Explores the presentation of the dog, from its origins in Greek, Roman and later European art, to the remarkable paintings of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries up to modern times. This work traces the evolution of some fifty breeds, using illustrations by nineteenth and twentieth century artists, ranging from depictions of hounds and sporting dogs in the field to Victorian portraits of pampered pets and highly-bred favourites. From the diminutive chihuahua to the massive St. Bernard, this fascinating account of most of the popular breeds provides an original and penetrating artistic record of mankind's faithful companions. It is also an invaluable reference work about the many superb painters who specialised in dog painting, providing an essential index for art historians, dealers and galleries requiring a directory of names and examples of the exponents of this popular genre. SELLING POINTS: A visual feast of outstanding paintings by british and American artists. Traces the deveolpment of pure-bred dogs and the social milieu in which they became fashionable. Filled with anecdotes about animal loving patrons such as Queen Victoria. 525 colour & 20 b/w illustrations