114

Understanding & Learning about the Physical World 118

Understanding & Learning about the Social World 122

Canine Personality 128

Chapter 5 Dogs & People

Dogs in Culture 134

Attachment to Humans 138

Dogs as Guards, Hunters & Shepherds 142

Dogs as Assistants 144

Companion Dogs in our Cities & Apartments 148

Contemporary Dog Training 150

Dogs' Beneficial Effects on Human Health 154

Dogs in the Shelter 156

Malformation in Look and Shape 158

Malformation in Behavior 160

Myths & Misconceptions 164

The Scientific Study of Dogs 166

The Future for Dogs 168

Chapter 6 A Directory of Dog Breeds

How Contemporary Breeds Exist 174

Modern Dog Breeding 176

Mixed-breed Dogs (Mongrels) & Crossbreeds 178

The Directory 182

Appendices

Bibliography 216

Author Biographies 219

Index 220

Acknowledgments 224

Editorial Reviews

"A new, beautifully designed reference book . . . that provides a comprehensive introduction to most things dog. This appealing overview includes dogs’ ecology, anatomy, physiology, biology, cognition, behavior, personality and connections to humans, all artfully presented with lovely photographs and illustrations."

The Bark

"The bulk of this scholarly, yet highly readable, 224-page volume explores the history of the dog in text complemented with a kaleidoscope of 250 color photographs and graphics. . . . The Dog captures the ideal balance between the role of companion animal and helper through history and how man’s approach to the dog’s enduring appeal has changed through the centuries. In dissecting the complexities between humans and dogs, Miklósi is adamant that to better understand our four-legged friends we need to know their biology and mental capabilities in order to ‘provide them with the necessary challenges to keep their minds sharp and active.'"

American Kennel Club

"Behaviour, biology, history, evolution. . . . Can’t decide which aspect of the diverse and endlessly intriguing canine species is most interesting? Dr. Ádám Miklósi’s comprehensive, in-depth guide to everything canine is for you. Gorgeously photographed, this thorough overview explores everything from the anatomy and physiology of dogs to their evolution and the emergence of modern breeds. A must-read for understanding the science behind our furry pals!"—-Connie Wilson, Modern Dog

From the Publisher

"The bulk of this scholarly, yet highly readable, 224-page volume explores the history of the dog in text complemented with a kaleidoscope of 250 color photographs and graphics. . . . The Dog captures the ideal balance between the role of companion animal and helper through history and how man’s approach to the dog’s enduring appeal has changed through the centuries. In dissecting the complexities between humans and dogs, Miklósi is adamant that to better understand our four-legged friends we need to know their biology and mental capabilities in order to ‘provide them with the necessary challenges to keep their minds sharp and active.'"

American Kennel Club