“God loves a terrier.”
synopsis
A mockumentary following eccentric dog owners competing at a prestigious canine show. The film chronicles their obsessions, insecurities, marriages, and fragile egos — all through improvised interviews and competition footage.
pairs well with ...
mini-review
Directed by Christopher Guest, this is dry, character-driven parody at its most refined. The comedy isn’t loud — it’s observational.
Unlike joke-density comedies, Best in Show breathes. The humor emerges from personality — and insecurity. Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara are masterful in portraying competitive, delusional affection.
It’s gentler than Blazing Saddles or Airplane!, but sharper in its human insight. It ages beautifully because it’s about people — not pop culture references.
Wine and mild smugness.
Watching with couples.
Anyone who says, “It’s not about winning.”
Absurdist's Corner
The sheer intensity over grooming standards.
Entire marriages built around dogs.
A man who may or may not have two left feet — and still competes.
fun facts
Most dialogue was improvised from structured outlines.
Real dog show participants were sometimes unaware of the film’s comic framing.
It’s part of Guest’s unofficial mockumentary trilogy (with Waiting for Guffman and A Mighty Wind).