If you are a dog person, then there is no better addition to your library than The Encyclopedia of the Dog. Written and compiled by Bruce Fogle, a doctor of veterinary medicine, this book is a compendium of every possible fact you could want to know about breeds, dog health, and the relationship between man and dog.

It is a large coffee table size book, about 14 x 14”, with a lovely full color photograph of a black lab in profile on the cover. I was lucky enough to pick up a copy on a swing through a 75% off store. I would guess the usual price to be between $30 to $60.

The introduction is a brief overview of the long relationship between man and dog, the regional differences between breeds, the dog in society, the variety and function of different breeds, selective breeding, facts about life span, behavior of breeds, genetic studies, and scientific intervention.

Chapter One is all about dog development. It’s a fascinating trip back in time from the prehistoric Creodonts to wolves, jackals, foxes, hyenas, and then to the modern day dog. Migrations of dog ancestors are studied, basic canine features are highlighted, and the close and distant relatives of the dog are explained.

Chapter 2 explains the history of dogs and humans. It provides a family tree of modern domesticated dogs and their ancestors, and explains the original breeding purposes for them: guards and sentries, hunting companions, campsite scavengers, hardy survivors, and furry comforters. Dogs in folklore and religion are covered (examples: the Fu dog in Chinese culture, and the Egyptian jackal-headed god). Dogs are also shown in art and literature, from the Luttrell Psalter of Medieval times to the English folk scenes of Sir Edwin Landseer and then to Nana the Newfoundland in the story of Peter Pan. Film and sports dogs have short sections (think Turner and Hooch), and dogs are shown in service to humans as seeing eye-and space dogs.

Chapter Three is a canine anatomy lesson. Different dog body structures are shown, their brain and senses are explained, as are their heart, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, skin and coat.

Chapter Four is a behavior lesson into how dogs act and react. It’s an overview of courtship and mating, the pregnancy and birth cycle, puppy play and growing up, pack behaviors, aggression, and communication

Chapter Five makes up the greatest body of the book. It discusses dog breeds. Most of which I’d never even heard of! This book is thorough. Each double page spread is split into four sections. In each section one dog breed is featured. The section uses symbols (explained at the beginning of the chapter) to explain important facts about each dog. The characteristics are listed below:

1. Whether the dog is good with children or unsuitable for youngsters
2. Whether the dog is suited to city living or not
3. Whether the dog is suited for hot climates or could suffer
4. Whether the dog thrives in cold climates or not
5. Whether the dog requires a lot of grooming
6. Whether the dog is easy or difficult to obedience train
7. Whether the dog gets along well with other dogs
8. Whether the dog needs a lot of physical exercise
9. Whether the dog makes a good watchdog or not
10. Whether the dog is a breed recognized by the American Kennel Club
11. Whether the dog has long or short hair
12. The colors in which the dog’s coat usually appear

The entries also show a full-color photograph that is representative of the breed, with all its ideal characteristics. There is a paragraph detailing the breed’s history, breeding, form and function, and health problems that may befall the dog. IT also gives an approximate lifespan. This part is fascinating. Examples?

How about the Peruvian Inca Orchid? It was bred with no hair, and is technically a genetic accident. It has a bizarre pigmented spotted look with white tufty hairs on it’s head. It looks like a cartoon character! Or the Lundehund from Norway? It was used to collect puffin birds from their nests on really high cliffs. It was not recognized as a distinct breed until 1943.

The amazingly corded Puli (which looks like a Rastaman dog) was bred in Hungary in the Middle Ages, and was almost certainly the precursor to today’s modern poodle. During World War 2, dog breeding in Hungary was nearly wiped out, so the breed was recreated and carried abroad for those that loved the dog.

The Leonberger, from Germany, was bred by Heinrich Essig, who wanted to produce a dog that looked like the one on the Imperial Coat of Arms of the town of Leonberg. So he cross bred the Landseer, the Newfoundland, the St. Bernard, and the Great Pyrenees to produce this beautiful breed. It loves to swim, but can suffer from hip dysplasia like many other larger breeds.

Chapter Six discusses the care of your dog, and how to choose a dog. Essential equipment is explained—from leashes to muzzles, proper food bowls, crates and toys.
The health and safety of your dog is also covered, from health and safety in the home (like uncovered cords, which puppies like to chew on), to proper nutrition and feeding. Other topics covered in this chapter include basic grooming, traveling and boarding, and behavioral problems. A helpful glossary is included at the end of the last chapter.

This book is a revelation. Not only a book about dogs, it is also a history lesson about a topic close to my heart. I yearn for a dog so desperately, but have hardwood floors in my rental home, so my landlord has forbidden them. The claws scratch the floors too much. So I yearn for my own home when I can gaze into those big brown eyes that tell me constantly how much I am loved unconditionally (plus, "more Kibbles and Bits, please?"). I want a big frolicsome Newfoundland. A slobbery, furry best friend I can take to the park and watch chase squirrels. Until then, I just analyze the perfect qualities of the dog for me. If you are a dog lover, this is the perfect book. If you know someone who loves dogs, it would make the perfect gift.


Recommended: Yes