Who let the dogs out at the National Library of Australia?

In partnership with PhotoAccess ACT, we celebrated the launch of NLA Publishing's new book, Australia's Dogs with free outdoor 'pawtrait' sessions at the Library.

Dog owners were invited to bring along their furry best friend and strike a pose. They were able to take home a printed copy of their photograph, and while waiting for it to be developed, were invited to explore our Treasures Gallery, have a bite to eat at Bookplate Cafe or buy their very own copy of Australia's Dogs from the Bookshop.

Library staff gave out doggy treats and Bookshop discount vouchers on the day, and in a nod to the day being King Charles III's coronation, any Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who participated was also be presented with a homemade crown.

About the book

Australia's Dogs by Katherine Kovacic

Australians love dogs – big dogs, little dogs, fluffy couch potatoes and hardy working dogs. In fact, we have one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world. Australia’s Dogs is a celebration of the dog in Australian life, exploring the human-canine bond, and reflecting on the crucial role played by dogs in our life and work.

Embark on an outback adventure with Francis Birtles and his various faithful canine companions. Discover the incredible endurance of Mawson’s huskies in frozen Antarctica. Learn more about Australia’s home-grown dog breeds that played a central role in the development of pastoral industries, as well as the iconic dingo and its place in Indigenous life, as well as the Australian ecosystem, today.

Australia’s Dogs is generously illustrated with images drawn from the rich collections of the National Library of Australia. Some simply capture a photographer’s love for their own dog, while others tell epic tales of survival in harsh conditions, comment on an element of social history or record a significant moment. As the incredible variety of images shows, the story of dogs in Australia is a subject that is historically significant, with a broad and enduring appeal.

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