Dogland

Passion, Glory, and Lots of Slobber at the Westminster Dog Show

By: Tommy Tomlinson

Narrated by: Jonathan Davis

“Delightful.” —Town & Country • “Extraordinary...Tomlinson’s book is a gem.” —Star Tribune (Minneapolis) • “Moving...Really broke me.” —The Washington Post • “This book wants to lick your face. Let it.” —Kirkus Reviews

Pulitzer Prize finalist Tommy Tomlinson explores the bond between dogs and their people in this irresistibly appealing, inside account of the Westminster Dog Show that follows one dog on his quest to become a champion.

Tommy Tomlinson was watching a dog show on television a few years ago when he had a sudden thought: Are those dogs happy? How about pet dogs—are they happy? Those questions sparked a quest to venture inside the dog-show world, in search of a deeper understanding of the longtime relationship between dogs and humans, and here, in Dogland he shares his surprising, entertaining, and moving adventures.

Spending three years on the road, Tomlinson goes behind the scenes at more than one hundred competitions across the country, from Midwestern fairgrounds to Madison Square Garden. Along the way he is licked, sniffed, and rubbed up against by dogs of nearly every size, shape, and breed. Like a real-life version of the classic mockumentary Best in Show, Dogland follows one champion show dog—a Samoyed named Striker—as well as his handler, Laura King, and his devoted entourage of breeders and owners as he competes in the 2022 Westminster Dog Show.

Striker’s whole career has been leading up to this moment. As Tomlinson writes, picking a top show dog is like drafting an NFL quarterback when they’re still in elementary school. Now Striker has made it to the Super Bowl. Tomlinson takes us on the long road to glory, bringing the dog-show circuit to life as teams scramble from town to town in search of championship ribbons. (Striker and his crew travel in a custom-built RV named after Betty White.)

Tomlinson’s limitless curiosity about people and dogs reaches far beyond the show tents and into the ordinary lives of dogs. We hear from experts who have discovered new insights into how dogs and humans formed their bond—and how that bond has changed over the centuries. We discover the fascinating origins of different dog breeds, learn about the elaborate breed standards that determine an ideal show dog, and consider the health issues that can arise in purebred dogs. We also meet dog lovers who applaud every dog, regardless of breed, simply for being themselves, such as WeRateDogs, the social media phenomenon with millions of followers, all for posts celebrating the day-to-day goofiness in most dog owners’ lives.

“A big ol’ slobbering smooch of optimism, laughter, and happiness” (Joe Posnanski) Dogland takes us on a rollicking tour through the rituals, tricks, and wonders of the dog-show world—and reveals what matters most for the happiness of dogs and dog lovers everywhere.

©2024 Tommy Tomlinson (P)2024 Simon & Schuster Audio

A slice of

As a dog fancier but clear novice, this provided some entertaining insight into dog shows. It was a good listen that held me for its entirety on a road trip - which can’t be said by all audio books.

So many questions

I loved the interweaving of current and historical facts .. without losing the overall focus of the story.

Dogs are the best so is Tommy T

I loved Dogland, loved the audio version and love Tommy Tomilson’s writing. This is a wonderful book for all the dog lovers in our lives.

Excellent writing

All good if you have a dog or know or knew one very well

Catches the connections

Informational and emotional

I loved this book so much. The author writes a terrific balance of educating us on the Westminster Show and appealing to the personal side of it all. If you love dogs, you will no doubt love this book

The conversational syyle was perfect for an audio book.

I loved this book. The people and the dogs became so real to me that they feel like friends. Touching and funny and heartbreaking. Highly recommended!

Life of a show dog

Loved the history and the realities of dog sows, particularly Westminster. A very tender and scientific explanation of dogs and humans.

All about dogs

I learned a lot about dogs I never knew. Makes me love my dog even more.

A fun and empathetic read about our best friends

Well presented treat us on dogs in our lives. It uses the backdrop of the Westminster Drive kennel. Show to illustrate how humans and dogs live intertwined lives very fun and worthwhile.

This is a charming dog story

A great explanation of how dog shows work, which provides the background for a sweet story about a dog and his people. I’m definitely recommending this to my dog friends!