Born to Win: Breed to Success

Patricia Craige, who ranges from top Norweigan Elkhound breeder to top dog show competitor, shares her insights in the canine field to a new audience eager to eat her every word. Why do I give this author such high acclaim? For three simple reasons:a). Mrs. Craige shows the reader many examples of dogs who have succeeded inm both the show ring and the whelping box. Many dogs, ranging from the top-producing dog of all time to the dog with the most Best-In-Shows (the highest honor at any dog show), are shown, with in-depth study on how the greatest of dogs made their way to the top.b). The book is very well understood thanks to the authors' personal experience. Mrs. Craige is an owner-handler, the lowest on the totem pole in the canine realm. However, one of her glorious Elkhounds became the top dog all breeds in the year 1970. This astounding tribute to the hard work and dedication she put into breeding and raising top dogs is followed up with a string of top dogs of any breed. She also bred, owned, and handled the top Elkhound of all-time and one of the top winning hounds of all-time with sixty-six all-breed Best-In-Shows. Her last big winner was shown from 1993-1995, daughter of the top winning Elkhound and two-time Westminster Hound Group winner (Winning at Westminster is the highest honor any owner, handler, or breeder can aspire to). Despite all of this, the author's down-to-earth writing style solaces the reader, allowing the reader to thoroughly enjoy the book.c). Why don't you tell me? THere are so many reasons to applaud this book. I am sure that if you were to add it to your collection, you'd find your own reasons to back up the notion that this book truly is BORN (err, published) TO WIN!!

A magnificent source of history, technique, philosophy and guidance for the serious dog breeder and exhibitor. Examines history and trends in many breeds. Acquaints you with the greats on four legs as well as two. Not a light read, but definitely worth the effort.

A great book, full of important information for breeders. One of the real strengths of the book is the section on genetics and inheritance. I've read a reasonable amount on gene theory but this book really clarified how things work. I also really like the section on litter evaluation. Ms Trotter's style is emminently readable, and certainly one can't argue with her experience in breeding for success!

If you do nothing else for yourself in the coming year, make sure you get a copy of Pat Craige Trotter's "Born To Win." You can learn more from spending two weks with this book than some breeders will learn in two decades of trying to figure things out by trial and error. The range of information offered to readers of Pat's book is so great that a book review really doesn't do it justice. Once you have the book in your hands, the only other thing you will long for is the time it will take to read and absorb it.Enjoy!Editorial in the AKC Gazette, February 199

Without a doubt this is the most interesting and informative dog book I have ever read. I intend to read it more than once, as I have the feeling it is one of those books you will get something else out of each time you read it. It is truly a different kind of dog book that is not only interesting but also humorous and entertaining