The Encyclopedia of the Dog presents a comprehensive picture of all aspects of the dog - its evolution; physiology and instinctive behaviour; basic care; illnesses, first aid and veterinary treatment; dog shows, field and obedience trials; and the variety of useful functions the dog performs in modern life. The dog has been 'man's best friend' for thousands of years, although dogs were originally domesticated as hunters and guards, archaeological evidence suggests that they have been kept as companions for at least 12,000 years.