Eminent Dogs, Dangerous Men

Rating:
Summary: Wonderfully enjoyable and marvelously insightful!
Review: A Border Collie owner, I could hardly wait to read this book, and the author's other books, Nop's Trials and Nop's Hope. A one-time visitor to Scotland who can't wait to go back, I eagerly looked forward to this book. And, I was not in the least bit disappointed on either count! The author's style is easy-going and readable, with a subtle humor throughout. His images are brilliant and I just felt like I was present for each scene that he wrote and a part of the action. Someone who has no interest in the working Border Collie might find the book dull. So also might someone who is not particularly interested in the very different lifestyle of the shepherd of Scotland. But for us who love the working Border Collie and find the life of the Scottish shepherd and his/her dog intriguing, this is an absolutely must-read book, over and over again!

Rating:
Summary: Wonderfully enjoyable and marvelously insightful!
Review: A Border Collie owner, I could hardly wait to read this book, and the author's other books, Nop's Trials and Nop's Hope. A one-time visitor to Scotland who can't wait to go back, I eagerly looked forward to this book. And, I was not in the least bit disappointed on either count! The author's style is easy-going and readable, with a subtle humor throughout. His images are brilliant and I just felt like I was present for each scene that he wrote and a part of the action. Someone who has no interest in the working Border Collie might find the book dull. So also might someone who is not particularly interested in the very different lifestyle of the shepherd of Scotland. But for us who love the working Border Collie and find the life of the Scottish shepherd and his/her dog intriguing, this is an absolutely must-read book, over and over again!

Rating:
Summary: An Interesting Adventure
Review: An interesting description of Scotland and many of the handlers and their dogs. It was a bit dull at times, but I got caught up and was anxious for the author to find his special dog. There was not enough about Border collies or on herding techniques/styles. There was alot of information about trialing in Scotland. I would only recommend for a person who is always reading (others won't finish) and you must be a Border collie enthusiast (others won't have a clue what the author is doing).

Rating:
Summary: Entertaining and enlightening, a personal adventure.
Review: It probably helps that I own a "bonnie wee bitch" of a border collie myself, but I found this book to be delightful and moving. It's candid and immediate - you're right there rambling through Scotland on the quest yourself. I learned wonderful tidbits about shepherds as well as sheepdogs, and feel as if I might even recognize some of these characters if I passed them on the street - both canine and hominoid. As a result of this book, I've just placed my order for Nops Trials, but more importantly, I have just taken my little border collie to her first herding class and watched in awe as her incredible power and instincts came brilliantly alive. Suddenly, I'm hooked! And as for my dog, she discovered the meaning of life! I don't know if this book will have as profound an impact on all readers, but if you're one of the lucky ones for whom it does - what a rush! It's like finding out that you and your dog really do speak a common language.

Rating:
Summary: story of a man searching for the perfect dog and his travels
Review: It was very good. It was entertaining and informative. For the border collie owner,the shepherd,and the everyday dog lover.

Rating:
Summary: A must-read for dogs and dog lovers
Review: McCaig turns his travails in search of the perfect sheepdog into one of the best dog books around. I have lately taken to reading chapters aloud to my own dog, a street mutt named Chalmers who possesses a novelist's heart. Chalmers is fascinated with McCaig's quest for a "wee bonny bitch" to mate with his own Border Collie, Pip. Chalmers, in fact, is so smitten with the book that he has chewed off both the front and back covers of the dog-eared and tattered tome. Yesterday I found Chalmers sleeping on the rug, McCaig's book nestled between his paws with his favorite chew toy and one of my finest socks. Is there a higher literary tribute? I think not

Rating:
Summary: Excellent read
Review: This is a wonderful book any dog lover will thoroughly enjoy

Rating:
Summary: It's a Keeper
Review: When I first read Eminent Dogs, Dangerous Men a few years ago, I had a delightful surprise in the middle. There was a grand photo of Viv Billingham and her remarkable dogs, including her hard-working Holly. While on a walking tour of Scotland, prior to reading this book, we had a most memorable demonstration of sheepherding at Viv's Tweed Hope. McCaig's book captures the intensity, devotion, and the "other worldliness" of shepherding and Scottish competitiveness of which we saw only a momentary frament. Unfortunately, I loaned this book to a Border Collie owner, who moved away and never returned the book. My mistake, because this book is a keeper.