Show Dog is the story of a lovable 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, veteran journalist Josh 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."e;A wonderful, charming look at the sport of dogs and dog shows and an absolute must read for anyone looking to get involved."e; -Pat Hastings, AKC Judge and author of Tricks of the Trade"e;A hilarious chronicle of blow-dried poodles, diva trainers and egregious canine puns. Above all, though, this is an irresistible story about the wondrous bond between humans and animals."e; -New York Times bestselling author Mark Adams"e;Filled with heart and humor, bringing to life extravagant characters, pampered pooches, and over-the-top humans without falling prey to tired stereotypes. That's because it's not really about animal beauty pageants; it's about the unyielding bond between people and dogs and what they'll do to make each other happy."e; -New York Times bestselling author Jim Gorant"e;Fascinating and funny . . . as I was sucked into the story of Jack the show dog, I began to understand the subtleties of the sport, the amazing talents of these animals, and the affecting human-and canine-drama behind the show."e; -New York Times bestselling author John Hodgman

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.