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

by Roger A. Caras

In this patented puppy tell-all, Roger Caras will enlighten, edify, and amuse you with the inside scoop that only he can provide on what really goes on behind the scenes of dog shows. He gives a brief history of how, without knowledge of genetics, ancient people first selectively bred dogs from wolves. He goes on to explain which factors are utilitarian and which are purely aesthetic and how these figure in judging a dog today. He then describes how dog shows have evolved, how winners are selected, the immense amount of preparation that goes into grooming a show dog, what constitutes a champion, and the most important factor in a dog show: politics. Peppered with photographs of champion dogs and dog shows from around the country, and filled with charming anecdotes about dogs who have made it to the top and those who have been left at the bottom of the doggy pile, Going for the Blue is a book that will appeal to dog lovers everywhere.

Genres: Nonfiction, Dogs

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Roger A. Caras was an American wildlife photographer, writer, wildlife preservationist and television personality.

Known as the host of the annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, Caras was a veteran of network television programs including "Nightline," "ABC News Tonight" and "20/20" before devoting himself to work as president of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and to becoming an author.

Reviews

[Petra X · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have a friend who shows dogs, more in obedience trials than for best of breed, so I was interested in this book. There is plenty of fascinating material to write about but somehow the author misses it and has written a simplistic book that barely skims the surface of this world that so consumes the time and interest of afficionados. Cut it down by half and it would make a good children's book for 8-12 year olds.

[Tehra Marie James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful info for beginners in conformation (dog shows)

The book is great reference to . help explain the basic and important steps when interested in possibly entering the world of conformation (dog shows).

[Kyle Wendy Skultety (gimmethatbook.com) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not at all what I was looking for. I was hoping that I would get an insider's view on what goes on behind the scenes at dog shows. Instead, I got brief explanations here and there of what judges look for in the show ring, and lots and lots of explanations of why people breed show quality dogs.
I get it! I have champions at home, so I don't need to be convinced why mixed breed dogs should not be bred. What I thought I was going to be reading were stories on how dogs got to be champions, how people cheat to get their dogs looking good, the politics and backstabbing that goes on in the show world...basically the low down dirty stuff. This book was very bland, containing nothing like that. A summary would be:
choose a breeder wisely; hope your dog has the personality for the ring; here are a few sentences on what they look for in the ring; don't breed mixed breed dogs; all dogs need love whether they are champions or not.

One thing I'm glad about is that I borrowed it from the library. If I had spent money on this book I would have been livid. Not that it was badly written, but it just wasn't what I was expecting.

[Virginia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very short and basic (and funny) look at conformation dog shows.

[Amy R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very easy to understand complete with humor and basic info about showing dogs in general.

[P. Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

very helpful book

Great book for the show dog enthusiasts. Filled with much information. I recommend it to anyone in this sport today.