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.

Insights into the world of dog shows and showing dogs from a complete beginner who now proudly calls herself a "Dog Show Junkie." Revealing, humorous and realistic, this may turn you into a junkie too!

Stand! is the must-have guide to dog showing in the UK, for beginners and seasoned exhibitors alike. From the mechanics and rules of exhibiting, to specific showing information for currently recognized breeds, Stand! includes everything you need to know about dog showing in the UK, with over 250 beautiful illustrations. Topics covered include: an introduction to dog showing; companion shows to champion shows; regulations, how to enter and understanding the judging process; buying and preparing a puppy to show, ringcraft training and basic grooming; showing information for all currently recognized breeds; Crufts; showing your dog abroad and finally the future of showing in the UK. A must-have practical guide to showing your dog from companion to champion, beautifully illustrated with 234 colour photographs and 20 diagrams.

An astute observer once described the scene at a typical dog show as "organized confusion." While the action may seem more confusion than organization, the reverse is actually true. It just takes a little while to learn this. Dog Showing for Beginners is the ideal means for the budding exhibitor to grasp the essentials and understand what is unfolding before her or him in this unique recreation. Every chapter has something important to tell the reader. Opening with a candid overview of what to expect from being a part of the sport, Dog Showing for Beginners goes on to help find that first show dog and explain how to get started in showing and hands-on learning. Here are simple explanations of how dog shows are structured and how dogs become champions. Excellent guidance on getting the equipment needed and entering shows is included along with how to approach your first show. This book also helps the reader find a place in dog showing and how to deal with the up and the down sides of the game. From beginning to end, Dog Showing for Beginners is touched with an insider's sometimes irreverent whimsy; as the author points out, if you're going to do dog shows, a sense of humor is a definite plus! A Howell Dog Book of Distinction

Train your dog to love showing! Most people learn how train their show dog by trial and error emphasis on error. Much of the information about show dog training is learned by ringside observation or word-of-mouth from experienced exhibitor to novice.

Competing at dog shows is an excellent way for the family - both young and old alike - to enjoy a hobby together. Many people enter this sport first with a family pet as a fun day out and then move on to more serious competition at championship level. The ultimate goal for most newcomers is to qualify for Crufts and perhaps even win the much coveted Best in Show award. This book takes you step by step through the process of what is required to enjoy showing a dog. It will tell you: - How to choose a good quality pedigree puppy and understand its health requirements - How to train and prepare from day one through to that first dog show - How to enter a show and what to expect - Where to go and when at the dog show, and what to do in the show ring - What clubs, committees and support are available for the novice exhibitor - How to qualify for Crufts and what to expect upon arriving at the World's Greatest Dog Show - What the next step is and whether to purchase another dog, breed a litter or even train to be a judge. Contents: Acknowledgements; Introduction; 1. Starting out; 2. Learning to Show 3. Grooming and Presentation; 4. Entering a Show; 5. Travelling with Dogs; 6. The Day of the Show; 7. Rules and Etiquette; 8. Awards and Prizes; 9. Major Champonship Shows; 10. What Next?; The Rainbow Bridge; Glossary; Useful Information; Index.

This book is written solely for the novice.