Firstly though, it does contain reasonably up to date, known history of the Australian Cattle Dog and the Kelpie and accurately dispels many myths about their origins.
It also goes into the history of many other dogs from colonial times brought to Australia for a variety of purposes which I found interesting.
However, in many cases he makes unsubstantiated assumptions and presents unverifiable theories.
My biggest criticism is in relation to dingoes. Again here he spins a yarn on their origin without evidence. To back up his theory.
We know now dingoes are not dogs, but most Australians still view them as dogs. Given acknowledgement that they are their own species is relatively recent, surely, if any “dog” has “made” Australia the dingo deserves a mention in relation to its environmental role.
All the book gives them is repeated and over exaggerated accusations about killing stock.
There is also no mention of the role of livestock guardian dogs who are playing a bigger and bigger part in rural Australia.
For a man who claims to be an all knowing dog trainer he demonstrates no understanding of dingoes living as “pets”.
The section on the German shepherd/Alsatian I also found interesting especially the success of the first police dogs in NSW at a time when importation of the breed was banned.
My rating 2*
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