Chronically catheterized dogs were studied awake and during anesthesia with high and low concentrations of halothane to assess the relationship between cardiac function and metabolism. Low concentrations of halothane (0.79 per cent endtidal) increased heart rate and decreased left ventricular stroke volume, stroke work, and dP/dt without producing other hemodynamic changes. However, similar heart rate increases produced by atrial pacing in awake animalsincreasedaortic pressure and cardiac output anddecreasedleft atrial pressure. Consequently, the halothane-induced tachycardia partially compensated for the negative inotropic effect of the halothane. High concentrations of halothane (1.74 per cent endtidal) Further increased heart rate and elevated left atrial pressures. Cardiac output, stroke volume, stroke work, aortic pressure. LV dP/dt, myocardial blood flow and oxygen consumption were markedly decreased. Myocardial glucose extraction was also decreased. Myocardial oxygen extraction was unchanged, and lactate extraction rose with both concentrations of halothane. Consequently, the dose-dependent negative inotropic effect of halothane resulted in a decrease in cardiac oxygen demand which was equal to or greater than the decrease in oxygen delivery. Whether the same relationship would be seen in the ischemic heart is yet to be demonstrated