Most dogs love to have a job, and in this book we meet some of the busiest hounds around.

The book is divided into chapters featuring dogs working in search and rescue, security and safety, service and assistance, medical detection, conservation, delivery, entertainment, as well as traditional working dogs, story dogs and even royal dogs.

We begin by learning about their remarkable bodies: extraordinary noses built quite differently from ours, giving them sniffing powers 40–50 times stronger; impressive brain power for their size; tough paw pads that protect their feet; athletic frames; ears designed to amplify sound; excellent vision; long, twitchy whiskers that help them navigate; and those wonderfully expressive tails that make them natural communicators.

A handy dictionary of breeds highlights each dog’s strengths before we dive into the many jobs they do, starting with search and rescue. Here we meet German shepherds, beagles and others whose scent-tracking ability, athleticism, courage and trainability make them ideal for this work.

We’re also introduced to Riley, a Weimaraner whose job is to guard valuable treasures – a role he began at just three months old. When he’s not on the trail of potential thieves, he’s sniffing out quieter invaders: insects and moths that burrow into textiles, canvas and wood, threatening precious artworks.

The book is packed with fascinating examples for adults and children alike. Dogs that detect when their owner’s blood glucose levels drop. Labradors that locate orca whale scat floating on the surface of the ocean so researchers can track migrations. In Alaska, Karelian bear dogs find polar bear dens to help protect fragile habitats. On Macquarie Island, fox terriers assist scientists by locating the best places to set traps for introduced predators.

It’s an engaging, information-rich celebration of just how extraordinary working dogs truly are.

Reviewed by Jane Stephens
Age Guide 7+