Eminent Dogs, Dangerous Men: Seeking Through Scotland for a Border Collie

The dogs are Scottish border collies, bred to herd sheep since the 17th Century; the men are their trainers and handlers. McCaig ( Nop's Trials ) runs sheep on his Virginia ranch with his dog Pip, whose advancing age suggested that the ranch could use another dog. In the spring of 1988 McCaig went to Scotland to find a bitch and attend sheepdog trials. He gives a lively account of his travels in the Highlands, visiting breeders and shepherds, and gathering a wealth of dog lore. McCaig found Gael, a bonny wee bitch who showed great promise. He took her home, to a lukewarm greeting from Pip. McCaig returned to Scotland for the International Trials (the Super Bowl of the sheepdog world) and describes in detail the terrain, sheep, the dogs and their handlers. An engaging story for dog lovers and owners, especially those with working dogs. Photos. (Feb.)