A comprehensive review of the pastoral dog breeds—those farmers' dogs that down the centuries have herded and guarded livestock all around the world

This is a book for all those who admire the most valuable of all the working dogs, the pastoral breeds: sheepdogs, cattle dogs, and flock protection dogs, the indispensable farmer's servants and companion dogs for thousands of proud dog owners across the globe. Painstakingly researched and packed with information, this book is not a manual covering training, grooming, nutrition, and dog care; it is very much a reflective review of the pastoral dogs' contribution to the working and companion dog scene. It is a searching examination of their past, their performance, and their prospects in an increasingly urban society.

Reg Ashwell, who was born and raised in close proximity to several of the Native cultures he writes about, outlines the history of the tribal arts unique to each group, and conveys to the reader his enduring respect for people whose societal heritage and customs were, in many cases, nearly brought to the edge of extinction.

David Hancock's profile page

“... an arresting and valuable mosaic of a historically prominent dog-group corridor that is tackled with an adventurous spirit and tough realism. Hancock’s candidness makes it a must read for any fan of pastoral or herding breeds.”  – Seattledogshow.org