Many people do not realize that the breed of dog they select can play an important role in the success of the relationship. Stanley Coren, a professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia, and author of The Intelligence of Dogs and What Do Dogs Know? sheds considerable light on the key to successful human/canine relationships in his latest book. Coren, an eminent researcher in neuropsychology and a renowned dog trainer, maintains that the careful matching of the behavioural characteristics of the breed with the personality of the owner will more likely result in a long-term and satisfying friendship.

Coren has compiled the results of a scientific study of over 6,000 people and the types of dogs they like and dislike. Readers can indulge in some analysis of their own by completing a personality test that uncovers the four separate personality traits: extroversion, dominance, trust, and warmth. From a canine perspective, Coren has also determined seven “new” individual dog groupings based on a breed’s behavioural similarities. The best breed for your personality is then recommended.

In presenting the results of his findings, Coren’s material is heavily interspersed with entertaining trivia. From a contemporary perspective, Coren examines dogs whose sole purpose is to enhance their owners’ public image, or to serve as a fashion statement. This is balanced with lengthy historical studies of the dogs who were owned by the likes of Queen Victoria, Lord Byron, Napoleon, and Nixon. On a contemporary note, Coren lists the various breeds of dogs owned by famous personalities – the Dalai Lama has a ShihTzu, Elvis Stojko owns two Akitas, and Bob Hope owns a basset hound.

The combination of factual information, statistics, and stories makes this book an enjoyable, informative, and entertaining glimpse into the world of dog ownership.