Eminent Dogs, Dangerous Men [Paperback]

Donald McCaig (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1998

When the author of Nop's Trials, one of America's best-loved dog books, searches Scotland for a Border Collie, the result is both a vivid history of an astonishing breed and an exploration of the ancient, extraordinary pact between man and dog. Now available in paperback. Illustrated.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The dogs are Scottish border collies, bred to herd sheep since the 17th Century; the men are their trainers and handlers. McCaig ( Nop's Trials ) runs sheep on his Virginia ranch with his dog Pip, whose advancing age suggested that the ranch could use another dog. In the spring of 1988 McCaig went to Scotland to find a bitch and attend sheepdog trials. He gives a lively account of his travels in the Highlands, visiting breeders and shepherds, and gathering a wealth of dog lore. McCaig found Gael, a bonny wee bitch who showed great promise. He took her home, to a lukewarm greeting from Pip. McCaig returned to Scotland for the International Trials (the Super Bowl of the sheepdog world) and describes in detail the terrain, sheep, the dogs and their handlers. An engaging story for dog lovers and owners, especially those with working dogs. Photos.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Billed as a nonfiction sequel to the author's best-selling Nop's Trials ( LJ 4/1/84), this book details McCaig's stay in Scotland to attend sheep dog trials and meet breeders and handlers. The central theme evolves around his search for a trained border collie to bring back to his Virginia home. About three quarters through the book, McCaig finds his dog (Gael)--and then almost never mentions her again. Instead, he lapses into telling of another trip to see more Scottish trials and handlers. McCaig is a good writer, whose plain, friendly style appeals to those who enjoy dog stories, but neglecting to develop his story about Gael in her new home and her success or failure in American trials will limit the book's appeal to those seriously interested in sporting dog events. Casual readers will probably lose interest.
- Carolyn I. Alexander, Technical Information Ctr., Ft. Ord, Cal.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: The Lyons Press; 1st edition (June 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1558216707
• ISBN-13: 978-1558216709
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,243,854 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully enjoyable and marvelously insightful!, April 24, 2003

By 

Susan B. Rayburn "edsuerayburn" (Bruceton Mills, WV United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Eminent Dogs, Dangerous Men (Paperback)

A Border Collie owner, I could hardly wait to read this book, and the author's other books, Nop's Trials and Nop's Hope. A one-time visitor to Scotland who can't wait to go back, I eagerly looked forward to this book. And, I was not in the least bit disappointed on either count! The author's style is easy-going and readable, with a subtle humor throughout. His images are brilliant and I just felt like I was present for each scene that he wrote and a part of the action. Someone who has no interest in the working Border Collie might find the book dull. So also might someone who is not particularly interested in the very different lifestyle of the shepherd of Scotland. But for us who love the working Border Collie and find the life of the Scottish shepherd and his/her dog intriguing, this is an absolutely must-read book, over and over again!

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An Interesting Adventure, February 2, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Eminent Dogs, Dangerous Men (Paperback)

An interesting description of Scotland and many of the handlers and their dogs. It was a bit dull at times, but I got caught up and was anxious for the author to find his special dog. There was not enough about Border collies or on herding techniques/styles. There was alot of information about trialing in Scotland. I would only recommend for a person who is always reading (others won't finish) and you must be a Border collie enthusiast (others won't have a clue what the author is doing).

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining and enlightening, a personal adventure., March 16, 1999

By 

Inga W. Holmquist (Washington State, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Eminent Dogs, Dangerous Men (Paperback)

It probably helps that I own a "bonnie wee bitch" of a border collie myself, but I found this book to be delightful and moving. It's candid and immediate - you're right there rambling through Scotland on the quest yourself. I learned wonderful tidbits about shepherds as well as sheepdogs, and feel as if I might even recognize some of these characters if I passed them on the street - both canine and humanoid. As a result of this book, I've just placed my order for Nops Trials, but more importantly, I have just taken my little border collie to her first herding class and watched in awe as her incredible power and instincts came brilliantly alive. Suddenly, I'm hooked on sheepherding! And as for my dog, she discovered the meaning of life! I don't know if this book will have as profound an impact on all readers, but if you're one of the lucky ones for whom it does - what a rush! It's like finding out that you and your dog really do speak a common language.