Eminent Dogs, Dangerous Men
- Book Review,
by Donald McCaig
From Publishers Weekly
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. Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
Billed as a nonfiction sequel to the author's best-selling Nop's Trials ( LJ 4/1/84), this book details McCaig's stay in Scotland to attend sheep dog trials and meet breeders and handlers. The central theme evolves around his search for a trained border collie to bring back to his Virginia home. About three quarters through the book, McCaig finds his dog (Gael)--and then almost never mentions her again. Instead, he lapses into telling of another trip to see more Scottish trials and handlers. McCaig is a good writer, whose plain, friendly style appeals to those who enjoy dog stories, but neglecting to develop his story about Gael in her new home and her success or failure in American trials will limit the book's appeal to those seriously interested in sporting dog events. Casual readers will probably lose interest.- Carolyn I. Alexander, Technical Information Ctr., Ft. Ord, Cal.Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From the Publisher
When the author of Nop's Trials, one of America's best-loved dog books, searches Scotland for a Border Collie, the result is both a vivid history of an astonishing breed and an exploration of the ancient, extraordinary pact between man and dog.
From the Back Cover
There is a Scottish saying: "There is no good flock without a good shepherd, and there is no good shepherd without a good dog." Eminent Dogs, Dangerous Men is the story of Donald McCaig's search through rural Scotland for just the right sheepdog to bring back to his farm in America. Beyond the vivid stories of his Scottish travels, McCaig delves into the mysterious pact between dog and man, which involves trust and deep communication. Traveling from town to town to competitions and farms, meeting shepherds and trainers, McCaig introduces us to unforgettable animal and human characters. This is a book not only for dog lovers, but for anyone interest in the communication and trust between animal and human. (6 X 9, 240 pages, b&w photos)
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