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Why Are Dogs: An Illustrated History of the Wonderful World of Dogs (Volume 1)
Ever wonder why Bulldogs have such wrinkly faces, or why Dachshunds are so long? Discover the history of 55 different dog breeds in this doggone good nonfiction book for kids, complete with comic panels and illustrations!
Why do Corgis have such stubby legs? Why do Huskies have such thick fur? Why do Pomeranians have such loud barks for their tiny size?
For hundreds of years, humans have been breeding dogs and tailoring them to fit our specifications for everything, from hunting to keeping our laps warm. In this illustrated nonfiction book that combines comic panels, illustrations, diagrams, and text, readers will learn about the stories behind 55 of the most popular dog breeds around the world and why they look and act the way they do.
Some of the breeds and their histories covered in this book
Golden Retriever Labrador Standard Poodle German Shepherd Dachshund Beagle French Bulldog And more! With author Brittany Long Olsen's gorgeous and paws-itively adorable art, this guidebook has all the greatest facts and stories behind your favorite furry friends!
Why do Corgis have such stubby legs? Why do Huskies have such thick fur? Why do Pomeranians have such loud barks for their tiny size?
For hundreds of years, humans have been breeding dogs and tailoring them to fit our specifications for everything, from hunting to keeping our laps warm. In this illustrated nonfiction book that combines comic panels, illustrations, diagrams, and text, readers will learn about the stories behind 55 of the most popular dog breeds around the world and why they look and act the way they do.
Some of the breeds and their histories covered in this book
Golden Retriever Labrador Standard Poodle German Shepherd Dachshund Beagle French Bulldog And more! With author Brittany Long Olsen's gorgeous and paws-itively adorable art, this guidebook has all the greatest facts and stories behind your favorite furry friends!
- GenresNonfiction
128 pages, Hardcover
Published October 28, 2025
2 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Brittany Long Olsen
14 books37 followersBrittany Long Olsen is a cartoonist, writer, and illustrator with a deep love of storytelling through comics. She lives and draws in Oregon with her partner and their two dogs, Jetpack and Digby.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 26, 2025
Why are dogs
I love how the Doberman was bred to collect taxes lol
I love how the Doberman was bred to collect taxes lol
February 24, 2026
Loved it. I learned a lot and need more of this series asap.
October 11, 2025
Dogs are discussed, explained, and celebrated in this interesting book, which explores the various breeds and more.
After beginning with a little general history on dogs and their importance to people through time, it's time to take a closer peek at 55 various dog breeds. The name of the breed is placed at the top of the page with an immediate question, which people often ask about the breed (for example, "Why do Boston Terriers have white necks?") This question isn't answered directly, but rather, acts as an attention grabber. Then, the origin of the breed is mentioned, shown on a small, global map, and a brief history of the breed is given. The pages, from there, are broken into various boxes with illustrations and information, which hit all sorts of know and less known facts about the breed. It's presented in a format, which reminds a bit of a graphic novel without really taking on that direction completely.
Dog fans are sure to discover all sorts of interesting tidbits about their favorite breeds. While some basic facts about the breed's origin, standard behaviors, or special anatomic abilities won't surprise, other tidbits offer unexpected insights. For example, we learn the origins of Scooby Doo or how a Chihuahua became a commercial star. There's also a section at the end of the breed, which points out related breeds similar to it. All of this information comes across in an interesting way, and while never humorous, still carries a light atmosphere to keep the book entertaining. The illustrations help facts to remain understandable, while also hinting at a bit of playfulness to help the facts from growing too heavy.
It's an enjoyable book for anyone, who enjoys learning more about dogs.
After beginning with a little general history on dogs and their importance to people through time, it's time to take a closer peek at 55 various dog breeds. The name of the breed is placed at the top of the page with an immediate question, which people often ask about the breed (for example, "Why do Boston Terriers have white necks?") This question isn't answered directly, but rather, acts as an attention grabber. Then, the origin of the breed is mentioned, shown on a small, global map, and a brief history of the breed is given. The pages, from there, are broken into various boxes with illustrations and information, which hit all sorts of know and less known facts about the breed. It's presented in a format, which reminds a bit of a graphic novel without really taking on that direction completely.
Dog fans are sure to discover all sorts of interesting tidbits about their favorite breeds. While some basic facts about the breed's origin, standard behaviors, or special anatomic abilities won't surprise, other tidbits offer unexpected insights. For example, we learn the origins of Scooby Doo or how a Chihuahua became a commercial star. There's also a section at the end of the breed, which points out related breeds similar to it. All of this information comes across in an interesting way, and while never humorous, still carries a light atmosphere to keep the book entertaining. The illustrations help facts to remain understandable, while also hinting at a bit of playfulness to help the facts from growing too heavy.
It's an enjoyable book for anyone, who enjoys learning more about dogs.
July 31, 2025
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
This graphic novel style history of dogs would be great for a fan of this format who wants to read random tidbits of information about a variety of dogs. It was similar to Elliott's Tasty or Yummy (which are about food). The illustrations are very cute, and there's a ton of fun facts in this. However, there isn't a table of contents, index, or any bibliography. Dogs are arranged from larger to smaller breeds, so readers looking for specific information will have to page through.
Sorosiak's and Uribe's A World of Dogs: A Celebration of Fascinating Facts and Amazing Real-Life Stories for Dog Lovers has a glossary and index, as does Evans' and Heaton's Atlas of Dogs. Both offer similar kinds of information. Stall's 2005 The Good, the Bad, and the Furry : Choosing the Dog That's Right for You has more easily accessible information on the personality of different breeds.
I'm debating purchase, since my dog nonfiction books don't circulate particularly well. Will the graphic novel format attract more readers? This would not be very useful for research.
This graphic novel style history of dogs would be great for a fan of this format who wants to read random tidbits of information about a variety of dogs. It was similar to Elliott's Tasty or Yummy (which are about food). The illustrations are very cute, and there's a ton of fun facts in this. However, there isn't a table of contents, index, or any bibliography. Dogs are arranged from larger to smaller breeds, so readers looking for specific information will have to page through.
Sorosiak's and Uribe's A World of Dogs: A Celebration of Fascinating Facts and Amazing Real-Life Stories for Dog Lovers has a glossary and index, as does Evans' and Heaton's Atlas of Dogs. Both offer similar kinds of information. Stall's 2005 The Good, the Bad, and the Furry : Choosing the Dog That's Right for You has more easily accessible information on the personality of different breeds.
I'm debating purchase, since my dog nonfiction books don't circulate particularly well. Will the graphic novel format attract more readers? This would not be very useful for research.
July 28, 2025
5 plus
This book teaches us so much, from the origins of our relationship to dogs to the specific races and where they come from. From helpers to companions. Great design format, artwork, and font as well. Breeding led to more different shapes and colors. The advance of technology led them to become family members more than working buddies. I love how simple the timeline is, and each chapter is dedicated to a skill from some breeds. Example: hunting.
We didn’t know the first dog to be cloned was an Afghan Hound named Snuppy. This happened in Korea in 2025. Waa, this is a great book to learn more about puppies and for dog lovers, no doubt. Marmaduke, Scooby-Doo are Great Danes, and Lassie is a Collie. There are sweet characters that we will remember for like. Presented as a graphic novel, each page goes into details about each bread all over the world. This will be on my gift list for friends and family. Has tons of information, historical and cultural.
This book teaches us so much, from the origins of our relationship to dogs to the specific races and where they come from. From helpers to companions. Great design format, artwork, and font as well. Breeding led to more different shapes and colors. The advance of technology led them to become family members more than working buddies. I love how simple the timeline is, and each chapter is dedicated to a skill from some breeds. Example: hunting.
We didn’t know the first dog to be cloned was an Afghan Hound named Snuppy. This happened in Korea in 2025. Waa, this is a great book to learn more about puppies and for dog lovers, no doubt. Marmaduke, Scooby-Doo are Great Danes, and Lassie is a Collie. There are sweet characters that we will remember for like. Presented as a graphic novel, each page goes into details about each bread all over the world. This will be on my gift list for friends and family. Has tons of information, historical and cultural.
January 18, 2026
Not quite a graphic book, but with extensive illustration and brief description and explanation.
March 6, 2026
What a lovely book about dogs! lots of information for kids and adults.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews