Show Dog - The Charmed Life and Trying Times of a Near-Perfect Purebred

Journalist Josh Dean tells the story of a loveable Australian Shepherd, Jack, on his novice tour through the exciting world of professional dog showing, following Jack from his first competitions in local school gymnasiums all the way to the great granddaddy of them all, the Westminster Dog Show. A veteran journalist, Dean shines a warm, steady light on the trials that Jack and his plucky, dedicated owners come to face, and uses their story to explore the larger histories of dog shows themselves; the fascinating and sometimes bizarre history of purebred dogs; and our complex, heartfelt relationships to the pets we grow to love. For dog lovers, readers of Marley & Me, Merle’s Door, and Oogy, and fans of Best in Show, Dean’s Show Dog is an irresistible instant classic.

But what does it really take to turn a family pet into a champion?

A Behind-the-Scenes Look: Join journalist Josh Dean as he pulls back the curtain on the eccentric, high-stakes subculture of professional dog handlers and the American Kennel Club. The Westminster Dog Show: Experience the pressure, the politics, and the pageantry of America’s most famous dog show through the eyes of a first-time competitor. The Human-Animal Bond: A heartwarming and often hilarious exploration of the incredible relationship between people and their pets, perfect for any dog lover. History of Purebred Dogs: Delve into the fascinating and sometimes bizarre origins of purebreds and the traditions that shape the modern dog show.