In economically, socially, and culturally developed countries, people's living conditions "push" for an increase in the number of companion pets (especially dogs and cats), for improvements in their living conditions, nutrition, and healthcare, and for the establishment by the state of more adequate protective laws.

In Greece today, about 10% of households have a dog and 8% have a cat, while prospects indicate an upward trend. Thus, the scientists involved (veterinarians, veterinary students, etc.), dog and cat owners, as well as animal lovers, have and will gradually have a greater need for knowledge and information regarding these traditional "companions" of humans. We hope that this book will contribute to that information.

The book is divided into two Parts. The First Part deals with the dog and discusses its Origin, Classification, Nomenclature and Use, External Morphological Characteristics and Age Estimation, Breeds, Reproduction (fertilization - gestation - birth - care), Breeding (nutrition - grooming - housing) and finally, Training and Competitions.

The Second Part concerns the cat and has exactly the same layout of material as the First Part. At the end of the book, the most recent relevant legislation in force in Greece is presented.