FOR IMMIDIATE RELEASE
New book by Diane Young McCormack blends memoir, canine history, and hard-won lessons from decades in the sport.
My Life in the SPORT of Purebred Dogs, a new book by longtime Dachshund fancier and American Kennel Club judge Diane Young McCormack, offers a first-person look at the culture, camaraderie, and craft behind purebred dogs. This book is told through the lived experience of a breeder-owner-handler who later stepped behind the judge’s table.
Published by Jack Bacon & Company, the 2025 first edition traces a lifelong dedication to dogs and to the “sport” itself, capturing the people, traditions, and standards that shape the modern show world.
McCormack’s background spans New York City to Houston to the Sierra—an arc that parallels her growth in the fancy from early show days to national-level competition and, ultimately, judging.
Along the way, the book highlights the experiences that define a dog person’s life: the long drives, the early mornings, the relationships forged ringside, and the constant pursuit of excellence guided by breed standards.
“Dogs Are Not a Part of My Life. They Are My Whole Life,” McCormack writes, encapsulating the bond at the heart of the book.
The book also reflects McCormack’s professional and civic commitment to purebred dogs. A University of Maryland graduate, she worked in corporate roles before moving into advertising and public relations—skills that later supported decades of advocacy and education in the sport.
Early readers from within the dog world describe the book as an authentic portrait of the community. Dachshund breeder Sarah Hill writes, “In her second published book, Diane has captured the flavor of dog shows and the participants that make up this crazy sport of ours.” Interested readers can order their copy in various formats from Amazon.
About the author
Diane Young McCormack has devoted her life to purebred dogs, particularly Standard Longhaired Dachshunds. She became an AKC-approved judge in 2002 and is eligible to judge the Hound Group, Best in Show, Miscellaneous Classes, and Junior Showmanship, with assignments across the U.S. and internationally, including South Africa, Ireland, and China. Press Release#1 –Diane Young McCormack She now resides in Reno, Nev.
