Going for the Blue

Book excerpt: In this patented puppy tell-all, Roger Caras will enlighten, edify, and amuse us with the inside scoop that only he can provide on what really goes on behind the scenes of dog shows. He gives a brief history of how, without knowledge of genetics, ancient people first selectively bred dogs from wolves. He goes on to explain which factors are utilitarian and which are purely aesthetic and how these figure in judging a dog today. He then describes how dog shows evolved, how winners are selected, the immense amount of preparation that goes into grooming a showdog, what constitutes a champion, and the most important factor in a dog show -- politics. Peppered with photographs of champion dogs and dog shows from around the country, and filled with charming anecdotes about dogs who have made it to the top and those who have been left at the bottom of the doggy pile, "Going for the Blue" is a book that will appeal to dog lovers everywhere.