Customer Reviews

Born To Win, Breed to Succeed

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

A great book, full of important information for breeders. One of the real strengths of the book is the section on genetics and inheritance. I've read a reasonable amount on gene theory but this book really clarified how things work. I also really like the section on litter evaluation. Ms Trotter's style is emminently readable, and certainly one can't argue with her experience in breeding for success!

If you do nothing else for yourself in the coming year, make sure you get a copy of Pat Craige Trotter's "Born To Win." You can learn more from spending two weks with this book than some breeders will learn in two decades of trying to figure things out by trial and error. The range of information offered to readers of Pat's book is so great that a book review really doesn't do it justice. Once you have the book in your hands, the only other thing you will long for is the time it will take to read and absorb it.Enjoy!Editorial in the AKC Gazette, February 199

Without a doubt this is the most interesting and informative dog book I have ever read. I intend to read it more than once, as I have the feeling it is one of those books you will get something else out of each time you read it. It is truly a different kind of dog book that is not only interesting but also humorous and entertaining

Patricia Craige, who ranges from top Norweigan Elkhound breeder to top dog show competitor, shares her insights in the canine field to a new audience eager to eat her every word. Why do I give this author such high acclaim? For three simple reasons:

a). Mrs. Craige shows the reader many examples of dogs who have succeeded inm both the show ring and the whelping box. Many dogs, ranging from the top-producing dog of all time to the dog with the most Best-In-Shows (the highest honor at any dog show), are shown, with in-depth study on how the greatest of dogs made their way to the top.

b). The book is very well understood thanks to the authors' personal experience. Mrs. Craige is an owner-handler, the lowest on the totem pole in the canine realm. However, one of her glorious Elkhounds became the top dog all breeds in the year 1970. This astounding tribute to the hard work and dedication she put into breeding and raising top dogs is followed up with a string of top dogs of any breed. She also bred, owned, and handled the top Elkhound of all-time and one of the top winning hounds of all-time with sixty-six all-breed Best-In-Shows. Her last big winner was shown from 1993-1995, daughter of the top winning Elkhound and two-time Westminster Hound Group winner (Winning at Westminster is the highest honor any owner, handler, or breeder can aspire to). Despite all of this, the author's down-to-earth writing style solaces the reader, allowing the reader to thoroughly enjoy the book.

c). Why don't you tell me? THere are so many reasons to applaud this book. I am sure that if you were to add it to your collection, you'd find your own reasons to back up the notion that this book truly is BORN (err, published) TO WIN!!

A magnificent source of history, technique, philosophy and guidance for the serious dog breeder and exhibitor. Examines history and trends in many breeds. Acquaints you with the greats on four legs as well as two. Not a light read, but definitely worth the effort.

I first read this book approximately 8 years ago when I was first becoming involved in purebred dogs. I found her words of wisdom inspiring and it really pushed me to do the very best that I could to fill my head with knowledge of the breed standard, find the best foundation that I could and make the tough, critical decisions necessary to become a truly good dog breeder. If more new people would follow the advice in this book there would be a lot fewer "five year wonders" in the sport.

This book really helped give me a clear idea of how to select foundation stock, plan breedings and execute a breeding plan, as well as offering other advice about how to succeed in the world of show dogs. I have raised only a few litters of my chosen breed, but I have already produced group winners, group placers and specialty show winners, thanks in no small part to some of the advice found in this book. I hope some day to be like one of the "master breeders" she describes in her book. Truly a gem for every breeder's bookshelf!!

Interested in breeding? This book should be the first thing you purchase and study it good! It is amazing! It packed with so much information on breeding, kennels, showing, picking puppies, raising puppies, behavior and I could go on and on. I have a lot of books on breeding and showing and I know I could have this book only and a book on canine genetics and would be just fine! Study this book, your breed standard and genetics and you will be WAY ahead of the rest of the pack!

Of note,the print is small (and pages are filled top to bottom-there is that much info), but if it is hard for you to read small print, then just bear that in mind when purchasing.

Laymans genetics is a good term for this book. I am 4 years new to the dog world and this book laid out important information in a way that kept me interested! Most books are either so complicated as to be boring or so simple that you come away with nothing but verification of something you've already read. Not this book - it is perfect and the advice is invaluable. I will keep this book forever!

It was about 6 years ago that I bought Patricia Craige's Born to Win but it was only a couple months ago that I actually read it. I guess I just didn't have the motivation back then, being dog-less for most of those years. Hot dang was I missing out!

Everything you need to know, and everything you didn't know you needed to learn, is in this book. Although it's intended for breeders, current or wannabe, anyone who shows dogs can gain from the work of Patricia Trotter (formerly Craige). Today Mrs Trotter is an esteemed judge but for decades she bred some of the winningest and most influential Elkhounds in AKC history. A former history teacher, she has a very readable style of writing that is blessedly easy to learn from. In addition she has over a half century of experience breeding and showing dogs, plus a knack for thinking creatively and being open-minded. Is there a better instructor?

The whole purpose of this book is to guide the reader into thinking like and becoming a "master breeder": one whose purpose is to raise the classic dog and positively influence current and future generations. If you just want a litter of cute puppies and have no interest in becoming an "artistic genetic engineer" then this book is too much for you. But if, like me, you want to someday be remembered as an icon of the fancy then you couldn't find a better starting point than Born to Win. Along with my own mentors this book has helped me develop a plan of approach for my breed (Border Terriers).

A few of my favorite sections include...
- Learning plan for the fledgling breeder
- How to develop selection criteria
- Breeding methods (line, out, and "close"), patterned pedigrees, importance of tail male and female lines
- Historical giants in producing champions, both dogs and bitches
- Selecting a "true foundation bitch"
- Selecting a truly great sire
- Anecdotes from classic shows like Morris & Essex, Westminster, and others; stories of the journey to the top
- Conditioning your dog
- Federico Tesio, breeder of classic Thoroughbreds like Nearco and Ribot, inspiration to small-scale breeders everywhere

There just aren't enough superlatives to describe this book, but there's one that sums them up: it's a gem. Meaning go buy it now!

This book was recommended to me by a professional handler. Of all the books that I have in my library, this one is by far the most complete!!! I am fortunate to have it in my hands, I am also committed to follow the recommendations and make good use of all the advice received! great book.