While at a recent SCA event, a discussion of dogs in the Middle Ages came up. I know, that a huge surprise if I am involved in the discussion. One of the things I frequently have to deal with is folks wanting me to "prove shar pei" are a "period breed". I know where to find an article about DNA testing on dogs and which breeds show up as having shared code along with being the oldest domesticated breeds.
I need to find out a few additional things:
1) Did the Italian states view dogs as livestock?
2) Where in Marco Polo's writings on this trip to China would a person find information on farm animals, common sights involving animals, etc?
3) What is considered a good translation of his writings? (I don't read Italian although it's close enough to Spanish I can pick things out)
4) Other than the Museum of the Dog here in the U.S., are there other collections of dog related art, artifacts, and items used in their daily care (collars, leads, etc)
Anyone have ideas on books or authors I should look for?