Cable programming has strayed from the instructional to the entertaining. Many networks that used to accent history lessons or offer tips for the do-it-yourself homemaker now compete with soap operas and sitcoms thinly disguised as reality shows.

Animal Planet goes against the grain with an unabashed educational documentary series called “Dogs 101” (7 p.m. today, Animal Planet), a 10-episode guide to the history and attributes of the eight most popular dog breeds. The series concludes with two weeks of “Cats 101,” a crash course in feline lore.

“Dogs 101” will offer viewers insights into their favorite breeds from Airedales to Yorkies and explore popular myths about popular dog varieties. Can a St. Bernard really predict an avalanche? Do whippets see in the dark? Can the French poodle read? (Only “Le Monde,” I’ve heard.)

Tonight’s “101” looks at the French bulldog, Airedale, Labrador, Chihuahua and poodle. Next week’s subjects include the Rottweiler, Boston terrier, basset hound, shar-pei and St. Bernard.

¢ Candidates John McCain and Barack Obama face nonvoters and answer some interesting questions on the “Nick News” special “Kids Pick the President” (8 p.m. Sunday, Nickelodeon). Both candidates sat down separately and answered questions posed to them by students aged 10 to 15.

Of the 10 questions, most would not seem out of place in a town-hall debate. Youngsters seem as concerned about Iraq, the economy and global warming as their parents. But a few interesting questions poke through and provide “Kids Pick” with its best moments. Just how did the candidates react when they got picked last for teams on the playground? And just what costumes did McCain and Obama enjoy wearing on Halloween? You’ll be surprised at their answers.

Kids can log on to www.nick.com/kpp from Oct. 12 to Oct. 20 to cast their votes online for Nickelodeon’s “Kids’ Vote.” Linda Ellerbee will announce the “Kids’ Vote” winner on-air on Monday, Oct. 20, at 8 p.m.

Today’s highlights

¢ NASCAR racing (6:25 p.m., ABC).

¢ Models used to become celebrities; now, it’s the other way around. Tori Spelling hosts “Macy’s Passport Celebrity Catwalk Challenge” (7 p.m., NBC).

¢ A fighter’s DNA is discovered at a murder scene on “Law & Order: SVU” (9 p.m., NBC).

¢ Mermaids take umbrage at the disco crowd on “Primeval” (8 p.m., BBC America).

Sunday highlights

¢ Olympic champions and Grammy-winning singers join forces to raise awareness of cancer prevention for women on “Frosted Pink With A Twist” (3 p.m., ABC, check local listings).

¢ San Diego hosts New England on “Sunday Night Football” (7 p.m., NBC).

¢ The Dodgers host the Phillies in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series (7 p.m., Fox).

¢ “Black Blizzard” (8 p.m., History) recalls Dust Bowl storms of the 1930s.

¢ A murder in Mississippi’s revisited on “Cold Case” (8 p.m., CBS).

¢ The team discovers its foreign contact’s unsavory sideline on “The Unit” (9 p.m., CBS).

¢ Kevin faces workplace bias on “Brothers & Sisters” (9 p.m., ABC).

¢ A trip to the West Coast gives Don a fresh outlook on “Mad Men” (9 p.m., AMC).