2024 the best show in the world review

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Bo Bengtson is regarded today as the foremost international authority on dog shows past and present, and his definitive volume Best in Show: The World of Show Dogs and Dog Shows has become an “instant classic,” hailed by critics around the world as the most important book ever written about the sport of dogs. Richard G. Beauchamp, a revered judge and author, praises Best in Show: “At long last a factual and meticulously researched history of the purebred dog scene. It’s an everything-you-ever-wanted-to know book about the fascinating world of show dogs…” Best in Show spans the history of dog shows from its beginnings in England to the present-day, highlighting the most important dogs, shows, judges, handlers, breeders, and more in 656 pages overflowing with over 700 full-color and historical black-and-white images.

Bengtson is at once a student of dog-show history, an accomplished scholar, a highly regarded international judge, a breeder of champions, and, as Kerrin Winter-Churchill surmises, “the greatest living dog writer of our times.” His ultimate achievement, the award-winning Best in Show begins with a history of the dog sport, “How Dog Shows Began,” a chapter that talks about the development of pure breeds, the beginnings of the dog fancy, and the first dog shows. To understand the essence of dog shows, it’s critical to understand what show judges are looking for, a topic that Bengtson covers in the chapter “The Breed Standards.” "Without breed standards, dog shows could not exist. It would be impossible to conduct any meaningful comparison of dogs without universally accepted descriptions of each breed…. At their best, the standards…give a vivid, colorful word picture of the image each breed represents, in motion and standing, when alert and at rest.” With illustrations from early and modern breed standards, this chapter discusses the evolution of the standards and addresses the variations in certain breed standards from country to country.

The third chapter is devoted to dog shows and highlights the most important shows in Britain and the United States. A detailed discussion of England’s most famous dog show, Crufts, begins with the origins of the show and traces its development through the 21st century. (A complete roster of the winners of Crufts is presented in the appendix of the book.) America’s most highly regarded show, the Westminster Kennel Club is discussed, accompanied by many photographs of the show and its Best in Show winners. (Roster of WKC winners can also be found in the appendix.) Bengtson also discusses other premiere shows in the U.S. including Santa Barbara, Morris & Essex, AKC/Eukanuba as well as the Fédération Cynologique Internationale’s annual event, the World Dog Show. The following chapter discusses specialty shows (shows for one breed or one group), addressing the importance and purpose of specialty shows as well as some of the anomalies of certain breed events. The chapter also highlights some top winners as well as America’s most famous group specialty show, the Montgomery County Kennel Club’s terrier classic.

Separate chapters are dedicated to the judges, breeders, and handlers who have made their mark on the sport of purebred dogs. International in scope, each chapter highlights the most accomplished individuals in the sport, summarizing their accomplishments and their special areas of expertise. The chapters also explain what’s required to become a professional in the sport. The historical photographs in these chapters do a splendid job of spotlighting the careers of some of the pillars of the sport, including Anne Rogers Clark, Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge, Anna H. Whitney, Alva Rosenberg, Louis Murr, Anna Katherine Nicholas, Percy Roberts, Robert and Jane Forsyth as well as many contemporary greats such as Peter Green, Maxine Beam, Corky Vroom, Patricia Craige-Trotter, Jimmy Moses, David Fitzpatrick, Sylvia Hammarström, Roger Rechler, Julia Gasow, and dozens of others.

The author devotes individual chapters to the greatest dogs from Britain, the United States of America, and the international scene. It is in these insightful, detailed chapters that the interplay of breeders, handlers, and dogs takes focus and the complex picture of the purebred dog scene is exposed. From studying thousands of show records and breed books and from his five decades’ experience in the sport, Bengtson is able to put the sport of dog showing into perspective. He highlights important kennels, breeders, and leading dogs in each country and manages to weave all of these individual threads into an elaborate quilt that depicts the history of the sport. Each chapter chronologically presents the dogs and breeds that had the greatest impact on the show world. In the chapter “The Best of Britain,” the author traces the nation’s history beginning with early Best in Show winners, the emergence of the Collie and Fox Terrier as leading breeds, how other terrier breeds came to the fore in the 1920s, as well as Cocker Spaniels, Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds, and Irish Setters. In post-war Britain, the focus shifts to Chow Chows and Poodles and then to Toy breeds, like the Pekingese, Pomeranian, and Yorkshire Terrier. The depth and breadth of each chapter, accomplished through insightful, detailed information and exhilarating photography, must be experienced to be truly appreciated.

The chapter “Tops in America” is a detailed 150-page chapter—a book in itself—retells the stories of America’s most beloved and accomplished show dogs. Readers will feel bolstered by the amount of information and great photography on offer here, as they meet such iconic greats as the Boxer Ch. Bang Away of Sirrah Crest, arguably the most famous show dog in history and the first to win 100 Best in Show awards; Ch. Warren Remedy, the Wire Fox Terrier whose claim to fame is three consecutive Best in Show victories at the Westminster Kennel Club; the Afghan Hound Ch. Tryst of Grandeur; the German Shepherds Ch. Covy-Tucker Hill’s Manhattan and Ch. Altana’s Mystique, two top-winning dogs that each won over 200 Bests in Show; the famous English Setter Ch. Rock Fall’s Colonel, Bang Away’s rival and also the winner of 100 Best in Shows; plus the many great winners of the Westminster Kennel Club and other important shows.

The author walks the reader through the decades in America, highlighting the breeds that made the greatest impact in the show rings, from the German Shepherds and Sealyham Terriers of the 1920s, the Wire and Smooth Fox Terriers of 1920s and 1930s, the English Setters and Cocker Spaniels of the 1940s and 1950s, to the Boxers, Doberman Pinschers, Pointers, and Poodles that later dominated the scene. Afghan Hound, English Springer Spaniel, and German Shepherd greats of the modern age are also featured in photography and great detail.

The international chapter “On Top Around the World” offers a perspective on the greatest show dogs of Canada, Europe, Scandinavia, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Russia and Asia. An archivist and journalist for the international dog scene, Bengtson, himself a Swedish import to the United States, has remained extremely well informed for decades, and he remains uniquely qualified to present the kind of global overview on offer in this chapter.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ CompanionHouse Books; Hardcover Edition (February 12, 2008)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 656 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1931993858
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1931993852
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 4.46 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.5 x 2 x 9.5 inches
Reviewer: Nancy
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Fantastic book!
Review: This unique book is written by a true, longtime afficianado involved in the sport of dogs. The author has a very broad knowlege of the subject being an accomplished writer, breeder, judge and also an avid historian! It presents a great historical frame of reference, along with entertaining stories and amazing photos! Fascinating reading for people who have been involved in showing dogs for many years, as well as new ones just getting started. The world wide perspective is outstanding! I highly recommend this book!!!!

Reviewer: Lynda Beam
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Wonderful Book, did not arrive in perfect condition in a padded envelope, but I still love it
Review: The book is wonderful, I don't know why I never ordered it before, This is a very heavy book, suitable as a coffee table item. I couldn't put it down for several minutes as I was flipping through the pages, the photographs are beautiful and the paper is very good quality.The book was as described except for one small scrunch on the spine that could have been avoided if it were wrapped in bubble wrap and shipped in a box. It doesn't make much difference to me as I'm buying it for myself and not as an "investment." Just a suggestion to the seller to inform Amazon of this issue. (I sold many books in the early days of Ebay and you just want a new book to arrive in perfect condition). Otherwise, the book was as described, shipped quickly and I'm very happy with my purchase.I was going to give it four stars because of the slight damage, then realized Amazon was the culprit, not the seller, so I bumped it back to 5 stars.

Reviewer: Jack M.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: A great pictorial history for dog show enthusiasts...
Review: A treasure trove of great photos and historical detail--

Reviewer: Kevin Littlejohn
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: This is an excellent book and by far the best book that I ...
Review: This is an excellent book and by far the best book that I have owned (and I own a few) on the subject of showing. It's thorough, very informative, has nice pictures, and is definitely an asset to anyone who wishes to become involved in dog shows in any fashion.

Reviewer: Jolene
Rating: 3.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Lots of Info, A Bit Dry
Review: This is a great book if you already have some knowledge of dog shows, and if your interest is avid enough to overcome the fact that it is singularly unexciting.

Reviewer: Donald Moradian
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Title: BIS
Review: Great Book for anyone considering showing their dog in the conformation ring. Explains in depth what its all about. If you decide to go for it, "How to Show Your Own Dog" by Virginia Tuck Nichols is a 'must read'.

Reviewer: Mary H. Wells
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Amazing collection of history.
Review: I recommend this book for any person fully engaged in the world of purebred dog showing in conformation. It is rich in the history of dogs and their people from all around the world. Truly this book was a labor of love.

Reviewer: L. Vandeveer
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Bo Bengtson's book is great! Wonderful tips from a current handler/judge
Review: Bo Bengtson's book is great! Wonderful tips from a current handler/judge. You can't go wrong. Book was also delivered quickly.