{"product_id":"a-matter-of-breeding-isbn-9780807033432","title":"A Matter of Breeding","description":"\u003cb\u003eA provocative look at the ‘cult of pedigree’ and an entertaining social history of purebred dogs—“a must-read for all dog lovers” (\u003ci\u003eBooklist\u003c\/i\u003e).\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e So-called “purebreds” are the mainstay of the dog industry. Expert Michael Brandow argues these aren’t time-honored traditions—but rather commercial inventions of the 19th century that were marketed as status symbols to a growing middle class.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e Combining social history and consumer studies with sharp commentary, this reveals the sordid history of the dog industry and shows how our brand-name pets pay the price with devastatingly poor health. It includes chapters devoted to popular breeds such as:\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e • Golden Retrievers\u003cbr\u003e • Boston Terriers\u003cbr\u003e • English Bulldogs\u003cbr\u003e • Labrador Retrievers\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e An essential read for animal lovers and animal rights activists everywhere, \u003ci\u003eA Matter of Breeding\u003c\/i\u003e is a fresh take on the history pedigree dogs and encourages us to love \u003ci\u003eall\u003c\/i\u003e our furry friends—no matter the coat color or price tag.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003e \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003e“If you’re considering welcoming a dog (or two) into your family, read Michael Brandow’s fascinating and eye-opening book before visiting a pet store or breeder.”\u003cbr\u003e —Betsy Banks Saul, founder of Petfinder.com\u003c\/b\u003eCONTENTS \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eForeword by Dr. Marc Bekoff ix \u003cbr\u003e Introduction 1  \u003cbr\u003eCHAPTER ONE The English Vice 10\u003cbr\u003eCHAPTER TWO Perfectionists Gone Wild 31 \u003cbr\u003eCHAPTER THREE Royal Precedents and Ruff Drafts 53 \u003cbr\u003eCHAPTER FOUR Eugenics, You, and Fido Too 74 \u003cbr\u003eCHAPTER FIVE A Frickin’ Menagerie 103 \u003cbr\u003eCHAPTER SIX The Midas Touch 125 \u003cbr\u003eCHAPTER SEVEN Aristocracy for Sale 151 \u003cbr\u003eCHAPTER EIGHT Some Hunting Dogs 173 \u003cbr\u003eCHAPTER NINE Coming Home 200 \u003cbr\u003eCONCLUSION Frankenstein’s Lab 214  \u003cbr\u003eAcknowledgments 236 \u003cbr\u003eNotes 237 \u003cbr\u003eIndex 262“A must-read for all dog lovers.”\u003cbr\u003e—\u003ci\u003eBooklist\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“A no-holds-barred defense of dogs that are the hapless victims of their clueless owners.”\u003cbr\u003e—\u003ci\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“If you’re considering welcoming a dog (or two) into your family, read Michael Brandow’s fascinating and eye-opening book before visiting a pet store or breeder. Brandow not only unearths the status-driven history of so-called ‘purebreds’ but exhorts us to love all dogs regardless of breed. A dog is a living, loving creature, not an accessory item, and Brandow makes his case persuasively and with wit.”\u003cbr\u003e —Betsy Banks Saul, founder of Petfinder.com \u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e  \u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e “A Matter of Breeding addresses a critical but often ignored ethical issue: dog pedigrees… This book is not only incredibly important but is a delightful read with fascinating insights into the history and psychology of the purebred-dog world.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e —\u003c\/i\u003eAlan M. Beck, ScD, professor and director of the Center for the Human-Animal Bond, Purdue University\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e  \u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e “Brandow’s \u003ci\u003eA Matter of Breeding\u003c\/i\u003e is at once a keenly observed memoir of his days as a New York City dog walker, a thoroughly researched history of purebred dogs, and an often biting social critique of people, their dogs, and the world they have made for each other.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e —\u003c\/i\u003eMark Derr, author of\u003ci\u003e How the Dog Became the Dog\u003c\/i\u003eWith a background in journalism, dog care, and community activism, \u003cb\u003eMichael Brandow\u003c\/b\u003e is a sought-after commentator on dog-related issues and has written for publications including the \u003ci\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eTown \u0026amp; Country\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eARTNews\u003c\/i\u003e, the \u003ci\u003eBARk\u003c\/i\u003e, and \u003ci\u003eAnimal Fair\u003c\/i\u003e. He lives in New York City.","brand":"Beacon Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46300727509221,"sku":"NP9780807033432","price":20.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/7735\/files\/9780807033432.jpg?v=1767720639","url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/products\/a-matter-of-breeding-isbn-9780807033432","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}