"Discusses the appearance, origin, and temperament of more than two hundred dog breeds categorized into groups according to the tasks they were originally bred for, including herding dogs, hunting dogs, sled dogs, lap dogs, and more"-- Provided by publisher.

The dog in our society -- Why a pedigree dog? -- Choosing a dog -- Long-haired or short-haired breed? -- Male or female? -- The right breeder -- The right breed -- Family-friendly dogs -- Dog breeds, grouped according to the tasks the dogs were originally bred for.