dog-history-books

This is the story of man's most devoted four-legged friend as it has (perhaps wisely) never been recounted: a somewhat dog-eared compilation of surreal news reports, hilarious correspondence, and even funnier cartoons. If it wags its tail, is loyal to its master, hunts in packs, barks at strangers, and cocks its leg at any given opportunity, it can be found here. Well, they do say every dog has its day! (2008)

THE DOG IN HISTORY A Bibliography Compiled by Andrea Loughry
The history of dogs in society is fascinating. From the first cave dogs to presidental pooches, from dogs of the rich & famous, to dogs famous in their own right, to those that witnessed or changed history, you'll find them in these pages.	Books	email us about your favorite dog book	Home

HISTORICAL DOGS
	100 Dogs Who Changed Civilization: History's Most Infuential Canines by Sam Stall Sure, every dog has its day but these 100 canines raced ahead of the pack to alter the very course of world history. In 100 Dogs Who Changed Civilization, readers will discover the inspiring true tales of dogs who've contributed to scientific advancement, influenced geopolitical events, inspired great works of art, and saved the lives of their beloved masters. (2007)

	Dog Lover's Literary Companion by John Richard Stephens A celebration of the dog features prose, poetry, artwork, and photographs by such figures as Napoleon, Admiral Byrd, President Harding, London, Kipling, Tennyson, Poe, Wordsworth, Twain, Stevenson, and others. (1992)

	A Dog's History of America: How Our Best Friend Explored, Conquered, and Settled a Continent by Mark Derr In this remarkable history of the interaction between humans and dogs, Derr looks at the many ways in which people have employed canines as he tracks changes in American culture and society. (2004)

	Dogs: A Startling New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behavior, and Evolution by Raymond Coppinger and Lorna Coppinger The Coppingers explore how dog breeds have evolved into their unique shapes and behaviors. Concentrating on five types of dogs--modern household dogs, village dogs, livestock guarding dogs, sled dogs, and herding dogs--they examine canine companions from a unique biological viewpoint. Includes a discussion of the service dog industry. (2001)

	Dogs Through History by Maxwell Riddle Dogs Through History is an informative and fascinating look at the role of man's best friend down through the centuries. Black-and-white photographs showing dogs in ancient art illustrate this scholarly and definitive history from the domestication of the dog as a hunting companion and family defender, to how people viewed canines in China, Tibet, Japan, India, Africa, Scandinavia, and many other nations over the centuries. (1987).

	The First Dog by Jan Brett In this exciting tale of adventure in prehistoric times, Jan Brett creates a spectacular Ice Age landscape populated with the massive animals of the time and bordered with images inspired by cave paintings and Ice Age artifacts. She convincingly portrays the growth of the warm bond between man and animal that must, long, long ago, have resulted in the first domesticated dog. (Picture book: 1992)

	First Friend: A History of Dogs and Humans by Katharine M. Rogers From the beginning of human memory, dogs have been living with virtually every human society on earth. Of all the animals, the dog has long maintained the closest relationship with man. In First Friend, Katharine M. Rogers explores the history of that relationship - from what is known about how it first came about - and how it developed through the centuries. From work-mate to beloved pet, from the ancient world to modern times, First Friend is a charming, compelling work exploring that closest of interspecies bonds. (2005)

	Gold Rush Dogs By Claire Rudolf Murphy & Jane G. Haigh Dog lovers and history buffs will delight in this collection celebrating the beloved canines that offered companionship, protection, and hard work to their masters in the Yukon gold rush of the far north. (2003)

	Little Lions, Bull Baiters, and Hunting Hounds: A History of Dog Breeds by Jeff Crosby and Shelley Ann Jackson This children’s picture book examines the dog groups that have developed as humans selectively bred them for hunting, herding, working and companionship. (1994).

	Lost History of the Canine Race: Our 15,000-Year Love Affair With Dogs by Mary Elizabeth Thurston From the mysterious healing dogs of ancient Rome to the canine conquistadors who helped claim the New World to the American doggie paratroopers of WWII, dogs have been our best friends and helpers from the Pliocene to the present day. Anthropologist Mary Elizabeth Thurston draws on ancient artifacts, documents, and contemporary photographs to dramatize the evolution of the human-dog relationship throughout the ages. (1997)

	The Mythology of Dogs: Canine Legend and Lore Through the Ages by Gerald Hausman & Loretta Hausman Tracing the literary and historical legacy of over 65 different breeds, The Mythology of Dogs is a magnificent, breed-by-breed collection of the legend and lore surrounding man's best friend. From the Afghan to the Yorkie, fascinating stories abount, including: The Maltese who hid under the skirt of Mary Queen of Scots at her beheading; The medieval Wolfound who bravely saved his master's child from a marauding wolf; and The Newfoundland who valiently tried to save his owner as the Titanic went down. (1997)

	*The Pawprints of History: Dogs and the Course of Human Events* by Stanley Coren Stanley Coren, a renowned expert on dog-human interactions, has combed the annals of history and found captivating stories of how dogs have lent a helping paw and influenced the actions, decisions, and fates of well-known figures from every era and throughout the world. From war to art, across the spectrum of human endeavor and achievement, there often stands, not only at his side but leading the way, man's beloved "best friend." For those who believe that behind every great person is a good dog, the uplifting stories in The Pawprints of History will be a lasting delight. (2002)

	The Reduced History of Dogs by Chas Newkey-Burden and Tony Husband This is the story of man's most devoted four-legged friend as it has (perhaps wisely) never been recounted: a somewhat dog-eared compilation of surreal news reports, hilarious correspondence, and even funnier cartoons. If it wags its tail, is loyal to its master, hunts in packs, barks at strangers, and cocks its leg at any given opportunity, it can be found here. Well, they do say every dog has its day! (2008)

DOGS OF FAMOUS PEOPLE
	Dear Socks, Dear Buddy: Kid's Letters to the First Pets by Hillary Rodham Clinton Children's letters to the first pets of the Clinton White House, together with photographs of the first cat and dog, an explaination of how such letters are answered, and a brief history of White House pets of the past.

	A Dog Came Too by Ainslie Manson This charming true-life tale describes a historic journey and a dog's extraordinary faithfulness and tenacity. Based on the journals of Alexander Mackenzie's 1793 voyage across Canada to the Pacific Ocean, the story tracks "Our Dog, " as he was known, and his determination never to let Mackenzie out of his sight. Our Dog swam next to the canoe, ran along riverbanks, and even climbed mountains. The dramatic narrative also portrays Native guides who helped Mackenzie and Our Dog reach their goal. Ann Blades's gorgeous watercolors complement the text. (1993)

	First Dog Fala by Elizabeth Van Steenwyk and Michael Montgomery In 1940, Fala came to live with President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the White House. On sunny days, the little dog played in the grass outside the Oval Office. He attended important meetings with the president s advisors. At night, the president and Fala often dined together. But as the world slipped further into war and America was drawn into the conflict, life at the White House changed. Fala stayed up late into the night with President Roosevelt. He accompanied the president on journeys across the country and around the world and waited with him for the return of American servicemen and the end to a terrible war. Author Elizabeth Van Steenwyk offers young readers a glimpse into American history and the life of a U.S. president through the story of a loyal dog. Michael G. Montgomery s full-color illustrations capture the indomitable spirit of Fala and the nation and president who loved him. (2008).

	First Dogs: American Presidents and Their Best Friends In First Dogs: American Presidents and Their Best Friends, Roy Rowan and photojournalist Brooke Janis take an entertaining look at presidential history from a dog's point of view. Highlighting the "four-footed goodwill ambassadors" who have, over the years, not only humanized their distinguished masters, but also played political roles--both in gaining votes and boosting their bosses' popularity--this "lighthearted romp through American history" introduces such memorable characters as FDR's Scottie, Fala, who attended the signing of the Atlantic Charter aboard the cruiser Augusta; Millie, Bush's springer spaniel, who dictated her own bestselling memoir; and Lincoln's mongrel, Fido, who sadly suffered the same fate as his master. (1997)

	Flyer: A Tale of the Wright Dog by Suzanne Tate Based on the true story of Flyer, a dog owned by Wilbur Wright when he flew in France during 1908-1909. (picture book: 2003).

	General Patton's Best Friend: The Story of General S. Patton, Jr. and His Beloved Dog, Willie Richa J. Stillman Colonel Stillman was on General Patton's staff from 1944 to Patton's death. Stillman tells the story Patton's best friend - his dog, Willie. (2002)

	George Washington and the General's Dog by Frank Murphy Boom! Bang! Guns fire! Cannons roar! George Washington is fighting in the American Revolution. He sees a dog lost on the battlefield. Whose dog is it? How will it find its master? Early readers will be surprised to find out what happens in this little-known true story about America’s first president. (2002)

	Jack London's Dog by Dirk Wales & Barry Moser Meet Jack, the dog writer Jack London came to know during his time in the Yukon Gold Rush. When London returned to San Francisco, he would model Buck, the dog in Call of the Wild, on Jack. (2008)

	Lewis and Clark and Me: A Dog's Tale by Laurie Myers In 1803, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark set off to explore the vast territory west of the Mississippi River, and are joined by Lewis's dog, Seaman. From his first meeting with Lewis, to being mistaken for a bear by Indians who have never seen such a large dog, Seaman's tales are filled with adventure and are based on the explorers' journals. (2002)

	Millie's Book by Millie Bush (as dictated to Barbara Bush) The only presidental pooch ever to "write" a book, this is a dog's-eye-view of the goings on in the first President Bush's White House. (1992).

	My Senator and Me By Edward Kennedy Splash, an exuberant Portugese Water Dog, takes us on a tour of Washington D.C., while following his person, Senator Kennedy, around for a day. (2006)

	Stickeen: John Muir and the Brave Little Dog by John Muir, retold by Donnel Rubay The great explorer and environmentalist, John Muir, first met the little dog Stickeen while exploring in Alaska. This is the true story of their challenging and memorable adventure climbing the glaciers of the north country, as re-told by former teacher and former lawyer, Donnell Rubay, and illustrated by award-winning illustrator Christopher Canyon. (1998)

	Shaggy Muses: The Dogs who Inspired Virginia Woolf, Emily Dickinson, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Edith Wharton, and Emily Bronte by Maureen Adams Based on diaries, letters, and other contemporary accounts–and featuring many illustrations of the writers and their dogs–these five miniature biographies allow us unparalleled intimacy with women of genius in their hours of domestic ease and inner vulnerability. Shaggy Muses also enchants us with a pack of new friends: Flush, Keeper, Carlo, Foxy, Linky, Grizzle, Pinka, and all the other devoted canines who loved and served these great women writers. (2007).

	Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck At age 58 John Steinbeck and his venerable standard poodle, Charley, set out on a journey across America in a camper. For three months these companions traveled the nation, meeting friends, strangers, relatives and immersing themselves in the fabric of the country as it was at that time. (1961)

FAMOUS DOGS
	Bravest Dog Ever: Story of Balto by Natalie Standiford Recounts the life of Balto, the sled dog who saved Nome, Alaska in 1925 from a diphtheria epidemic by delivering medicine through a raging snowstorm. (2003 -beginning reader)

	Barry the Bravest Saint Bernard This is the true-life story of Barry, a remarkable Saint Bernard who gained worldwide fame for rescuing more than 40 people trapped under avalanches. (2007-beginning reader)

	*Buddy: The First Seeing Eye Dog* by Eva Moore Moore follows Buddy, a German shepherd, from training in Switzerland to his new home in America with Morris Frank, who was instrumental in starting the Seeing Eye in America in the 1930s. (1999)

Morris Frank and Buddy	First Lady of the Seeing Eye by Morris Frank Morris Frank's own account of how he came to receive Buddy, the first Seeing Eye dog in America, and his instrumental role in establishing the first dog guide school in the U.S. (1957)

	Greyfriars Bobby by Eleanor Atkinson and Ruth Brown In 1858, a man named John Gray was buried in old Greyfriars Churchyard. His grave levelled by the hand of time, and unmarked by any stone, became scarcely discernible; but, although no human interest seemed to attach to it. The sacred spot was not wholly disregarded or forgotten. For fourteen years the dead man's faithful dog, kept constant watch and guard over the grave until his own death in 1872. The famous Skye Terrier, Greyfriars Bobby was so devoted to his master John Gray, even in death, for fourteen years Bobby lay on the grave only leaving for food. This is his story. (1995)

	I, Toto: The Autobiography of Terry, the Dog who was Toto By William Carroll The delighful diary of Terry, the Cairn Terrior who appeared in 14 Holliwood films, but whose most famous role was that of Toto in The Wizard of Oz. Terry gives a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film and her human co-stars, as well as life with her trainer and her early history as a pet, rejected for house-training woes. (2001)

	Laika By Nick Abadzis Laika was the abandoned puppy destined to become Earth's first space traveler. This is her journey. Nick Abadzis masterfully blends fiction and fact in the intertwined stories of three compelling lives. Along with Laika, there is Korolev, once a political prisoner, now a driven engineer at the top of the Soviet space program, and Yelena, the lab technician responsible for Laika's health and life. Abadzis gives life to a pivotal moment in modern history, casting light on the hidden moments of deep humanity behind history. Laika's story will speak straight to your heart. (2007 Graphic Novel)

	Morrris and Buddy: The Story of the First Seeing Eye Dog By Becky Hall Morris Frank lost his sight in 1924, when he was only sixteen. But it wasn't just his sight that he lost--he lost his independence, too. Morris didn't want to be lead around by a paid helper or find work making brooms, as was expected of bland people hten. He wanted to lead a normal life. One day in 1928, Morri's dad read him an article about Dorothy Eustis, an American living in Switzerland who was beginning to train dogs to lead the blind. Thrilled with this new possibility, Morris set off on his own to Switzerland. He had big ambitions--not only did he want to lean how to work with a guide go, but he also wanted to start his own guide dog school in AMeria! Morris began training with his dog, Buddy. WHile he struggled--stepping on Buddy's paws, not paying attention to her cues, and even walking into a gatepost--Buddy awaited patiently at his side, allowing him to learn. At last Morris felt ready to return to America with Buddy at his side. But his biggest adventure still lay ahead--founding the Seeing Eye, an organizaiton that has trained thousand of dogs to help other blind people lead independent lives. This is their story, written for kids in 2nd to 4th grade. (2007).

	The Story of Lassie Hollywood Collection, Video She started out the subject of a short story in the Saturday Evening Post, and became a film and television star as well as an American icon. This hour-long video biography tells the story of the character Lassie, as well as bits of the lives of the eight dogs who played her. Former child actors Roddy McDowall, Claude Jarman Jr., Tommy Rettig, and Jon Provost discuss their on- and offscreen relationships with boy's best friend, and trainer Robert Weatherwax talks about the methods and philosophy started by his trainer father, Rudd, which he has continued. June Lockhart, one of the television moms, narrates and shares her memories, as do Janet Leigh and various directors and producers. There's not a lot of scandal revealed here, although we do learn why all the Lassies were male and that the canine actors had stunt doubles for fight scenes. Included are generous amounts of footage from Lassie's seven MGM films (including shots of a young Elizabeth Taylor) and her three television incarnations. (1994)

	Togo By Robert J. Blake Often overshadowed by Balto, this is the story of Togo, the lead dog for the first 260 miles of the famous Serum Run upon which the Iditarod Race is based. (2002)

THE DOG IN HISTORY

First Dogs: American Presidents and Their Best Friends