Going for the Blue: Inside the World of Show Dogs and Dog Shows [Hardcover]

Roger A. Caras (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 2001

What makes a good show dog? How long does it take to groom an animal for a class? How did shows evolve? What's the most important factor in choosing a champion? Renowned dog show enthusiast Roger Caras answers these questions and many more, and shares charming anecdotes about dogs who have gone for the blue, as well as those who were delighted to just go home. Peppered with photographs of champion dogs and dog shows from around the country, this up-close and personal peek inside the ring will make dog lovers howl with pleasure and sit up and beg for more.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Aside from someone who has bred, raised, and shown dogs for decades, who other than CarasD"The Voice of Westminster," the hugely successful kennel club dog show held at Madison Square Garden each FebruaryDcould provide such an insightful look into the world of dog shows. With his typical charm, wit, and humor, Caras takes us on a behind-the-scenes tour, starting with early show history, the politics of the show ring, the mechanics of showing, and picking and choosing both a breed and that all-important puppy. Newcomers to dog shows are often surprised and finally disillusioned by the dedication required to succeed. The competition itself is often a source of frustration, and when the whole family gets involved, the stakes are even higher. This book should be read by anyone who just "might" like to have a "show dog." It does not give all the answers, and the depth of its practical information is not great, but those who still want to get involved after reading it will find that numerous other books provide advice on grooming, handling, breeding, and raising dogs. In the meantime, a book by Caras is always a welcome addition to any dog-lover's bookshelf.DEdell M. Schaefer, Brookfield P.L., WI
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Anyone who knows anything about dogs will probably recognize the author's name: Caras is president emeritus of the ASPCA, he's appeared on television for a quarter of a century, he's written more than 60 books about animals, and he really, really loves dogs. His new book, an insider's look at dog shows and the people who devote their lives to them, is detailed and informative, filled with facts and history and anecdotes taken from the author's own experiences as a dog expert. It is also rather dry. Caras presents us with plenty of information, but he never quite captures the excitement and fierce sense of competition of the dog-show circuit. Jane and Michael Stern's Dog Eat Dog (1997) and, of course, the recent movie Best in Show, are far more humorous and entertaining, perhaps because of their irreverence. Recommend this one to purists interested in learning the facts about dog shows and dog breeding but who have no interest in laughing at themselves. David Pitt
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Hardcover: 169 pages
• Publisher: Warner Books (February 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446526444
• ISBN-13: 978-0446526449
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,706,655 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Introduction to Dog Show Competition and Campaigning, February 4, 2001

By 

Donald Mitchell "Jesus Loves You!" (Thanks for Providing My Reviews over 109,000 Helpful Votes Globally) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Going for the Blue: Inside the World of Show Dogs and Dog Shows (Hardcover)

This book deserves more than five stars.

"This book is about dog shows, how they work, [and] what they mean . . . ." The book especially elaborates on "an incredibly complex relationship [between] . . . two different species of mammals [, people and dogs]."

Many people have enjoyed seeing a major dog show on television, such as the large one held each year in New York City. What lies behind the appearances and performances of all those remarkable dogs? This book provides the answers to all of the obvious questions in an entertaining and accessible way.

Mr. Caras is a very knowledgeable person to write this book. He has been a president of the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and has been a television correspondent about animals for more than two decades. The book is enlivened by many excellent stories about dogs, and contains several impressive black and white photographs of champions in a special insert on white glossy stock.

The book begins with a delightful discussion of how dogs probably became domesticated from wolves and how breeds emerged from this one species. His speculations make sense, and will cause your imagination to wander into interesting new thoughts. The benefits of dogs to people and the reverse are highlighted. The sense of touch between dog and human is demonstably helpful and healthful in both directions.

There are about 20 million purebred dogs in the United States. Less than 10 percent of these purebred dogs will ever see a show ring. Most that do appear will not get past one or two outings, done in by their physical flaws, their dislike of showing, or bad handling. Dogs are judged for conformation to standards in areas like size, color, shape, proportions, coat and face features, and walk. Walk is the key test because flaws that can be hidden while standing still are immediately evident in the gait. As a result, only about 21,000 new champions will be made each year in American Kennel Club records. You will learn the details of what is involved.

The costs of showing can be significant. A purebred puppy can cost from $350 to $10,000. The cost of a year-long campaign can exceed $100,000. The more you do yourself, the less it costs. Breeders of show dogs seldom make a profit. People do this because they love dogs, want to improve them, and enjoy the social contact of the shows.

You will learn all about the different breeds, the way that judging occurs, and how to select the right breed for you. You are strongly warned to avoid pet shops and "puppy mills" for obtaining your dog. The process of how to find and care for a dog is also explained.

Dogs compete both on appearance and in obedience trials. Both types of events are described. You are given information about whether or not you are a good candidate to work with a dog in obedience trials. Having done these, I can attest that they are demanding on the owner-trainer, as well as on the family and dog. Mr. Caras also describes how Junior Showmanship contests can help youngsters get involved.

He is very outspoken and direct in the ethics of dog ownership. He feels that "no pet-quality dog (or cat), purebred or random-bred, should ever be allowed to reproduce" in light of the many animals that have to be destroyed now. He is not only against pet shop puppies, he states that "puppy mills are an evil, ugly concept."

If you are thinking about buying a purebred dog and have little experience, this is a very helpful book for you. Your experience should be much improved as a result.

After enjoying this delightful book, I suggest that you think about other areas where symbiotic relationships between humans and nature occur. The bonsai tree is one of my favorites. These tiny trees would not last for centuries without being nurtured by people. The rewards in beauty, peace, and tranquillity are immeasurably important.

What other symbiotic relationships should you take on?

Get in closer touch with nature . . . and with your own humanity!

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding for the novice., March 8, 2001

By 

D. M. Massey "[e-mail]" (Charlotte, NC USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Going for the Blue: Inside the World of Show Dogs and Dog Shows (Hardcover)

The late Roger Caras devoted a lifetime to improving the lives of animals and the people who love them. Although he has written numerous books and articles, he will always be remembered as the voice of the Westminster Dog Show.

This is definitely a book for novices in the show ring, and as such it is outstanding. Those more experienced with conformation showing can still delight in Roger's antecdotes.

1.0 out of 5 stars not realistic nor is it what it claims, July 29, 2011

By 

Hound1990 "those that say they have never fel... - See all my reviews

This review is from: Going for the Blue: Inside the World of Show Dogs and Dog Shows (Kindle Edition)

nothing was said in this book to help you handle the dog in the ring in fact it seemed a book based on inspiring paranoia about fellow handlers and judges and trying to make it as cut throat as possible...having gone to a few myself and met and talked with many of these people who are all friendly with one another i find this book to be useless.

this seems to be the words of a handler that was far to competitive to enjoy his hobby. the book is very negative on everything and i wonder if it was meant to help you or run you off.