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Dog Days of History: The Incredible Story of Our Best Friends
What is it we love about dogs so much? From ancient times to the present, dogs have guarded us, worked with us, marched off to war with us, and of course, just sat on the couch with us for a cuddle. Throughout the course of human history, this partnership deepened from dogs doing a service into friendship. Dogs have been by our side through it all, and this book tracks our common story from wild wolves in ancient civilizations to modern-day breeds, highlighting famous pooches of the past and present along the way.
112 pages, Hardcover
First published March 27, 2018
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646 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
January 16, 2019
Short snippets of dogs through history playing various roles from service, working, military, pet, etc. Also many features of famous dogs and those that played heroic roles. Would be a nice, fun read for youth.
February 11, 2020
I didnt really like reading this book, but it was kind of interesting learning about the dogs
March 26, 2020
I loved learning about dogs because I love dogs. I liked reading about where different dogs come from and the history of dogs. I liked learning about the different uses of dogs form back then and today. Dogs have been here from the beginning they are smart and a good pet to have.
March 25, 2018
Usually thoughts of the history of dogs entails how they were bred from wild animals such as wolves. But there are so many sizes, shapes, and types of dogs today does perceived history really tell the story?
Dog Days of History is a much more extensive presentation of the canine history that I thought it would be and I found it fascinating to read through some of the stories about specific dogs, dogs in civilization, and how dogs have been used to serve man and become a "best friend" to him.
This book is especially appealing because of the wonderful illustrations that capture the art through the centuries and how dogs were often featured characters in art indicative of their place in history.
The book points out the use of dogs as service dogs, even pulling carts, throughout history. In today's culture it seems that there is movement to coddle dogs and elevate them to lives of leisure. However, history conveys the strength of dogs is in their ability to act and be of service to man whether it is pulling a cart or dogsled, aiding in disaster rescue, or sniffing out disease. Dogs can be playful, loving, act as a service assistant, comfort the unsettled, protect, and loving serve their "people."
The history of dogs as documented by mankind from cave paintings to modern day photography (and yes cute videos on the internet) is definitely fascinating. Every reader will learn a lot from this book and will see the value of man's canine companions from pre-history to modern day.
This book is an ideal supplement to add to homeschool libraries to incorporate into their history periods studies to include historical use of dogs. It is also a valued addition to any library - public, school, home.
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and are freely given.
Dog Days of History is a much more extensive presentation of the canine history that I thought it would be and I found it fascinating to read through some of the stories about specific dogs, dogs in civilization, and how dogs have been used to serve man and become a "best friend" to him.
This book is especially appealing because of the wonderful illustrations that capture the art through the centuries and how dogs were often featured characters in art indicative of their place in history.
The book points out the use of dogs as service dogs, even pulling carts, throughout history. In today's culture it seems that there is movement to coddle dogs and elevate them to lives of leisure. However, history conveys the strength of dogs is in their ability to act and be of service to man whether it is pulling a cart or dogsled, aiding in disaster rescue, or sniffing out disease. Dogs can be playful, loving, act as a service assistant, comfort the unsettled, protect, and loving serve their "people."
The history of dogs as documented by mankind from cave paintings to modern day photography (and yes cute videos on the internet) is definitely fascinating. Every reader will learn a lot from this book and will see the value of man's canine companions from pre-history to modern day.
This book is an ideal supplement to add to homeschool libraries to incorporate into their history periods studies to include historical use of dogs. It is also a valued addition to any library - public, school, home.
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and are freely given.
January 22, 2020
This is a great informational book about dogs. It talks about how dogs were involved in historical events like the world wars. It also takes about the cultures they came from. It had information that I didn't know and found interesting. I would recommend this to anyone who likes dogs or great informational books.
April 27, 2018
Great, short take on the history of dogs as working and companion animals.
March 21, 2020
This book was about how dogs and their relationships with humans changed throughout history and into the modern-day. I think one thing the book did a good job of was showing pictures or illustrations to show us exactly what the author was trying to tell us. I do think that the author could have improved upon was to add more statistics. I really enjoyed it when the author added stories about famous dogs like Togo and Balto. This a good quick read for MSBA books.
January 24, 2020
If you like dogs you will love this book, it's filled with facts and answers to questions I'm sure a lot of dog owners have. It also talks about how dogs came to certain places and became domesticated, it also talks about how certain breeds were made and why there are so many breeds of dogs. The book also talks about how some countries liked a certain kind of dog and how some breeds were considered royal and got different treatment. Some dogs were made for certain reasons like work dogs or dogs that just sat on your lap.
June 26, 2019
This book offers numerous facts about dogs in history, from the origins of dogs from their wolf ancestors to domesticated dogs from various periods of human history. Each chapter is broken up into many sections, and the narrative for any given section is short.
Filled with many color photographs and drawings, the pages are attractively presented and easy to read. The information is informative without overwhelming the reader with details.
Overall I really enjoyed reading this book and I have to admit that I learned quite a lot from it. I’ll have to search for a book at our local library that provides similar information about cats throughout history.
The author added a note at the end of the book, along with a selected 'biblidography, rufffences, places to dig up more sources, a list to sniff out places to visit, and an index.
interesting quotes:
"Ghengis Khan claimed that he was descended from the union of a union of a gray wolf and a white doe." (p. 36)
"Just as they'd done back in England, many parishes employed 'dog whippers.' Their job was to control unruly dogs brought to church by worshippers, and to shoo away strays that wandered in. Puritan dog whippers also woke people who'd dozed off. (They were called 'sluggard wakers.') They even whacked at squirming children." (p. 51)
"The French writer A. Toussenel wrote: 'The more one gets to know of man, the more one values dogs." (p. 52)
"In 1866, an American philanthropist named Henry Bergh created the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Nine days later, the first anti-cruelty law was passed that allowed the ASPCA to investigate complaints and make arrests in cases of animal cruelty. Kinder treatment of animals probably caused the public to consider the kinder treatment of children. Eight years later, the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children was established." (p. 67)
"In battles that took place around the Pacific Ocean, the U.S. Marines trained a troop of Doberman pinschers to capture enemies and to alert soldiers of the existence of enemy ambushes. The American dog troop was called the 'Devil Dogs.' American Marines were also nicknamed Devil Dogs." (p. 89)
"In a tragic footnote to a tragic chapter in history, South Vietnam fell to the North Vietnamese in 1975, and many dogs were left behind in the frantic scramble to evacuate Americans. The dogs were looked on by the American military as 'surplus equipment.'" (p. 93)
"Whether or not our elaborate spending is good for our dogs, our dogs continue to prove that they're good for us. " (p. 95)
"As a result of this focus on looking good, as many as one in four purebred dogs is a medical mess." (p. 96)
"As it turns out, cancer cells also produce distinctive odors, and if you're a dog you can be trained to recognize the smell." (p. 98)
"There are a lot of studies that show that dogs are good for us both physically and emotionally. Petting a dog or cuddling a puppy can lower a person's blood pressure, or make someone feel less anxious. Kids who grow up with a dog learn how to be kind, and how to think about another living thing besides themselves." (p. 100)
"Stories are powerful, and facts can be slippery. The stories about extraordinary dogs that have stood the test of time may have become more and more exaggerated in the retelling. " (p. 102)
new word: neoteny
Filled with many color photographs and drawings, the pages are attractively presented and easy to read. The information is informative without overwhelming the reader with details.
Overall I really enjoyed reading this book and I have to admit that I learned quite a lot from it. I’ll have to search for a book at our local library that provides similar information about cats throughout history.
The author added a note at the end of the book, along with a selected 'biblidography, rufffences, places to dig up more sources, a list to sniff out places to visit, and an index.
interesting quotes:
"Ghengis Khan claimed that he was descended from the union of a union of a gray wolf and a white doe." (p. 36)
"Just as they'd done back in England, many parishes employed 'dog whippers.' Their job was to control unruly dogs brought to church by worshippers, and to shoo away strays that wandered in. Puritan dog whippers also woke people who'd dozed off. (They were called 'sluggard wakers.') They even whacked at squirming children." (p. 51)
"The French writer A. Toussenel wrote: 'The more one gets to know of man, the more one values dogs." (p. 52)
"In 1866, an American philanthropist named Henry Bergh created the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Nine days later, the first anti-cruelty law was passed that allowed the ASPCA to investigate complaints and make arrests in cases of animal cruelty. Kinder treatment of animals probably caused the public to consider the kinder treatment of children. Eight years later, the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children was established." (p. 67)
"In battles that took place around the Pacific Ocean, the U.S. Marines trained a troop of Doberman pinschers to capture enemies and to alert soldiers of the existence of enemy ambushes. The American dog troop was called the 'Devil Dogs.' American Marines were also nicknamed Devil Dogs." (p. 89)
"In a tragic footnote to a tragic chapter in history, South Vietnam fell to the North Vietnamese in 1975, and many dogs were left behind in the frantic scramble to evacuate Americans. The dogs were looked on by the American military as 'surplus equipment.'" (p. 93)
"Whether or not our elaborate spending is good for our dogs, our dogs continue to prove that they're good for us. " (p. 95)
"As a result of this focus on looking good, as many as one in four purebred dogs is a medical mess." (p. 96)
"As it turns out, cancer cells also produce distinctive odors, and if you're a dog you can be trained to recognize the smell." (p. 98)
"There are a lot of studies that show that dogs are good for us both physically and emotionally. Petting a dog or cuddling a puppy can lower a person's blood pressure, or make someone feel less anxious. Kids who grow up with a dog learn how to be kind, and how to think about another living thing besides themselves." (p. 100)
"Stories are powerful, and facts can be slippery. The stories about extraordinary dogs that have stood the test of time may have become more and more exaggerated in the retelling. " (p. 102)
new word: neoteny
May 8, 2024
The content of this book is organized well with each section covering a different time period. The content is ordered chronologically to provide a logical layout. The physical copy allows readers to follow the information from historical to present or easily choose or jump around in each section depending on their interest. I enjoyed how the physical format offers a clean presentation of the images and text. Some of the images spread across two pages, so I'm unsure how well it would translate to a digital format, and some texts and captions wrapped around images. Having the book in physical format made it visually easy to read and follow without worries of potential cut-offs or zooming to view different parts of the text. While the content doesn't go very in-depth, it provides solid coverage of each topic presented. The captions provided the readers with new information alongside with other fun facts provided on the page. It did include some narrative/quotes from historical figures, but it could have included more comparisons to provide more concrete scales for children to have better understanding. The book seems to be well researched with an end bibliography and references, an author's note about the research, and extra sources and places to visit.
The language and writing style is appropriate for middle grade children with vocabulary that clearly and concisely describes the topic without being too challenging. For words that might be unfamiliar, a definition is provided along with the correct pronunciation. The tone is rather casual which helps prevent the text from feeling dense and overwhelming. Clever and fun wordplay relating to dogs is used throughout the book such as "Paws to Consider" as their title header for fun facts (Albee, 2018). It also includes some rhetorical questions to allow for more engagement with the reader. A middle grade reader might find it to be a lot of reading/information in one sitting, but each subsection is fairly short and easily allows for readers to stop and continue at their desired pace.
The book has a good balance between text and images as well. The images help to reinforce the text, or the book includes a related image to provide additional information about the topic. It also helps to prevent the book from being too dense/text-heavy, especially for kids who might be daunted by or reluctant readers of informational books. The images vary from historical photos, paintings, documents, and carvings to recent photography. This diversity in image selection prevents the book from feeling repetitive or the reader becoming bored from seeing the same types of photos. Different sizes in text, fonts, and colors help draw the reader's eyes to each subsection on the page, and it clearly denotes the headers and differentiates captions and additional fun facts from other text on the page.
The language and writing style is appropriate for middle grade children with vocabulary that clearly and concisely describes the topic without being too challenging. For words that might be unfamiliar, a definition is provided along with the correct pronunciation. The tone is rather casual which helps prevent the text from feeling dense and overwhelming. Clever and fun wordplay relating to dogs is used throughout the book such as "Paws to Consider" as their title header for fun facts (Albee, 2018). It also includes some rhetorical questions to allow for more engagement with the reader. A middle grade reader might find it to be a lot of reading/information in one sitting, but each subsection is fairly short and easily allows for readers to stop and continue at their desired pace.
The book has a good balance between text and images as well. The images help to reinforce the text, or the book includes a related image to provide additional information about the topic. It also helps to prevent the book from being too dense/text-heavy, especially for kids who might be daunted by or reluctant readers of informational books. The images vary from historical photos, paintings, documents, and carvings to recent photography. This diversity in image selection prevents the book from feeling repetitive or the reader becoming bored from seeing the same types of photos. Different sizes in text, fonts, and colors help draw the reader's eyes to each subsection on the page, and it clearly denotes the headers and differentiates captions and additional fun facts from other text on the page.
March 12, 2018
There are lots of dog lovers in the world. People love their dogs because they protect, serve and even save lives. As much love as people give their dogs they get it right back twice-fold. Dogs have been around for centuries and this guide will educate you on their history from the early beginnings with humans from 6000 and 1500 b.c. to the present day.
Dogs that we know today share 99 percent of their DNA with wolves. Scientists show that dogs became domesticated over 15,000 years ago. Some even say that dogs came to North America by coming with their humans from Asia. Over their history dogs have been known to be Gods, carved in stone, painted in portraits, gladiators, and even pictured in constellations. Dogs have also run with Kings during their hunting fun.
There were times when a dog’s life wasn’t so great. In the 18th-century dogs that carried the rabies virus were killed because they had been driven to madness. Louis Pasteur figured out the cure but that wasn’t until the 19th-century. Dogs were used to pull sleighs and carriages and traveled on long explorations with their human explorers. To make sure dogs weren’t being mistreated The RSPCA or Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was created in 1824.
Overtime, dogs have been in war as scouts and even depicted as looking like their owners. Dogs have been a big part of the lives of humans and this guide will walk readers through the history which will enlighten and engage. This book isn’t just for kids but the curious dog lover in us all. Parents and teachers can use this tool to teach kids about dogs and their interesting story and why they mean so much to so many. Vivid photos and colorful illustrations show readers these amazing animals over the course of history.
Dogs that we know today share 99 percent of their DNA with wolves. Scientists show that dogs became domesticated over 15,000 years ago. Some even say that dogs came to North America by coming with their humans from Asia. Over their history dogs have been known to be Gods, carved in stone, painted in portraits, gladiators, and even pictured in constellations. Dogs have also run with Kings during their hunting fun.
There were times when a dog’s life wasn’t so great. In the 18th-century dogs that carried the rabies virus were killed because they had been driven to madness. Louis Pasteur figured out the cure but that wasn’t until the 19th-century. Dogs were used to pull sleighs and carriages and traveled on long explorations with their human explorers. To make sure dogs weren’t being mistreated The RSPCA or Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was created in 1824.
Overtime, dogs have been in war as scouts and even depicted as looking like their owners. Dogs have been a big part of the lives of humans and this guide will walk readers through the history which will enlighten and engage. This book isn’t just for kids but the curious dog lover in us all. Parents and teachers can use this tool to teach kids about dogs and their interesting story and why they mean so much to so many. Vivid photos and colorful illustrations show readers these amazing animals over the course of history.
March 16, 2018
This book is fantastic. I loved learning the history of dogs. The chapter of this book are: 1. Barking Up the Family Tree 2. No Bone Unturned 3. Mastiffs, Mutts, and Mad Dogs 4. Tough TImes, Ruff Times 5. Enlightenment Dogs 6. Who Let the Dogs In? 7. Ad Dogs. Glad Dogs, Sad Dogs, and Fad Dogs 8. War Dogs and Cold War Dogs 9. Nice Work. Throughout these chapters you will learn everything you ever wanted to know about our best furry friends. Plus, it is a vision sensation! There is so much to look at and read. I am sure that you could read this over and over and over and learn something new! Learn about so much awesome and little known facts in this book. This book has 111 pages and is filled cover-to-cover with so many pictures and facts. It is jam packed with things that I find fun, interesting and doggone amazing! My kids love this book so much too and I hear them taking about the cool facts they are learning. What a great way for kids to spend time together!!
September 1, 2019
Anyone who loves dogs, young or old, will enjoy this book. Though intended for a younger audience, it is written in a way any age can get something useful and entertaining out of it.
The book chronicles the history of the dog, from the species early branch off from the wolf, through its various incarnations in the ancient world, in the Renaissance, Enlightenment and all the way down to present day. We see working dogs, companion dogs, military service dogs and so much more. The book highlights an incredibly varied amount of breeds and the equally varied jobs they do.
In addition to the text, there are wonderful photos, paintings and more in the way of art. In addition, boxes showcase things like popular breed names. The back of the book contains a Bibliography and Index. A wonderful, entertaining, educational resource for dog lovers, or those interested in the history of the species.
The book chronicles the history of the dog, from the species early branch off from the wolf, through its various incarnations in the ancient world, in the Renaissance, Enlightenment and all the way down to present day. We see working dogs, companion dogs, military service dogs and so much more. The book highlights an incredibly varied amount of breeds and the equally varied jobs they do.
In addition to the text, there are wonderful photos, paintings and more in the way of art. In addition, boxes showcase things like popular breed names. The back of the book contains a Bibliography and Index. A wonderful, entertaining, educational resource for dog lovers, or those interested in the history of the species.
January 16, 2020
Sarah Albee writes some of the most engaging nonfiction I've ever read. Poop Happened!: A History of the World from the Bottom UpPoison: Deadly Deeds, Perilous Professions, and Murderous Medicines and now she has written about one of our most beloved friends...DOGS. So many fascinating facts and stories about dogs throughout history, I literally could not put this down until I finished (ask my dog who was waiting to be fed!) With impeccable research and creative style, Sarah knows how to teach while she entertains. This one is an MSBA nominee for 2019-20 that you'll definitely want to check out!
December 2, 2018
Super solid book on history of how our furry canines became our best friends! Visually delightful and packed with information, this little encyclopedia is for every dog lover!
9 chapters cover topics ranging from family trees, dogs in middle ages and dogs during renaissance, dogs in early 20th century and finally the modern dog.
The book covers fun facts, dogs in important moments (war) and important people, challenges these creatures face today and so much more!
Absolutely fell in love with this volume! Highly recommend it!
9 chapters cover topics ranging from family trees, dogs in middle ages and dogs during renaissance, dogs in early 20th century and finally the modern dog.
The book covers fun facts, dogs in important moments (war) and important people, challenges these creatures face today and so much more!
Absolutely fell in love with this volume! Highly recommend it!
June 3, 2019
Have your dog-lovers read ‘everything’ you have in your library? Give them a copy of this new book!
Humorous, serious, sad and happy experiences with these faithful friends throughout history. Offers images from prehistoric wall paintings to photos of contemporary disease-sniffing and military dogs. Includes extensive bibliDOGraphy and RUFFerences, along with dog-speak of other countries, places to DIG up more sources, and where to SNIFF out great places to visit that honor canines.
Informative and entertaining, can be read cover to cover or browsing.
Humorous, serious, sad and happy experiences with these faithful friends throughout history. Offers images from prehistoric wall paintings to photos of contemporary disease-sniffing and military dogs. Includes extensive bibliDOGraphy and RUFFerences, along with dog-speak of other countries, places to DIG up more sources, and where to SNIFF out great places to visit that honor canines.
Informative and entertaining, can be read cover to cover or browsing.
December 31, 2021
Dogs have been by our side since ancient times, and their history is entwined with our own. From Assyrian war dogs to pampered lap-warmers dogs learn about all the purposes dogs have served and how we treat dogs has changed over time. If you're looking for inspiration you can even find common dog names from different times and places to call your own best friend. Perfect for fans of dogs and history.
April 25, 2018
I received this book as a giveaway. It is full of picture and the information about dogs is so amazing that it will be an enjoyable reading fro kids and adults. It is chronologically organized and my favorite chapters were the ones focused on " Dogs in the Middle Ages" and on War Dogs ands Cold War Dogs".
April 29, 2018
Everyone, it seems, is interested in dogs, their past and how it meshes with human history. While reading the book (and sharing read-aloud tidbits with others), I can tell you that the response was overwhelmingly positive. Dog-lovers will not be disappointed.
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May 9, 2018
This is what I was looking for in that other dog-evolution book that I read earlier this year. A bit of a nod to the evolutionary science of how wolves became dogs, but more focus on the role of dogs in history and in a variety of settings: war dogs and scent dogs, toys, pets, and more, feared, revered, and loved. Lots of information and great pictures.
April 29, 2019
Chock-full of fascinating information about our best friends. Did you know the Beatles used a dog whistle in one of their songs or that all dogs are related to wolves? Another beautiful edition from National Geographic with lots of illustrations and photos. Sure to be a hit with dog lovers! Nominated for the 2019-2020 Maine Student Book Award.
September 9, 2019
This book is about dogs. How all breeds genetically are 99% the same as a wolf. It gives a geographical perspective of how dogs were bred, worked, and in some cases, revered in many societies from prehistoric times to present day. Better for middle grades 4-8. The text is small and each page has a mix of text and illustrations.
January 2, 2024
I love learning about dogs. Dogs are the best because I have some of my own and I love spending time with them. This was a very interesting book because it shows how dogs worked in the military, how famous they were ect. This book a decent week because there was not to many pages and dogs are the best pets ever. I will defentily show this book to others.
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April 19, 2020Dog Days of History is away more than presentation of the canine history that I thought it would be and reads through some of the stories about specific dogs, dogs in civilization, and how dogs have been used to serve man and become a "best friend" to him.
April 23, 2018
Dogs, history and Sarah Albee!?! These are a few of my favorite things. Albee's work is so accessible and this is no exception. I can't wait to share this with my kids.
September 4, 2018
As always, I love reading Albee's nonfiction. Lots of photos and lots of interesting information!
October 3, 2018
Read this with my 7 year old daughter. It is informative and funny. And who doesn't love dogs?
February 5, 2019
This book was very interesting to read and I love the pictures! I learned a lot of things I didn't know.
February 25, 2019
This book was super cute, interesting, and fun to read. It has tons of info as well as anecdotes and notable dog profiles. As a dog lover, I'm also a lover of this charming book.
April 3, 2019
Another great nonfiction book from this author!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews