Photographer Jasper Cable Alexander has published a new book titled A Proper Dog, capturing quirky British dog shows on analog film. The £20 project, featuring between 600 and 1,000 copies, donates all proceeds to Bristol Eye Hospital to support the care that restored his vision after a severe accident.
Capturing British Dog Shows on Film
Jasper Cable Alexander spent three years traveling to British dog shows to photograph eccentric local competitions, PetaPixel reported. The project took him from Crufts and specialist Chihuahua events to village halls and sports centers across the U.K. He shot the entire collection on analog film to evoke a distinct era.
“I wanted it to feel like this kind of timeless warp that you go into that doesn’t feel like part of this world,” Alexander said.
Many venues remain unchanged since the 1990s. The resulting book steers clear of glossy commercial kennel clubs, focusing instead on local community spaces and amateur handlers.
Eye Injury and Hospital Recovery Inspired the Project
The photographer’s path to the project followed a medical crisis after he lost sight in his left eye in a freak accident. Alexander spent ten days in the hospital, endured six months of monocular vision, underwent a cornea transplant, and had at least eight operations.
He found solace in humor during the recovery period.
That instinct directly inspired his dog photography project. All proceeds from the £20 book go directly to Bristol Eye Hospital, which treated his eye injury.
“A Proper Dog is about humour, tenderness and observation,” a press release noted, as reported by PetaPixel. “It is a book made to raise money, but mostly to make people smile.”
Alexander Focuses on Bonds Rather than Pedigree Standards
The title questions what truly makes a proper dog, contrasting prized pedigree standards with ordinary pets. Observers often dismiss small breeds like Chihuahuas as yappy rodents, but Alexander focuses on the bond between owner and animal.
The book emphasizes community rituals, amateur friendships, and local recognition over major championship trophies. Most participants compete for simple certificates, ribbons, and neighborhood pride rather than cash prizes.
“A Proper Dog was released this week in a limited run of 600 to 1,000 copies,” PetaPixel said.
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