From Library Journal
Following World War II, ownership of dogs in America?particularly purebreds?skyrocketed. The American Kennel Club (long established as the epitome of canine registries and events-licensing organizations), registers millions of dogs and sanctions thousands of championship and titling events each year. People involved in the sport of breeding and showing dogs often lead lives of total immersion in their canine activities. This book offers entertaining insight into that unique world. As casual participants, the Sterns (Jane & Michael Stern's Image of Pop Culture, LJ 10/15/92) enlisted the aid of longtime bullmastiff breeder Mimi Einstein and followed her through one year of activities, including the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club show and the Bullmastiff National Specialty. We go on the roller coaster ride of breeding and handling decisions and longstanding rivalries. An enchanting romp through the dog show circuit that will entertain anyone who has even the most remote interest in show dogs.?Edell Marie Schaefer, Brookfield P.L., Wis.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
From Booklist
Jane and Michael Stern have written 20 other books that chronicle American popular culture. Here they focus their attention on the joys and sorrows of professional dog breeding and dog shows by accompanying Mimi Einstein, owner of Allstar Kennel in Katonah, New York, as she exhibits her prizewinning bullmastiffs on the show circuit that culminates with the Westminster Kennel Club at Madison Square Garden. In the purebred competitive ring, "dogs are the soldiers in these battles, but tactics are planned and strategy is charted by human beings: breeders and breed loyalists, handlers and groomers." Between shows, readers will get to know Sam Kohl, director of the New York School of Dog Grooming, and Bill and Bonnie Wilson, whose passion for a Leonberger (a cross between a Newfoundland and a Saint Bernard) leads them into breeding with artificial insemination. Fans of bullmastiffs--the Sterns have two--as well as dog lovers in general will delight in this behind-the-scenes peek at canine contests and the people doggedly devoted to them.
Jennifer Henderson
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
