When owners jump through hoops for their dogs

When owners jump through hoops for their dogs - The Boston Globe

By Matthew Gilbert
Globe Staff / July 10, 2008

“Greatest American Dog,” premiering tonight at 8 on Channel 4, takes its cue from the 2000 Christopher Guest movie “Best in Show,” as it zeroes in on the eccentricities of the owners. Each one, of course, firmly believes his or her own poopsie is destined for the crown. The 12 diverse dogs in the competition - including Elvis the Parson Russell Terrier, Preston the Pomeranian, and Star, a Brittany who can sense her diabetic owner’s blood sugar levels - are awfully cute.

The 12 owners are less cute and awfully kooky, as they guide their dogs through elimination challenges that will eventually win one of them $250,000. Tonight’s challenges include doggy musical chairs and a doggy performance pageant in front of three judges.

The dog-and-owner interplay ranges from the awesome and comic to the cringe-worthy. See burly Ron and his bulldog Tillman. See Tillman run. See Tillman jump onto a skateboard and ride it like a plump little punk. See J.D. and his pointer-collie mix Galaxy do amazing tricks. See Galaxy jump onto J.D.’s bent back and stay there for minutes at a time. Hear J.D. pant. See Beth Joy and her 10-year-old Chihuahua mix Bella Starlet swan about like impossible prima donnas. See Beth Joy dress up Bella Starlet in precious dog outfits. See her shape Bella Starlet’s hair and ears into fancy dog ‘dos.