The series comprises kennel books, 1889-1961, containing pedigrees, kennel accounts, breeding details and show records of various breeds, mainly Cairn Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Fox Terriers and Welsh Terriers, Chows, Japanese Spaniels and Pekinese, and a stud book of hounds, 1846-1894.

The file includes an early book prospectus [c. 1837]; early journal articles, 1856-1902, including, by Charles Dickens, 'The Renowned Dog Caesar' in All the Year Round, 9 May 1863; and more recent notes, pedigrees, advertisements, letters and cuttings, 1932-1978, featuring canine anecdotes, breed characteristics, exports, working dogs, sport, shows, famous dogs, canine literature, illustrations and cats.