Pure Dog Talk

Legendary Handler Andy Linton on Quality, Conditioning and Presentation

[caption id="attachment_15022" align="alignleft" width="338"] Andy and Penny shine at the DPCA Top 20.[/caption]
Host Laura Reeves sits down one-on-one with legendary professional handler Andy Linton for an in-depth conversation about a lifetime in the sport. From his beginnings as a Southern California teenager more interested in surfing than dog shows, to handling some of the most iconic Best in Show winners in history — including Indy winning BIS at Westminster Kennel Club — Andy shares the experiences, lessons and mindset that shaped his extraordinary career.

Andy walks listeners through his early days showing a Doberman in the 1970s, learning the ropes by working for top handlers and absorbing invaluable lessons from mentors like Clay Coady, Tim Brazier, Bob and Jane Forsyth, and others. He reflects on the importance of watching, learning and stealing the best ideas — not just how handlers move dogs, but why certain techniques change balance, expression and overall picture in the ring. For Andy, success has never been accidental. It’s the result of dreaming big, setting clear goals and backing those dreams with relentless effort and self-reflection.

Central to the conversation is Andy’s core philosophy of winning: quality, condition and presentation. He explains why even a modest dog can dramatically improve — or undermine — its chances depending on conditioning and handling, and why exhibitors should focus on improving their own skills rather than blaming judges or competition. Conditioning, Andy emphasizes, isn’t about one-size-fits-all roadwork, but tailoring fitness to each dog’s structure and needs while keeping them happy, healthy and enthusiastic about their job.

The discussion also dives into Andy’s trademark quiet hands and free-stacking style, emphasizing trust, simplicity and making the ring feel as relaxed as a dog waiting for a sandwich in the kitchen. He shares practical insight into situational awareness, reading judges, selling a dog’s strengths with integrity, and mastering the small details that can make all the difference at high-pressure events like Westminster.

Beyond the ring, Andy reflects on his role advising breeding programs, watching generational changes in breeds, and helping create great dogs behind the scenes. He also speaks candidly about mentorship, gratitude, and the dog show community, sharing heartfelt thoughts on kindness, legacy and staying engaged in the sport he loves. This episode is packed with timeless wisdom for breeders, owner-handlers and professionals who want to elevate their dogs — and themselves — in the world of purebred dogs.

From Pugs to the Green Carpet: Charlotte Patterson on Judging the Toy Group at Westminster

[caption id="attachment_15011" align="alignleft" width="491"] Charlotte Patterson awarding David Fitzpatrick first in the Toy Group at Westminster Kennel Club in 2017 with "Chuckie."[/caption]
In this episode of Pure Dog Talk, host Laura Reeves sits down with one of the true legends of the sport, Charlotte Patterson, longtime Pug breeder, former president of the Pug Dog Club of America, successful professional handler and Westminster Kennel Club judge. With Charlotte set to judge the Toy Group at Westminster, this conversation is both timely and timeless, packed with history, insight and hard-earned wisdom.

Charlotte shares the unforgettable story of how she fell in love with Pugs in 1969, buying her first dog on a payment plan and unknowingly stepping into a world that would change her life forever. From borrowing money for a stud fee to producing top winners — including a Toy Group winner at Westminster — Charlotte’s journey perfectly illustrates how passion, mentorship and commitment shape successful preservation breeders.

The conversation dives deep into breeding philosophy, particularly in brachycephalic breeds like Pugs. Charlotte explains why breeders must be intentional, cautious, and forward-thinking, emphasizing the long-term consequences of breeding decisions. She speaks candidly about balance, movement, head type, breathing, and why “what you put in today will show up generations later.” Her message is clear: know your standard, know your pedigrees and never breed blindly.

As a judge with more than 35 years of experience and tens of thousands of dogs examined, Charlotte offers a rare look into Toy Group judging at the highest level. She discusses what she values when she steps onto the green carpet at Madison Square Garden — balance, breed type, soundness, and dogs that can confidently perform under pressure. She also explains why movement in toy breeds must reflect breed purpose, not exaggerated speed.

Beyond breeding and judging, Charlotte offers thoughtful guidance on breed clubs, mentorship and leadership, sharing lessons learned from over a decade as a national club president. Her advice for newcomers? Find the right mentor, get involved and understand that leadership is about work — not power.

This episode is a must-listen for dog breeders, exhibitors, judges, and purebred dog enthusiasts who care deeply about preserving breed history while moving the sport forward.

👉 Don’t miss this heartfelt, humorous, and deeply knowledgeable conversation with one of purebred dogs’ most respected voices.

FIDO: Nancy Martin and the Power of Keeping Pets in Homes

Host Laura Reeves is joined by longtime friend and icon of the dog world, Nancy Martin—legendary breeder, professional handler and now visionary founder of FIDO: Friends Involved Dog Outreach. This episode is a powerful reminder of what our community can accomplish when passion meets purpose.

After decades of success in the show ring, Nancy’s retirement from handling didn’t slow her down—it redirected her energy. What began as a simple act of compassion through a veterinary clinic grew into a groundbreaking mission: addressing pet food insecurity as a way to keep dogs out of shelters and in the homes that love them. From that idea, FIDO was born, along with the National Pet Assistance Network and No Pet Hungry America.

Nancy shares how food insecurity is a household issue that directly impacts pets, why “wraparound services” matter more than blame, and how keeping families fed can prevent surrender before crisis hits. The results are staggering: over 6,000 households supported and more than 1.2 million meals provided in a single year.

This conversation also dives into Nancy’s national recognition—including the Oregon Humane Society’s Diamond Collar Award and a Community Hero Award from the Oregon Ducks—and why those honors represent a shift in how purebred dog people can be seen as part of the solution.

From mentoring future veterinarians to challenging long-held narratives about breeders and rescue, Nancy Martin is redefining advocacy in dogs. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who cares about the future of purebred dogs, community responsibility and meaningful, practical change.

👉 Get involved! FIDO and No Pet Hungry America.

From Rescue to Responsible Breeding: Why Education Is the Future of Dog Breeding

[caption id="attachment_14935" align="alignleft" width="448"] Rebecca Norton-Childs is the founder of Pupstarts breeder education program in the UK.[/caption]
In this powerful international conversation, host Laura Reeves welcomes Rebecca Norton-Childs — a UK-based educator and founder of a nationally accredited dog breeder training program — to discuss why education, intention and responsibility are critical to the future of dog breeding.

Rebecca’s journey began on the front lines of rescue and animal control, where she witnessed firsthand the heartbreaking consequences of poor breeding practices, inadequate early socialization and uninformed ownership. Rather than adopting a “don’t breed dogs” mindset, Rebecca chose a different path: breed better dogs — and teach others how to do the same.

In this episode, we explore how her experiences in rescue shaped her belief that ethical, knowledgeable breeders are essential to improving canine welfare. Rebecca explains how breeder education in the UK has evolved into nationally accredited qualifications..

Listeners will gain insight into:


Why early neurological stimulation and puppy socialization start with the breeder

How education empowers breeders to confidently match puppies with the right homes

The role of behavior science, epigenetics and modern husbandry in producing stable dogs

Why breeding dogs should be viewed as aprofession, not a hobby


Rebecca also shares how her programs foster a judgment-free, global community of breeders committed to learning, sharing knowledge, and putting dogs first — regardless of breed, discipline or purpose.

This episode is a must-listen for everyone who believes the future of purebred dogs depends on intentional breeding, informed decisions and lifelong learning.

Stud Dog Marathon: How Often Is Too Often?

Laura Reeves is joined by canine reproduction expert Dr. Marty Greer to answer a listener’s question: how frequently can you breed a stud dog before semen quality starts to decline? Marty breaks down basic stud dog anatomy, what impacts semen production and why timing matters more than sheer frequency.

You’ll learn the ideal collection schedule for peak semen quality, how overuse can show up in a semen evaluation, and why progesterone timing is essential when multiple bitches are lined up. Marty also shares practical tips for supporting your stud dog through heavy breeding demand, plus smart strategies for semen collection, shipping, and long-term genetic preservation.











✅ 1) Feed for Fertility (and don’t unbalance it)

Heavy breeding demand is hard work metabolically, and Marty stresses that nutrition is the foundation of semen quality.


Feed a proven, research-backed diet (she recommendsPurina Pro Plan Sport 30/20orRoyal Canin HT-42D).

Avoid “helpful” add-ins that actually disrupt hormones — especiallyflaxseed, because it containsphytoestrogens.

Don’t over-supplement. Most fertility supplements havelittle science behind them, and people often unintentionally unbalance an already complete diet.


Bottom line: a balanced, consistent diet supports semen volume, motility, and longevity.