GUNDOGS: THEIR PAST, THEIR PERFORMANCE AND THEIR PROSPECTS. By David Hancock.

2013 1st edition. 4to (189 x 246mm). Pp240. Colour and b/w photographs, bibliography. Black boards, spine titled in gilt.

The author asks: "how can we save our unfancied native gundog breeds? Do we need a homemade 'hunt-point-retrieve' breed? Should the Kennel Club run field trials? Do pointers truly have a Spanish origin? Did the spaniel actually come from Spain? Could the Labrador retriever have originated in Devon? Was the golden retriever just a variety of the flat-coat? Is the Chesapeake Bay retriever merely the Norfolk retriever relocated in Norfolk, Virginia? Would it benefit their genetic diversity if the setter breeds could be interbred (as in the 18th and 19th centuries) and the coat colour restrictions within breeds abolished? Should we restore the English water spaniel to our gundog list? Are our gundog breeds being bred wisely? Shouldn't the title of champion be based on a lot more than appearance? Do we now need a new covenant between gundogs and their masters? In his usual forthright way, he challenges the often over-romanticized breed histories, questions the soundness of the gundog breeds and asks for a greater awareness of their simple needs. ...This comprehensive survey of the gundog's origins, its role and its future is essential reading for all those with an interest in these handsome, stylish and admirably loyal dogs."