Kids, and dog-lovers of any age, will enjoy this book. Even though I was familiar with some of the dogs from history, I still learned a bit more of their story, and some were brand-new to me. I think that my students will enjoy it.

What do you know about dogs? Can they learn more than tricks? Yes, they can! In this book, I discovered many things I didn't know. Did you know there are dogs that received medals for service in the wars? Did you know that the famous Lewis and Clark took a dog with them on their travels? I didn't know about the Pekinese were the dog for Chinese royalty. It is a fascinating book about dogs that also includes terrific pictures of dogs. There are little tidbits included about dogs too. There are facts about these "top dogs" that I will never forget! Don't miss out on this terrific book about dogs. It is a book for everyone to read and enjoy!

"Top Dogs" is an excellent book for all dog lovers out there. It tells the story of Seaman, the dog that traveled with Lewis and Clark as went on their expedition. In the actual journal there are many more mentions of Seaman than there are of some men on the journey. The book continues by exploring the history of Balto, service dogs, war dogs and many other types of dogs. All libraries have customers that are dog lovers and I would suggest that this is a must purchase selection. It would also be perfect for teaching history with kids as they would very much relate to the stories about the dogs.

Love this book! It highlights working dogs, both current and historical. For instance, did you know the Lewis & Clark Expedition took more than 200 dogs with them? That was news to me! Different events involving Lewis's Newfoundland were narrated, including one where the dog saved the expedition!

Many different types of working dogs are covered - including dogs in combat in WW2, bomb sniffing dogs, and therapy dogs (and a lot more besides!). Excellent photos and illustrations appear on every page.

Recommended for all your animal lovers!

I can think of plenty of dog lovers who will enjoy this book, and they aren't all kids! I had forgotten all about the first seeing eye dog, Buddy. Learned about the Newfy who traveled with Lewis and Clark and many others in this book. Dog lovers will enjoy reading it; loaded with info on famous and little known dogs. Great photos, illustrations, well researched.

Top Dogs: True Stories of Canines That Made History by Elizabeth Macleod is a very interesting book that gives you a new perspective on "Man's Best Friend". It is hard to believe all the things dogs do for humans, besides being our companions. Each chapter highlights one or two dogs, but goes on to give a lot of information surrounding the role they played. The book starts with some history, and then on to Lewis and Clark with their faithful dog Seaman. The book tells about the times he saved the men as well as his exploits. We learn about the history of the Pekingese or Lion Dogs in China and how they were prized for their appearance. Only royalty were allowed to own them. There are many dogs highlighted such as Balto and Togo who delivered diphtheria medication to Nome Alaska, Military Guard dogs, search and rescue dogs, dogs who help humans with disabilities such as guide dogs for the blind and therapy dogs. They talk about search and rescue dogs as well as sniffer dogs that sniff for drugs, bombs as well as diseases and illness. While sharing all this information about the dogs, there is also a lot of history shared as well. There are so many asides called Dog Data or Woof as well as separate vignettes. The illustrations are a combination of photographs and created pictures. I learned a lot about dogs from this book and know that this would be a great read for anyone who loves dogs. This is a good non-fiction book for reluctant readers as well as those who do not want to read fiction stories. The stories are written so they can be read easily and flow nicely. This is a wonderful book for any local or school library.

Top Dogs : Canines That Made History by Elizabeth MacLeod is a children's non fiction book. It shares the stories of eight canines whose actions influenced the course of history. Among the dogs featured are Stubby, a mutt who rescued American soldiers in the trenches of WWI, Buddy, the first seeing-eye-dog in North America, Brandy, a German Shepherd who discovered a bomb aboard a plane, and Seaman, the Newfoundland, who accompanied Lewis and Clark, helping them complete their expedition by protecting them from wild animals and providing them with food. Scattered throughout the book are side bars filled with information about the exploits of many other dogs as well as the history, habits, and characteristics of various breeds.

Top Dogs : Canines That Made History is a wonderful collection of stories and bits of information that will interest young readers, particularly those with a love of animals. The information is presented in a narrative style that is accessible and interesting. There is a sense of adventure and flavor of the time from each story, and there are sidebars of other information about dogs that might inspire further research. While I knew most of these stories, at least in part, I enjoyed the read and felt like I learned a lot. I think readers like my daughter, who loves all things animal related, will be very interested in this read. Others that are interested in history or dogs along will also get a good amount of knowledge and enjoyment from the read. The balance of entertainment and knowledge is nearly perfect here, and I think that the book would make a good addition to school and public library collections.

Highly recommend for anyone who loves dog books and/or fact books! This fun, engaging book is filled with good dogs throughout history. The information is accurate and, generally, pleasingly displayed -- the timeline at the end of the book may be confusing and difficult to follow, but the graphic design for the rest of the book heightens interest rather than distracting from the amazing dogs the book describes.

Top Dogs: True Stories of Canines That Made History by Elizabeth Macleod is a very informative and interesting book that makes a reader pause and think. It is amazing all the things dogs do for us, not just a companion and friend. This book starts with some history, and it isn't boring history but fun history of our canine friends. Then on to Lewis and Clark with the faithful dog Seaman and the many exploits he had. Then to China and the history of the dogs from there and what they were originally used for. Then dogs in battle, Balto and Togo, Military Guard dogs, search and rescue dogs, dogs that help the blind and others that are in need of assistance. This book also covers therapy dogs and dogs that sniff for things. I never knew they sniffed for SO many things! It is amazing! There is so much more too in here. This is such a wonderful book with delightful pictures on each page, with the real dog when possible, great stories of dogs, fun facts about dogs scattered through out, and it flows so well. This is a book for any one that loves animals. Thanks NetGalley for allowing me to read this great book.

Before I even picked up the book I was laughing and instantly intrigued after looking at the cover of the book. If I was to spot this on the library shelf or book store I know I wouldn't be able to walk past it. As I turned each page I realise that I was not aware that dogs had been such a big part of history. I was most surprised that dogs were used in World War 1 & 2, and the first guide dog was used in 1928. I think these part of history are not often celebrated and this book is unique in the insight it gives into the history of dogs around the world. Given how many dogs that are companions to humans it is great that we are learning more about them and their past.

The small WOOF sections (small facts) is a fun way of adding more information. One of my favourite WOOF facts are that 'The average pet dog can understand words and language at about the same level as a two year old human.' I like the lines of dots that are themed throughout the book as it resembles following a treasure map and adds another level of fun to the book.

The pictures are a wonderful addition to the information in the book, and some of the older pictures give great insight into the history of dogs in the battlefields. Using dogs in World War 1 & 2 and with police forces is great factual information for children's school projects. The headings at the beginning of chapters and titles throughout the book are very eye catching due to the smart choice of colour, spots, different sized words and fonts. It really appeals to me and I know it will appeal to other readers too.

The timeline in the back of the book is not only informative and fun to follow but is also a little bit whimsical. Elizabeth Macleod has managed to put together a book that is not only factual, but also engaging. History will become a loved area of interest through reading this book, and although it is essentially about dogs, key dates and parts of the worlds past are highlighted throughout. This book will be much loved by both children and teens alike...ok and adults too!

I'm a super hugh animal lover, especially of dogs, so I was really excited about getting to read Top Dogs. Turns out I was right to be excited. This was a definite must read for a dog lover like myself. Learning so many facts and little tidbits about my favorite of favorite companions and all time best of friends was way cool and so much fun. So if your like me or even like dogs a little bit, pick this one up, you'll be turning the pages.

Dogs, the first animal domesticated and tamed, have been loyal protectors of man since ancient times. Egyptian paintings and carvings from approximately 9,000 BCE include portrayals of man's best friend. "Top Dogs" is a book about some super dogs who have made history. Dogs have traveled with explorers, provided search and rescue services, and transported medicine.

Seaman, a Newfoundland, traveled with Lewis and Clark, Sacajawea and The Corps of Discovery from 1804-06. Seaman accompanied the expedition from the Missouri River to the Pacific Ocean and back to St. Louis. He protected the explorers scaring off stampeding buffalo and bears.

Imagine needing medicine to fight infectious disease in 1925 Alaska. The rivers were frozen and aerial visibility diminished. Togo and Balto were part of a dog sled relay team carrying life saving anti-toxin serum strapped to their dog sled for delivery to Nome, Alaska.

Military Guard Dogs protected the harbors and coastlines of the United States during World War II. The Dogs for Defense Program provided dogs for sentry duty to watch for enemies. Citizens were asked to donate their dogs to the war effort. Would you believe that 19,000 dogs were donated to be part of the K-9 Corps?

These are just a sample of some super dogs included in this engaging book. A thorough history of the times when each dog performed life saving skills as well as fun facts in the side bars cannot help but delight readers from nine to adult. Author Elizabeth MacLeod presents an extensive list of places to visit as well as bibliographical references for further reading. Thoroughly researched and well written, "Top Dogs: Canines That Made History" would be a welcome addition to any school or home library.

Thank you Annick Press Ltd. and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review "Top Dogs".

This is a history book that has gone to the dogs! Filled with the fascinating stories and photos of famous dogs from throughout history. It's a great book for children and will help them see another often overlooked part of history.

This is the perfect book for children to read and learn about the amazing dogs that have played a part in history. There are wonderful facts sprinkled throughout the book and colorful pictures to grab your attention. The author does a great job introducing the history of dogs and how they have been around and helped humans for hundreds and hundreds of years. Some of the chapters talk about specific dogs and how they have helped humans. For example, Seaman was the dog that helped Lewis and Clark on their expedition. One chapter talks about Buddy, one of the first service dogs to help the blind but the chapter also talks about how there are many types of service dogs now to help out humans. Other chapters talk about military dogs and their role through history helping American soldiers during combat. This book was very informative without being too wordy. I think kids will love this book and learn so much about how dogs play an important role in many of our lives.

With interesting true stories about dogs and fun and engaging layout, kids will love this book about dogs! I love the adorable cover!