ALL ABOUT SMALL DOGS IN THE BIG CITY

One of those well meaning Pup-Selection-to-Dog-Show manuals--much tried-and-true advice, general information and some doubtful counsel. Ms. Seranne's strengths come from her humane, gentle approach to dog care (spot unscrupulous animal dealers; given the soaring canine population, don't breed your dog; and find a vet who's a true dog lover) but her training methods are sketchy (she crams all the hard stuff into the chapter on Obedience Training). The command, ""STAY--I WILL BE BACK"" with timed reentries by the owner to keep a pup from whining in one's absence, might have worked for the author's Yorkie or a nursery school child. Among the sections on health, behavior, etc., is a chapter featuring profiles of forty small breeds, presumably suitable for city dwellers (the brief descriptions are lifted from Breed Standards) and one questions whether certain selections are appropriate. Some sections are incomplete (the flea and lice treatment does not include specifics on what powder to use and how to use it--too enthusiastic application is dangerous) or over-optimistic (ever try to brush the teeth of a feisty Scottish Terrier?). On the whole, not firm or detailed enough for the novice.