The Perfect Puppy: Breed Selection and Care by Veterinary Science for Behavior and Neutering Age provides the most updated and expert knowledge on dog breeds to guide the selection of a puppy or mature dog. It offers the latest information on breed-specific behavior profiles and guidelines for spaying or neutering, health conditions, and life expectancy. Researched and written by experts in veterinary science and animal behavior, this book is an unbiased and data-driven analysis of 80 of the most common dog breeds, based on interviews with 168 practicing veterinarians. It covers behavioral expectations per breed, while addressing traits or issues that can arise from environmental factors like home size, presence of other dogs, and human family dynamics. This book is written and formatted to be used by veterinarians for optimal guidance on canine adoptions, while also appealing to breeders and potential adopters as well.

Dr. Benjamin L. Hart is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Veterinary Medicine in the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California, Davis, California, USA. Previously, he served as a Distinguished Professor of Physiology and Behavior and as Service Chief of the Behavior Service at the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. His primary teaching expertise is in canine and feline behavior and behavior therapy. Dr. Lynette A. Hart is a Professor of Anthrozoology and Animal Behavior in the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California, Davis, California, USA. Her primary teaching expertise is in human–animal interactions and animal welfare and her primary research expertise is in the psychosocial aspects of human relationships with animals, especially with assistance animals and when dealing with animal death.