cover image Dog Show

Dog Show

Vivian Russell, Frances Lincoln Ltd, Molly Russell. Andrews McMeel Publishing, $14.95 (128pp) ISBN 978-0-7407-4219-4

From Shar Peis wearing plaid hats to poodles sporting elaborate coifs, the dogs in this bite-sized book of photographs are prime examples of their breeds. The authors--mother Vivian and daughter Molly--took their cameras to canine competitions, from the illustrious Crufts and Westminster to less famous shows (like Yorkshire's Scrufts), to showcase the glamour and oddity of dogs in the spotlight. Of course, it's the behind-the-scenes looks that are truly revealing: a woman cuddling her Boston terrier, a man walking his Pug on a treadmill (brand: Jog A Dog), a fellow in an apron talking on a cell phone and seemingly cleaning a very private part on his dog. The layout can be a little cramped--some two-page spreads boast seven photographs--and all the captions are saved for the last few pages of the book, but dog lovers will be amused by this quirky tour of a very particular pastime.