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

Using Jack Australian shepherd and his retinue as a fascinating entrance into the dog show world, Josh Dean writes a delightful look into why so many people invest so much money, emotion and time on these events. His career starts with Jack appearing to be a future superstar. Over the year we get to know him and his human team up close and personal as Jack is the ticket to help us on the outside understand what motivates so many people to participate. This includes the support elements like training, breeding, hairstyling, etc.; as Mr. Dean states that these shows keep some purebred breeds alive. Occasionally attendees like me see chaos when watching a dog show, but Mr. Dean explains it is very structured and how the lay person can better observe what is going on. Jack wins first prize as he turns Show Dog: The Charmed Life and Trying Times of a Near-Perfect Purebred into an enjoyable romp.

Harriet Klausner

I found this book rather interesting. I knew nothing whatsoever about dog shows, show dog owners, breeding, dog types, and the life of show dogs and their owners. I was intrigued. I found that it is quite an expensive venture and that there is lot more to it than an outsider would ever guess. This book might be a good primer for someone thinking of going into this line of work.

We have been Australian Shepherd owners for 5 years and semi-diligent watchers of the broadcasted dog shows for many more. When I saw "Dog Show" by Josh Dean on my local bookstore shelf with Jack the Aussie's adorable picture on the cover, I was sucked in. After reading the first couple of pages, my husband and children only heard laugh out louds and quoted dog breed/dog show tidbits from me until I had finished reading the entire book-just in time to tune into the Westminster Dog Show and finally understand exactly what dog shows are all about. I wish this book had been around years ago when we were trying to decide on the best dog breed fit for our family. Josh Dean provides extensive and ACCURATE info on all purebreds that is unparalleled to whatever google search you may log on to. We adopted a mix breed pup in Sept-uncertain of his true heritage at the time-we now know that he is part Rhodesian Ridgeback, Beagle and Chesapeake Bay Retriever, due to "Show Dog's" one-stop shop wealth of breed info. When you get to the last page, you will want to kiss your dog, unless it has already plastered you with multiple smooches during the read!

A friend of mine, knowing my wife shows Chinese Crested dogs and that I own an Aussie, suggested I pick up this book. I found it totally engaging, funny, and an accurate portrayal of the Show world. We are relatively new to showing, my wife got into it 5 years ago under circumstances weirdly similar to Kim Smith, and she has been hooked ever since. My wife shows and I watch and provide moral support. I found Josh's book to be an extremely accurate and heartfelt portrayal of this world from the viewpoint of someone who has never bred or shown dogs.

My wife was hesitant to read the book and actually asked me today, "is it judgmental?" I told her I found it to be the opposite, the people portrayed in the book are people who love dogs and love their sport. I would recommend this book to anyone who shows, is interested in what goes on with showing, or just loves dogs.

BTW, I was floored to find out that the breeder of my Aussies' sire, Kerry Kirtley, was one of the main figures in the book. Small world.

If you ever wondered what REALLY goes on behind the pampered pooch facade in the showring, read Josh's book! Because when it comes right down to it, our dogs are, well dogs! They are farting, demanding couch potatoes and I wouldn't have it any other way! They eat gross disgusting things they find outside, roll in the mud right after their trimming and show bath- if you don't use vanilla or Vicks on noses they are WAAAAAY too interested in the girls in the next ring instead of stacking. And Josh just scratches the surface- Each breed has their own quirks and hilarious stories to tell, as well as heart warming and heart shattering tales too. If you want to go for a run around the ring without leaving your sofa, you need to buy this book!! You also need to buy it so he can write another one- He is too good to sit around twiddling his thumbs lol! So grab your leash and bait and lets go! Its SHOW TIME :)

This book tells the true story of Jack, an Australian Shepard dog, that Josh follows for a year from show to show. This is a double WOW book for me because now I know the ins and outs of a dog show. It's an awesome read! The writing is very good and Jack's handlers and the other dogs in the book are good too!

If you love dogs, declaring this a "must read" is a no-brainer. I hated to see it end, LOVED IT!

Outstanding journalism. Always glad when the author respects his subject non-judgmentally. Well researched. Nice concise chapters; each beginning with a provocative quote, demonstrating the author's patience to produce a high quality work. Highly interesting throughout. One gripe: Hey, this is going to be read by a lot of 4H types and similar nerds. Why use the F word?

I thought this book was good and very informative. Being a dog lover and owning two Shelties I was very interested in the show dog world, not that I would show dogs but it was very interesting. I was happy to read this book.

I read this just before attending my first dog show in many many years. "Show Dog" sent me right back into the dog people mind set. Every page reminded me of the doggy terminology and stories that were my life for ten years. Josh did credit to all the people and the dogs without ignoring some of the less savory parts. Best of Breed to Josh.

I ordered "Show Dog" after reading about it in "USA Today". I am finding it to be a delight and I hate to put it down. I have four Basset Hounds and am absolutely fascinated by the dog show world. So, "Show Dog" is both interesting and extremely informative!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author takes you on an adventure as he describes a year in the life of Jack, a wonderful dog, his owner, handlers and the dog show circuit. I have a dog, but I would not neccessarily consider myself a "dog person" and I enjoyed learning about the efforts, costs and dedication involved in the world of show dogs. The writing is great, easy to follow, lots of interesting details and a nice sense of humor.

It's not often that you see an insightful informed book by a "non-believer" about a sport that some think ls somewhat wacky, written with honesty, understanding and lack of condescension. Well-written and interesting, as well.

A five-star book. Admittedly, an experienced dog show aficionado won't learn much. But if you're a conformation person, you'll definitely like this book and, if you're not experienced, you'll learn a lot.

I thought this book was good and very informative. Being a dog lover and owning two Shelties I was very interested in the show dog world, not that I would show dogs but it was very interesting. I was happy to read this book.