The domestic dog: its evolution, behaviour, and interactions with people.:Genetic aspects of dog behavior with particular reference to working ability

Abstract

By any standards, dogs are extraordinary animals. They have been part of human society for longer than any other domestic species. They exist in a greater variety of different shapes and sizes, and they occupy a wider ecological niche, from pampered pets and faithful servants to feral scavengers. Even our attitudes to dogs seem to oscillate between extremes. On the one hand, the dog is man's best friend, on the other, he is the despised and degraded outcast. This unique book seeks to expose the real dog beneath the popular stereotypes. Its purpose is to provide a comprehensive, state-of-the-art account of the domestic dog's natural history and behaviour based on scientific and scholarly evidence rather than hearsay. Anyone with a serious interest in Canis familiaris, its evolution, behaviour, and its place in our society will find The Domestic Dog an indispensable and fascinating resource. Contents of the entire book: Introduction James Serpell; Part I. Domestication and Evolution: 2. Origins of the dog: domestication and early history Juliet Clutton-Brock; 3. Evolution of working dogs Raymond Coppinger, and Richard Schneider; Part II. Behaviour and Behaviour Problems: 4. Genetic aspects of dog behaviour with particular reference to working ability M. B. Willis; 5. Analysing breed and gender differences in behaviour Benjamin L. Hart; 6. Early experience and the development of behaviour James Serpell, and J. A. Jagoe; 7. Feeding behaviour of domestic dogs and the role of experience Chris Thorne; 8. Social and communication behaviour of companion dogs John W. S. Bradshaw, and Helen M. R. Nott; 9. The ethology and epidemiology of canine aggression Randall Lockwood; 10. Canine behavioural therapy Roger A. Mugford; 11. Effects of owner personality and attitudes on dog behaviour Valerie O'Farrell; Part III. Human-Dog Interactions: 12. Dogs as human companions: a review of the relationshipLynette A. Hart; 13. The welfare of dogs in human care Robert Hubrecht; 14. Variation in dog society: between resource dispersion and social flux? D. W. Macdonald, and G. M. Carr; 15. Population biology and ecology of feral dogs in central Italy L. Boitani, F. Francisci, P. Ciucci, and G. Andreoli; 16. From paragon to pariah: some reflections on human attitudes to dogs James Serpell; 17. The hair of the dog James Serpell; Index.