A celebration of some of the world's greatest dog paintings as well as an enlightening look at the history of dog breeds by art historian Susie Hodge, the book features 50 great paintings from throughout history, each depicting a different dog breed. With an essay about the work of art and the artist as well as a separate piece about the individual dog breeds, the author analyzes the dogs featured in the works of art, explaining the original human uses of specific breeds - such as herding, hunting, defending or lap dogs - and how those dog breeds have changed over time - sizes, colour and uses. It reveals how certain breeds were very popular in history and how the fashions for different breeds changed over time. Featuring many of the world's best-loved works, including Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and His Wife by Jan van Eyck, Venus of Urbino by Titian, and The Luncheon of the Boating Party by Renior, this informative and attractive new book will appeal to both art and dog lovers alike and form part of a new series.