Dogland: Passion, Glory, and Lots of Slobber at the Westminster Dog Show

by Tommy Tomlinson

From Pulitzer Prize finalist and author of The Elephant in the Room comes the first inside account of the Westminster Dog Show—America’s oldest and most beloved dog show—following one dog on his quest to become a champion.

Tommy Tomlinson was watching a dog show on television a few years ago when he had a sudden Are those dogs happy? How about pet dogs—are they happy, too? Those questions sparked a quest to venture inside the dog-show world, in search of a deeper understanding of the bond between dogs and humans that has endured for thousands of years. Dogland shares his surprising, entertaining, and unforgettable adventures.

Tomlinson spends three years on the road and goes behind the scenes at dozens of dog shows across the country, where he is licked, sniffed, or rubbed up against by dogs of nearly every size, shape, and breed. Like a real-life version of Best in Show , Dogland follows one champion show dog—a Samoyed named Striker—and his devoted entourage of breeders, handlers, and owners as he competes in the Westminster Dog Show, the oldest and most famous dog show in America. Tomlinson brings the dog-show circuit to life as he witnesses teams scrambling from town to town in search of championship points and colorful ribbons. Along the way, he also speaks to scientists who have discovered new insights into how dogs and people formed their bond—and how that bond has changed over the centuries.

Engaging, charming, and informative, Dogland is an irresistibly appealing read for pop culture followers and animal lovers alike.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Dogs, Audiobook, History, Humor, Book Club

256 pages, Hardcover

First published April 23, 2024

Reviews

[Stacey B · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a dog lover like I am, this book is for you.
Every year I watch the Westminster Dog show and am fascinated by these special dogs that are trained to "show, place, and win".
This book is about the relationships between these gorgeous dogs and their owners.
I could never be a judge; every dog is special with its own personality.
And yes- meant in a good way, some dogs with their owners do look similar. :)

[Cara Achterberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to begin with how much I loved this book!? Tomlinson's writing is so authentic and fun you can't help but be yanked right into this crazy world of show dogs and recognize him as a dog-hearted friend. I learned so much about the world of purebred dog showing. It was eye-opening, fair-minded reporting in an entertaining way. (I especially enjoyed the 'pee breaks' and the story of Tomlinson's dog .)

Reading Dogland made me appreciate the work (of dog, owner, trainer, judge), but also reminded this rescue-oriented person that purebred dog owners LOVE their dogs just as much as I love mine. They are all-in, and whether or not I condone (or understand) the breeding for appearances and the resultant health issues it brings, I gained a huge amount of respect for why they do what they do.

I really appreciated the questions raised (and sometimes answered, even unintentionally) as to whether the dogs are happy and why dog shows and the people involved in them do what they do. I enjoyed learning about different dog breeds and the evolution of dogs.

This book is not just engaging and entertaining, but thought-provoking. It will resonate with me for a long time, but more than anything it's given me an appreciation for the people and dogs involved in the dog-show world.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative and loads of fun and—perhaps most importantly—a love letter to dogs.

This is both sweet and packed with good information on our canine companions, and Tomlinson has a lovely writing style and sense of humor. He captures the bond between human and canine so well, and sparks an interesting debate about the adaptability of dogs and the lives of pets vs dogs with “jobs.”

I loved the little vignettes between chapters ranking things like “best cartoon dogs,” and I also loved how Tomlinson wove the story of show dogs in with the history of dogs in general.

I should note for those like me who are really sensitive to any animal death or cruelty that this is a very safe read in that respect. Apart from the author speaking about when he lost his dog, there’s not much in here that is tough to get through. The book clearly aimed to be a celebration of dogs and of the relationship between dogs and humans, and it succeeded mightily.

*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been fascinated by televised dog shows forever, so jumped at the chance to read this behind-the-scenes look. It is totally engaging and perfect for all dog lovers and readers who love beautifully written non-fiction. Highly recommended!

[Bonnie E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful and endearing book which is about dog shows, as the title suggests, but even better, it’s about the long standing special relationship between humans and dogs. And all kinds of dogs, not just show dogs. The author has a lively, humorous style in describing experiences and observations, and a tender hearted approach to both people and canines which makes the book all the more enjoyable. I’ve been fortunate enough to live with a few furry friends at different times in my life and they’ve enriched my life is so many ways. The stories in this feel-good book were insightful, funny, heartbreaking and touching.

[Matthew Galloway · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found much of the Westminster sections pretty interesting... however, the majority of the book was more general dog ramblings. It honestly felt to me like there wasn't enough to write about the show, so the author created a bunch of filler. This would have been more interesting to me if these sections had been researched, but they sound more like random thought experiments on topics like "how dog is used in the English language" or "top best cartoon dogs." I think this is more a book for general dog lovers than people interested in dog shows.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dogland follows the history of dog shows and the doggy people who live and breathe all things canine,especially purebred dogs.this book really is an ode to the love of dogs. I smiled at the antics and devotions of the dogs within these pages. Also felt the grip of sadness reading some sad stories of the final end .It is fun to read about the giant important dog shows like Westminster and the National as I am unable to pass them by when I come upon them on TV. The 2022 season is tracked in this book which I happily was able to view . Loved 'meeting' some of the dogs . Everybody it seems has a few doggy tales to tell. And we all know which dog is really the best in show,even if there wasn't any show at all. Dogs make everything better:)

[Beth Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been a Tommy Tomlinson fan for years and was thrilled to read this fabulous book. Although I have never been a dog owner, I love dogs, and this book made me love them more. Tomlinson does so much more than “report” about the dog show circuit. I learned a lot about dogs, yes, but this book is so much more. I was surprised to find myself tearing up multiple times (mainly around the Fred story) and found myself loving every dog that was written about. Do yourself a favor and read this one. It will stay with you for a long time.

[Cindy Burnett (Thoughts from a Page) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. The perfect book for dog lovers.

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book shares insights into the connection between humans and dogs (through the lens of the Westminster Dog Show) and discusses themes of bonding and companionship. The Westminster Dog Show is a prism discussing how the dog is mankind's greatest invention because every dog has descended from the same gray wolf. Man has developed the dog and our relationship with them for thousands of years to do anything for us, but it turns out they have also helped us grow. The book is wonderful, and anyone who has ever had a dog will not only be interested but also bring tears to their eyes and make them laugh.

The book focuses on one dog throughout the narrative. Striker is a long-time champion show dog. It takes six hours to prepare him for a daily show—combing, bathing, and drying. This book delves into the philosophy of happiness that applies to humans and dogs. Man has figured out how to get us to make them happy, like they make us happy.

The author wrote, "Fred was an orphan, and we tried to imagine what the first few weeks of his life were like before he found us. He startled easily. For a while, he would camp out under our coffee table, but any time there was a sudden movement, he'd leap up and bonk his head on the underside. We suspected he got a couple of dog concussions, but he was also scared of odd, specific things. He cowered from white vans. He was terrified of children. Not just children, but stuff that was child adjacent. One morning, when we were out on a walk, he circled way out into the street to avoid a big wheel some kid had left on the sidewalk. We pieced together a dark story in our heads about mean children and white vans. We wished he could tell us what had happened to him so we could keep him safe.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbymedia.com/blogs/transcri...

[Linda Morrissett · Rating 3 out of 5]

While there was certainly research put into this book it comes across as rambling anecdotes tossed together to create a book. I'm just not fond of this author's style.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful glimpse into the world of dog showing. The author brought a lot of history of dog showing as well as the history of dog breeding. Included are stories of dogs being pets and companions. I found myself getting caught up in the emotions of various stories. Well worth the time to read but be prepared for a few tears.
A solid 4 stars

[Darcia Helle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are show dogs happy?

Tommy Tomlinson set out to answer this question when he decided to write Dogland.

I admit to thinking those dogs couldn’t possibly be happy. I mean, I wouldn’t be happy standing around for hours, bored, being primped on the sidelines while waiting to prance around in front of some random judges. 🙄

I’m still not sure they’re “happy,” but they certainly are well cared for. I guess it depends on how happiness is defined.

Tomlinson gives us an inside view of the dog show circuit, from the small local shows all the way up to Westminster. We learn what a show dog’s life entails, and why people put so much time and money into the whole ordeal.

We also learn tidbits about the evolution of dogs, the breeding process, and all the good, bad, and ugly facts of what we humans are doing to dogs in our quest to create the perfect breed.

An interesting and entertaining read for anyone who has ever loved a dog.

*I received a free copy from the publisher, with no obligation to review.*

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC for review. To be published April 23, 2024.

Published in the Charleston (WV) Gazette Mail April 20, 2024:

Dogland: Passion, Glory, and Lots of Slobber at the Westminster Dog Show – Tommy Tomlinson, April 23, 2024, Avid Reader Press, 185 pages

“They booed the poodle.” If I were Tomlinson I would have started off with this sentence and gone for whatever prize it is that the best first sentence of a book gets. Because it’s pretty great. And it apparently really happened at one point during the three years the author spent covering dog shows as he prepared to write this wonderful, witty, wise book.

Tomlinson follows Striker (AKC name Vanderbilt ‘N Printemp’s Lucky Strike), a Samoyed, and his handlers, breeders and owners (who aren’t the same people) from the grueling circuit of lead up shows all the way to the ring of the Westminster Dog Show, which is the most famous and prestigious. We also meet and follow Laura King, Striker’s professional handler.

The author goes through the history of dog shows and tells us just enough about the complicated road to Westminster, because it’s a lot for someone with just a passing interest so it’s good that he doesn’t get mired in the minutiae. He does the same with the specifics about breed standards and how a dog is shown; I’m sure that after three years of research he could have written a book about just those topics but he just hits the high points, and even then, you know more than you ever thought you would about forming a stack. Just trust me. He makes it entertaining.

A break here because I can’t discuss this topic without a nod toward what many of you are already thinking about. Apparently the portrayal of dog shows is Christopher Guest’s delicious mockumentary “Best in Show” (if you haven’t seen it, stop whatever you are doing and find it on your favorite streaming service NOW) is fairly accurate.

Striker is a natural. When Tomlinson meets him, he is a rising star and he is poised for the big time. The author notes, “…after a while I could pick out a dog from the crowd and usually be right. I just noticed that some dogs can create joy out of nothing and that joy is transferable. Striker has the vibe.”

And while Striker and the road to Westminster are a main focus in the book, there is so much more. I loved the coverage of one of the best things about the internet, the Twitter account for WeRateDogs (15/10, I wish I had thought of this account), a general coverage and history of humans and their relationships with dogs (which, obviously, could fill volumes) and sections that brought me to tears about Tomlinson’s dog, Fred and great dogs he has known, and losing dogs. My husband and I had to put our seventeen-year-old rescue dog, Cutch to sleep on December 19, and while we still have two dogs at home, our hearts still hurt. The great ones hit you like that. Tomlinson captures the feeling so accurately.

Tomlinson comments on the amazing rise in popularity (and price) of French bulldogs (despite their health issues). If there’s one complaint to be made about Dogland it’s that the author does not touch on the idea that the demand for purebred dogs increases the problem of homeless dogs in the U.S. According to the ASPCA approximately 3.1 million dogs enter animal shelters each year, so while dogs like Striker are fun and interesting to read about, great dogs can be had for almost no money at your local animal shelter or rescue. I would feel remiss if I didn’t suggest that people consider adopting a pet.

Before Tomlinson started writing the book, and he was watching Westminster on television he found himself wondering whether dogs are happy. At the end of his three years of covering dogs he felt he had some kind of answer: “one way to make the story make sense is to say this: we long for happiness and dogs long for happiness, and we found it in each other, and we put up with all the rest just to hold on to that one precious thing.”

[Kristen McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dogs are the best.

[Beth Horn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sigh. I show dogs, was raised in the dog show world, I'm also an AKC judge, and have judged Samoyeds at their National. I know Laura, I know Striker, and I've shown at Westminster with a top 5 dog. Ok my cred is out of the way.

Where this book was right. The relationship we have with dogs, the care we take, the time and dedication we take. The money we don't have but spend anyway, the constant nutrition and exercise checks. All of that is right.

What was missing. The breeder/owner/handler perspective. The weekend warriors, the countless performance sports and the dogs who do both. The owners with their 1st dog and what they struggled through and finding out if it was worth it or not?

The average show dog owner last 4-6 years in the breed. Typically they buy a puppy from a breeder who convinces them to show it. Once they show it and get that championship, they are either hooked or disgusted.

Dog shows can be ruthless and political, while still being family at the same time. Just 2 weeks ago a group of 10 of owners and handlers chased a loose dog onto a busy freeway. Not a single 1 of us knew the dog, the owner or was a client of the handlers, but for 45 minutes we all came together to get that dog safely back to it's owner. Then we carried on the next day like nothing happened.

The author also chose to use this book to bash on brachy dogs and crop and dock. But never once mentioned health testing, the OFA, backyard breeders, puppy mills or the actual function of crop and dock. He never chose to use the platform to educate the public on the importance of researching breeds and finding a responsible preservation breeder.

Our fancy was not well represented and many points of misinformation were made.

[Lexy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book well enough and learned some things about dog shows, but it felt like the author was stretching a limited amount of content to try to fill a book. I wonder if this would have been a better longform article.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the review copy. 3.5 stars

[erin tackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

somehow accidentally stumbled upon my perfect book. written by a UGA grad that lives in Charlotte, this is the most amazing love letter to dogs. would 100% recommend to any dog lover (but be prepared to get a little emotional)

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars - fun and informative read! I enjoyed all aspects of the book, from the dog shows to the personal anecdotes to the lists of famous dogs in different categories. This mix of different storylines and bits of information kept the book moving swiftly. I was sad when there was no more to read!

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love dogs you must read this book.

If you do not love dogs, you will once you read this book.

[Elizabeth • LizziePageReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you avid reader press for the gifted copy of Dogland. This one is a love letter to dogs and dog lovers. I learned SO much about the world of dog shows, dogs in general, and their relationship with humans through this book. The author has a great sense of humor and the narrative is infused with smart quips and funny asides that make the book accessible even to those who don’t often read non-fic. It goes deep too, seeking to answer the question of whether dogs are happy – you’ll need tissues handy at some points. It’s the perfect read leading into this year’s Westminster Dog Show - May 11-14. Highly recommend checking this one out and then watching the show in 3 weeks!

[Sierra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have too many feelings for a book about dog shows. I watched the 2022 Westminster Dog Show, the centerpiece of this book, with my grandma's dog, and like everyone else, was rooting for Striker. When I found out that he was one of the main characters, I was really excited and he did not disappoint. I never thought I would cry over a dog that's still healthy and alive, which is the mark of some amazing writing. The only thing that was missing was a discussion of diversity in the dog show world, especially about queerness.

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Hayley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tomlinson immerses himself in the world of dog shows, visiting convention centres and fairgrounds across America and sitting in the stands at the most prestigious annual American show, the Westminster, for three years, in attempt to answer the question for his book: are those dogs prancing around the ring happy?

He calls the world of show rings, hair combs, elastic armbands, grooming tables, lucky slobber towels, the pedigree dogs and all the doggy people behind the show and trotting beside the dogs in the ring: Dogland.

I learnt a few things:

Tussle over the name of Russell: Jack Russell terriers are not recognized by the AKC because a group of owners didn’t want pedigree breed standards to draw the terrier away from its working-dog roots. The Parson Russell terrier is the one you will find in the show ring, still named after John ‘Jack’ Russell, the parson who created the breed in the 19th century (73-74).

Sperm Banks: Yep, you can now breed a bitch with a grand champion male who has been long gone if someone has paid the cost and storage of collecting his sperm. Tomlinson also names celebrities who have cloned their dogs (too weird for me to ruminate on), but one actress concluded, you can clone the appearance but not the soul.

High-trending Frenchies: I knew that French bulldogs spiked a few years ago as one of the most popular breeds. Tomlinson explains the trend: “Part of the appeal of Frenchies is that they can’t do what other dogs do. They can’t jump up and steal a steak off the kitchen counter. They can’t chase a squirrel for a mile through the woods. They prefer to hang out on the couch for TV and a belly rub. They’re the perfect dog for a sedentary society” (Tomlinson 99). He goes on to explain that we’ve bred the dog to be in our own image, flat faced which causes numerous health problems.

A Dog’s Purpose: Tomlinson references Jon Katz book The New Work of Dogs to explain the change in dog’s purpose from blue-collar work, like holding down an intruder, or retrieving a bird, to becoming psychological partners, as counsellors or surrogates that fill holes in our lives (158). Tomlinson attributes this change to a dog’s thousand-year learned history of adapting to live with humans: “If dogs are skilled at any one thing, it is understanding human needs” (159).

In the Ring: I learnt that in the final round, when the winner of each group are presented to compete for Best in Show, the dogs are ordered “biggest to smallest, so the short-legged dogs don’t hold up the long-legged ones” (182). Terriers are front-facing dogs, “meaning their natural tendency is to look out ahead. Other breeds tend to look back at their handlers for support” (120). A terrier tendency which is a pain in the ass for obedience training, but gives them a competitive edge in the show ring.

A Dog’s Story: Dogs have associative memory, which makes them trainable (if I got a treat last time I did that, maybe I will again). Tomlinson tells the funny story about Striker, after he’s been retired from the show ring: “When [his owners] take Striker for a walk and they run into somebody on the street, he freezes into place. He’s not scared. He’s forming a stack […] here’s a stranger, maybe it’s a dog show judge, better shape up” (222). Tomlinson sees this behaviour not through the science of associative memory, but Striker telling his story: see me, “This is what I used to be” (222).

With a humorous style, Tomlinson writes a book that could be read in a magazine like the New Yorker. He often breaks from the dog scene to make an allusion to a sports phenomenon or culture at a rock concert. It’s his way to familiarize Dogland to readers, and reading from the flap that he has written for Esquire, ESPN, and Sports Illustrated, his allusions would make sense for his usual audience, but I found them off-putting. What makes his work into a book is the arc story of Striker, the champion Samoyed, and his handler Laura, who has to return the smiling Sammy back to his owners after their 2-year stint together on the road. Marking their relationship becomes the core of this book. My favourite sentence, when Tomlinson writes about talking with Laura, who as a professional, knows she works with many dogs who are not her own, subconsciously betrays her love for Striker: “Inside that rational heart, you can hear tumblers turning” (184).

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this book with trepidation, which surprised me about myself. I’m a reading freak who’s obsessed with dogs. And my Christmas present in 2019 was tickets to the Westminster Dog Show that following February ( my husband knows me very well!). So, I think my hesitation came from a feeling of not wanting to be disappointed; maybe I would find out things from this book about dogs and/or the dog show that I didn’t want to know…
Nothing could be further from the truth! From page one I was hooked, and giggling, when the author made the comment about handlers wearing either bland-wear, or “something from the Elton John collection”. Throughout the book, there were many LOL moments, and also some passages that brought a lump to my throat and made my eyes misty. And all the good memories I had from my own visit to the Show at the Garden came rushing back!
I recommend this book to all adult dog lovers, especially those who would want a “back-stage pass” to go behind the scenes of the greatest Dog Show in the World! (And having fur kids snuggled up with you while you’re reading makes it even better.)

[Jeff D · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book from the Joe Posnanski book club, Dogland was mostly a true delight. This is the kind of nonfiction writing I enjoy – an entertaining central premise that holds your interest, then layers on a lot of pop culture references (the top five lists were great). Tomlinson spent serious time immersing himself in the world of competitive dog shows – not just Westminster, but the satellite shows that lead there. He built the story around a champion Samoyed named Striker and his trainer/handler, and documented their journey, culminating (no spoilers!) at Westminster. He covered a lot of additional grounds (all the way back to the beginning with the domestication of dogs), plus interviews with famous dg owners and a touching tribute to his own “heart-dog”. The final section, where Tomlinson tried to find some deeper meaning in the human-dog relationship, worked less well for me, but I understood why he felt the need to go there.

[Jonathan Heaslet · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, let’s be clear: DOGLAND is not a reprise of the horribly funny, near mockumentary, “Best in Show” movie. It is not a sarcastic book. It is not a screaming book in behalf of PETA. TT begins with the question about dogs entered in the Westminster: “Are they happy?” He then goes on to ask several more pointed questions about where and when dogs (were they first wolves?) were first domesticated and how people began to breed characteristics into dogs to better perform certain functions. He intersperses scenes from Westminster with humorous “Pee Breaks” and with a moving chapter on his stray dog Fred (Note: have tissues ready). TT does a good job of balancing information with humor with memoir. Dog owners will enjoy DOGLAND. Cat owners can pass.

[Tena Edlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not everyone knows this, but The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is one of my guilty pleasures in life. I love it. When I was single (and not as busy, I guess??), I would record it and actually watch with a notebook, recording what I learned along with my favorites and predictions. I love seeing all those different kinds of dogs, together in one place, at their very best. I knew this book would give me more of that world. I didn’t know that it would be so funny and so touching/sad, but I should have. Dogs share all they have with us, making us laugh, cry, and love. If you love or have ever loved a dog, I think you’d like this book.

[Lynette Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please read this book!

I have shown dogs 9 years now and I wish my family and my friends would read this book to understand the depth to which we give ourselves to our dogs to be in the show ring.
In the end this book made me cry, not because it was sad, but because it is such a true story of how much dogs mean to us and how much we mean to them.
I could never have predicted all the heartache and all the triumphs showing my two Silky Terriers would have shown me, but I wouldn’t change a thing. they have been some of the richest experiences of my life.

[Carsen Codel · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a new dog owner, what I took away most from this book is the need to reframe how I occasionally view my pup in his most frustrating moments. Every day, Gnocchi does something goofy or sweet or so impressive and intelligent that it blows me away. Every day he also does things that are stupid, disobedient, or downright dangerous. Both are going to happen, constantly, but I have the task of choosing which ones I let get to me and stay in my heart. Tomlinson shows why the former should win out. Dogs are good, most of the time. I strive to be good, most of the time too. Gnocchi brings that out of me, yet he also sometimes brings out parts of me I’d rather not exhibit or experience.

Through Tomlinson’s writing, he concisely shows so many amazing facets about the relationship between dogs and humans, on and off the ring. His personal interlude about Fred made me cry, and several other parts made me tear up. It doesn’t take flowery language or stunning metaphors to work, though. Sometimes it’s as plain as a dog’s love. I can’t wait to experience more of it.

[Barry · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars (between ok and good)

This wasn’t bad, but it just didn’t live up to my hopes. The world of dog shows is apparently a little quirky, but I hoped that the book would be more of a revelation and offer more insights. It was sometimes amusing, but I hoped it would be more funny. It was occasionally interesting, but I hoped it would be fascinating.