Dogs of War

 Dogs of War

Reviewed By  Nan van Dissel       December 20, 2025

 

Author  Nigel Allsopp

Distributor:      Big Sky Publishing
ISBN:                 9781923144736
Publisher:         Big Sky Publishing
Release Date:   1 December 2025  

Website:    https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/dogs-of-war/ 

FaceBook:  https://www.facebook.com/BigSkyPub 

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/user/BigSkyPublishingAust/videos 

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/bigskypub/ 

X formally Twitter:  https://x.com/Bigskypub 

Guardians of the Battlefield: True Stories of Loyalty and Bravery

Dogs have been used in warfare for thousands of years, with their roles evolving

from sentry duties to combat and reconnaissance. Nigel Allsopp’s enlightening book ‘Dogs of War’ not only explores the unique attributes of these combat canines, which makes these highly sophisticated and versatile animals (an extension of the soldier’s own senses), but also gives the reader an insight into their bravery, loyalty, intelligence and devotion to their handler.

To illustrate the characteristics of these remarkable dogs the author has included photos of the handlers with their special military working dog and a heartwarming vignette relating their special attributes, as a soldier, a protector and above all, a mate. It is very obvious from these anecdotes, that the bond between the dog and handler is ironclad; they are never to be treated as mere equipment.

This is an easy-to-read book, with its individual chapters not only describing how these extraordinary animals were relied upon during conflict in different parts of the world, but also on recognition of their deeds, future impact of technology and the role of the handler. It is evident that the author is passionate about ensuring that the deeds and sacrifices of these four-legged heroes are not forgotten; many of whom fought and died alongside the troops. The reader is left in no doubt of the role of these remarkable dogs in saving lives in times of conflict.

I highly recommend it to all readers, whether or not they are dog lovers.

Documentary, Non Fiction