Accompanied by an authoritative text, the exceptional collection of the AKC and the AKC Museum of the Dog, illustrated here in full colour, not only provide a catalogue but also virtually tell the history of the dog in art. It is in this spirit that the book is organised, starting with the Belgian, Dutch and Flemish art in the collections, countries where dog and animal art originated. England -- the true home of dog painting -- is explored next, then France, and finally America, where animal art was maintained and flourished well into the 20th century. The collections depicted in this volume are a testament to our love for the dog, in all its guises, in conformation dog shows, field and obedience trials, in the sporting field and as a pet. They are also a testament to the many artists, some virtually forgotten until recently, who chose to use their insights and artistic skills to portray the dog on canvas, paper and in porcelain and bronze.