NONFICTION - Dec. 29, 1991

TOP DOG: Canines and Their Companions by Liz Walker, John Haynsworth, Bonnie Skinner Levy (Beautiful America Publishing : $39.95). I imagine that somewhere in Beverly Hills or Bel-Air there’s an incredibly pampered Grand Bouvier who has his or her own state-of-the-art doghouse complete with canopy bed, TV and wall-to-wall carpeting. Prominently featured on this animal’s coffee table would be an autographed copy of “Top Dog: Canines and Their Companions,” a large, glossy photography book that could be titled “Pets of the Rich and Famous.” The color photographs by John Haynsworth offer absolute proof that even the most celebrated of people resemble their dogs. Specific examples of this include Nat King Cole and daughters Carol, behind Cole, and Natalie with their boxer Mr. Pet, above; Liza Minnelli and her Cairn terrier, Lilly; and Tommy Lasorda and his miniature schnauzer Austin. The accompanying text reveals such juicy morsels as the fact that Candy Spelling’s Bichon Frise will drink only Evian; Bob Mackie’s Lhasa Apsos go to the hairdresser more than most women he knows; Bobby Short’s Dalmatian couldn’t care less about music, and Robert Dole’s schnauzer (named Leader) barks only at liberals.