Collared

An enthralling account of the transformation of dogdom from blue-collar worker to human alter ego. Essential reading, especially for anyone who added a dog to their family during lockdown -- John Bradshaw, author * In Defence of Dogs *
Fascinating ... how human attitudes to dogs have changed ... [Pearson] tells what is, really, a love story * Telegraph *
From the caves to our sofas - the long and eventful canine journey explored with compelling anecdotes and deep affection. If we still had tails, they'd be wagging at this sweeping and enchanting account -- Simon Garfield, author * Dog's Best Friend *
A fascinating read ... a real and searching piece of social history that tells us perhaps more about ourselves than our canine companions. Chris Pearson is wonderfully unafraid of revealing some of the harder truths as well as the more uplifting elements of our relationships with dogs ... intriguing, compelling -- Ruth Goodman, author * How to be a Victorian *
Collared absolutely thrilled me. Pearson nails the balancing act between dog lover and historian as he navigates tales of how dogs and humans are entwined: from canine workers to public health, lap dogs to lavatories. This is an essential deep-dive into how contemporary dogs came to live the good life -- Jessica J. Lee, editor * Dog Hearted: Essays on Our Fierce and Familiar Companions *
Pearson's is a history of how dogs have shaped us, as much as how we have shaped them. As a historian and life-long dog lover, I couldn't put it down -- Madeleine Pelling, author * Writing on the Wall *
Splendidly instructive and entertaining ... every aspect of our long, close relationship with dogs - historical, political, military, emotional and more - is illuminated in this book in close, fascinating and often very funny detail in a way which will delight and intrigue anyone who loves dogs -- Esther Woolfson
A fascinating social history of humanity's most enduring inter-species relationship. The research is formidable, the writing accessible, and the tale always wags the academic dog -- Alwyn Turner, author * Little Englanders *
A love letter to the dogs who share our lives, and how history made them -- Fern Riddell, author * Sex: Lessons from History *
Pearson's dog-eye view is unflinching. Between brilliant anecdotes, he takes us through the best and the worst of human-dog history -- Rowan Hisayo Buchanan, author * Starling Days *
Collared is the captivating tale mankind's oldest and most loyal companion. This meticulously researched book traces the evolution of dogs from ancient strays to prized pedigrees, revealing caring and working relationships between humans and their canine friends. From the development of various breeds and their specific roles in human society to the significance of the humble collar in the history of dog domestication, Chris Pearson highlights the unique bonds we share with our four-legged companions. The result is a celebration of the enduring and remarkable relationship between humans and dogs, making Collared a must-read for dog-fanciers and pet-owners alike -- Emily Cockayne, author * Rummage *
Thought-provoking and often surprising ... Pearson reveals that the modern dog is not only a product of history and human meddling, but their shifting fortunes are a microcosm of the world they inhabit * Country Life *