All dogs are equal, but some dogs are more equal than others. In this illuminating and entertaining social history, Michael Brandow probes the "cult of pedigree" and traces the commercial rise of the purebred dog. Combining consumer studies with sharp commentary, Brandow reveals the sordid history of the dog industry and shows how our brand-name pets—from Labs to French bulldogs—pay the price with devastatingly poor health, and he makes an impassioned plea on behalf of mutts and for supporting your local animal shelter.