I devoured this wonderful book as a Labrador does his dinner, greedily gulping down passages and chapters. To be absolutely clear, this is not merely a book for the dog lovers but an insightful study of Ireland’s social and cultural history as viewed through the prism of our nine native breeds. The Curious History of Irish Dogs is a work that bears the weight of its considerable research and learning lightly and Mr Blake Knox’s lucid prose is as entertaining as it is informative. From the (apocryphal) tale of ‘Prince’, the Irish Terrier on the front lines of the first World War to the certificate of courage once required of the Glen of Imaal Terrier, there are treats and rewards to be found in equal measure.

Conor Stevens (Co-creator, The Doggie Do)

Mr Blake Knox will be in conversation with Conor in The Cultured Canine tent at 2.45 and will also be on hand to sign copies of his book.