As the ultimate dog-loving nation, our history is inextricably entwined with that of our dogs. Through history they have sniffed, rolled, shaken and pawed their way to our hearts, and behind almost every great Briton is a faithful hound.

This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of Britain from Roman times to the present and looks at our native British breeds and the extraordinary roles they played in society, from providing entertainment to herding livestock to guiding the visually impaired. Dogs have fought with us in war, searched for us in trouble, aided us in industry and offered companionship with no reward. They crop up in almost every aspect of history, and offer a fascinating insight into the shaping of our nation.