The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behaviour and Interactions with PeopleJames Serpell, Professor of Humane Ethics & Animal Welfare James Serpell Dogs occupy a special position in human society. They were probably the first animal species to become domesticated, but their relationship with humans has always been ambivalent. Dogs form strong attachments to humans, even in the face of rejection and punishment, voluntarily allying themselves to us as faithful companions, uncomplaining child-substitutes, enduring workers, and excellent hunters and guards. Yet they are also reviled as vicious killers, unclean scavengers and outcasts. In this book, the many facets of dog behavior are set in the context of the dog's place in our society. Based on firm scientific research, the book dispells many myths and stereotypes about our canine friends, and it will be the definitive reference work on dog behavior for many years to come. Dog-lovers with an interest in understanding how and why dogs behave as they do will find this fascinating reading. |
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This book was brought to my attention due to its relation to studies of human genetic variation, specifically what is mentioned on page 33. I had to pick up this book to give more respect to the author(s), and after finishing it, I truly am glad that I did.
This book lays out in a very comprehensive manner what I could summarize as "the ultimate guide to understanding domesticated dogs beyond the subjective differences we commonly observe as their companions." The author and the contributing authors/researchers give a detailed explanation of the evolution of modern domesticated dog breeds, dog behavior, the underlying genetic complexity that we fail to recognize in the common light, and the implications that these have on the politics surrounding the dog -- either as the beloved family member or "man's best friend," or as the demonized tyrants that plague society with aggression and/or disease. Of course, the latter example, after reading through this book, can easily be found to be detestable. More importantly, this book gives us a deep insight into the minds of our canine friends and shows the effects we can have in being such.
My only contention -- which isn't even a contention, but a question -- is over the author's inclusion of his policy beliefs. The question is raised from this, however, of whether or not scientists or researchers belong in the field of policy debate. This is something that has come to public attention in recent years, and this book is a sterling example of what benefit such a symbiotic relationship between science and politics can offer.
For dog lovers who are interested in the deep underlying mechanisms that make their beloved family members and furry friends tick, I would highly recommend this book, although it is a bit of an extensive read. For people interested in evolutionary biology, I would also deeply recommend this as being a sharp contrast to the typical mechanisms we learn under Darwinian models. Those which operate on the dog are much different, and truly are interesting.
The dog is very cute.
Contents
Introduction | 1 |
Origins of the dog domestication and early history | 7 |
Evolution of working dogs | 21 |
Genetic aspects of dog behaviour with particular reference to working ability | 51 |
Analysing breed and gender differences in behaviour | 65 |
Early experience and the development of behaviour | 79 |
Feeding behaviour of domestic dogs and the role of experience | 103 |
Social and communication behaviour of companion dogs | 115 |
Effects of owner personality and attitudes on dog behaviour | 153 |
Dogs as human companions a review of the relationship | 161 |
The welfare of dogs in human care | 179 |
Variation in dog society between resource dispersion and social flux | 199 |
Population biology and ecology of feral dogs in central Italy | 217 |
From paragon to pariah some reflections on human attitudes to dogs | 245 |
The hair of the dog | 257 |
263 | |
Other editions - View all
The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behaviour and Interactions with People James Serpell No preview available - 1995 |
The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behaviour, and Interactions with People James Serpell No preview available - 1995 |