Pure Dog Talk

From Earthdog to Agility: Barbara Baese’ Guide to the Versatile Dandie Dinmont Terrier

This episode of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Diaries is part of Pure Dog Talk’s Clubhouse. The series features members of the Club Partnership Program who are working to preserve the knowledge of their legacy breeders.

Can a rare, historic terrier thrive in modern high-speed dog sports while maintaining the precise conformation of its forebears? In this episode of Pure Dog Talk, host Laura Reeves sits down with legendary breeder Barbara Baese of Molly Bay Dandies. From her unexpected beginnings as a professional dancer who had never owned a dog to launching her kennel in 1989 with a "sight-unseen" puppy and a "Dandie or bust" attitude, Barbara shares her 36-year journey.

Discover the secrets behind owning the all-time top agility Dandie Dinmont Terrier, the strict structural standards that define the breed’s iconic silhouette, and the fascinating (and rarely discussed) genetics behind breeding mustard and pepper coats. Whether you are a canine sports enthusiast, an aspiring breeder, or a judge seeking to understand the Illustrated Standard, this masterclass is packed with invaluable breed wisdom.

What You’ll Learn in This Masterclass:
The All-Around Performance Dog:Dandies are far more than companion dogs. Barbara shares her experience in Earthdog, Therapy work, and how she raised the #1 top agility Dandie Dinmont Terrier of all time.
Decoding the Standard—"No Topline, No Dandie":Why the correct outline, a filled muzzle, dark round eyes, and a low tail set are non-negotiable for a true Dandie. Plus, the "teacup test" for smooth, effortless movement.
The Complex Rules of Pepper & Mustard Genetics:Why you should never breed pepper-to-pepper (which dilutes furnishings) or mustard-to-mustard more than once, and how breeding the two colors together preserves the perfect coat texture and color depth.
Behind the Name "Molly Bay":The heartwarming story of how Barbara and her husband blended their names to create a Celtic-sounding kennel name that is uniquely theirs.
The Power of Mentorship:Lessons learned from breed giants like Christie Maxfield, Vern Wilson, Peggy Carr, and Kathy Nelson, and Barbara’s advice for the next generation of preservation breeders.


Episode Highlights
 The "Dandie or Bust" Beginnings:How a vet visit and a picture of a "Don King" dog led to a long-distance search and a sight-unseen puppy flying in from Pennsylvania.
Immersion Into Conformation:Learning to groom with Vern Wilson and standing by the ring with mentor Christie Maxfield to study the breed standard.
The 3 Golden Priorities of Breeding:Why temperament comes first (the true "gentleman's terrier"), followed by health preservation (combating glaucoma and lymphoma), and structural movement.
The Teacup Movement Test:Ensuring a Dandie moves with a smooth, flowing reach and drive rather than jumping like a Bichon Frise.
Coat Color & Genetic Dilution:The definitive guide to breeding mustard and pepper coats to avoid graying furnishings.
Beyond the Show Ring:How the club promotes this rare breed to the public through Scottish heritage festivals, custom brochures, and their very own tartan.


About Guest Barbara Baese

Barbara Baese established Molly Bay Dandies in 1989. Over nearly four decades, she has been a tireless advocate for the preservation of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, serving as president of the parent club and mentoring exhibitors across the country. Her kennel is renowned for producing dogs that excel in conformation, obedience, therapy, earthdog, and record-breaking agility.

What Dogs Teach Us About Love (And How to "People" Better) with Dr. Chris Blazina

[caption id="attachment_17241" align="alignleft" width="300"] Good Dogs & Difficult People: What Dogs Teach Us About Love[/caption]

Why is it that we can purely love our dogs but often struggle to show that same grace to other humans? In this deeply insightful episode of Pure Dog Talk, host Laura Reeves sits down with psychologist and author Dr. Chris Blazina to discuss his latest book, Good Dogs and Difficult People: What Dogs Teach Us About Love.

They explore the psychology behind our canine connections, why Sigmund Freud was a massive "dog person," and how the stress we carry travels straight "down the leash" to our canine companions. From scientific phenomena like the Left Gaze Bias to actionable advice on how to "people better," this episode is a guide to letting your guard down, repairing relationships, and allowing dogs to "love us into being."

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🔑 Key Takeaways & Discussion Highlights

1. The Psychology of the Canine Connection

The "Pure Love" Difference: Drawing from Sigmund Freud’s observations, Dr. Blazina notes that while human relationships are often plagued by complex ambivalence, our love for dogs is straightforward and pure. Dogs draw out the "better angels" of our nature.
Sigmund Freud’s Canine Assistant:Freud used his Chows to help screen his therapy patients and even relied on them as his clock, the dogs would stand up when the session hour was over. Freud famously noted that we can trust dogs because they are straightforward:"They love their friends and bite their enemies."


2. The Science of Empathy in Dogs

The Left Gaze Bias: Science shows that dogs look at the left side of human faces when we tell stories—this is naturally the more emotionally honest side of our face. They are uniquely attuned to our actual emotional state.
Empathic Attunement:Dogs don't just notice when we are emotionally disregulated or having a bad day—they actively respond in sync to help regulate our moods and make our days better.


3. Handler Stress Travels Down the Leash

Agility Study & Cortisol Levels: A cited agility competition study shows that when handlers are agitated or grumpy, their dogs' cortisol stress levels rise to match theirs.
The Reciprocal Bond: What we experience, our dogs feel. Being a great handler means remaining mindful of your dog's emotional state, rather than just focusing on the win or the ribbon.


4. How to "People" Better: Dr. Blazina's Action Items

How do we take the lessons our dogs teach us and apply them to our human communities?
Practice "Rupture and Repair": Humans are clumsy, awkward creatures, and relationships will have missteps. Instead of walking away, learn to re-engage and actively repair connections to build deeper closeness.
Reciprocity: Move away from "me, me, me." Relationships are about mutual give-and-take, a concept dogs teach us through their constant willingness to connect.
Do the "Happy Dance": Let your protective layers down. Celebrate the people you love with the same unbridled enthusiasm your dog shows when welcoming you home at the gate.

The Duke, the Tartan and the Terrier: Exploring Dandie History with Dick Yoho

This episode of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Diaries is part of Pure Dog Talk’s Clubhouse. The series features members of the Club Partnership Program who are working to preserve the knowledge of their legacy breeders.
Host Laura Reeves sits down with veteran breeder Dick Yoho of Wind’s Edge Dandie Dinmont Terriers to celebrate a golden milestone. Marking his 50th anniversary as a member of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club of America, Dick takes listeners on a captivating journey through the art, heart and deep historical roots of this rare breed.



With a master’s degree in printmaking and interior design, Dick brings a unique artist’s eye to preservation breeding. He shares how his design background helps him visualize the perfect Dandie silhouette, why he prioritizing the breed standard over show ring ribbons, and how he navigates the challenges of a global "gene puddle."



But the true heart of this episode lies in the incredible, aristocratic history of the breed, from Sir Walter Scott to royal connections in Scotland.



Did you know the official Dandie Dinmont Terrier tartan has direct royal ties? Dick shares the fascinating history behind this distinctive black and white pattern:

Sir Walter Scott’s Personal Tartan:The official Dandie tartan is a black and white pattern that originally belonged to Sir Walter Scott, who immortalized the breed in his writing.
A Gift of Friendship:This historic tartan was originally gifted to Sir Walter Scott by his cousin, the Duke of Buccleuch.
A Castle Room Dedicated to Dandies:Dick recounts meeting the modern-day Duke of Buccleuch (cousin to the King of England) during his travels to Scotland. The Duke and his wife have been active supporters of the breed, even dedicating an entire room in their historic castle to Dandie Dinmont Terrier archives.





Key Highlights and Takeaways

The Wind’s Edge Origin Story:How Dick and his partner, Steve, named their kennel after their windy Connecticut home, which sat high on a hill overlooking Katharine Hepburn’s estate.
The Artist’s Eye in the Ring:How Dick's background in design helps him appreciate the breed's distinct hallmarks, including the soft, soulful expression of the eyes, the curved top line, and the elegant chest drop.
Navigating the Gene Puddle:The realities of preservation breeding in a rare breed, using modern tools like TCI (Transcervical Insemination) and global collaboration to import fresh lines from Germany and England.
Finding the Sparkle:Dick's unique puppy evaluation process, which involves watching them play, analyzing video footage and seeking guidance from trusted mentors.
The Clever Singleton Puppy:A delightful story about Dick's clever singleton puppy (nicknamed "a lit") who inherited the "pizazz" of her ancestors, including a hilarious knack for opening her own crate latch with her nose.





About the Guest

Dick Yoho is a double past president and current AKC Delegate for the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club of America. Through his Wind's Edge kennel, he has spent half a century dedicated to preservation breeding, mentorship, and introducing the world to this enchanting, historic Scottish breed.

Can't Afford Vet Bills or Stuck in Danger? These AKC Grants Help Pets and Survivors 🐕❤️



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Host Laura Reeves sits down with Brandi Munden, President of the AKC Humane Fund and VP of PR and Communications at the American Kennel Club. Together, they pull back the curtain on one of the most impactful philanthropic organizations in the canine community.

To date, the AKC Humane Fund has distributed over $2 million in grants and donations. In this deep dive, Brandi shares how this 501(c)(3) nonprofit is dedicated to keeping all pets and their people together, especially during their most vulnerable moments.

We shine a bright spotlight on two critical grant programs:

🐕 Veterinary Care Assistance Grants (New This Year!)

Launched at the start of this year, this initiative is the Humane Fund's newest baby. As veterinary costs continue to rise and "vet deserts" make accessible treatment harder to find, too many owners face the heartbreaking choice of surrendering their beloved animals. To combat this crisis, the Humane Fund has provided low-cost veterinary funds directly to organizations like the VCA group, Blue Pearl and Banfield.
Who it helps: Reputable organizations providing direct medical care and boarding for animals in need.
Grant sizes: Average grants range from $5,000 to $15,000, with total funding of $60,000 to $70,000 distributed annually.
Application details: The process is simple, fast, and accessible online, with a renewal cycle allowed every three years.


🏠 Domestic Violence Shelter Grants

Statistically, pets are a frequent target of abusers. Tragically, many victims of domestic violence delay leaving or choose to remain in abusive situations simply because they cannot bear to abandon their pets. The AKC Humane Fund's Domestic Violence Shelter Grants are designed to break this cycle by helping shelters accommodate pets of all kinds, not just dogs.
How the funding is used: Grants help domestic violence shelters construct pet-friendly housing spaces, purchase critical equipment, or coordinate secure off-site boarding where owners still have regular access to their pets.
The impact: Shelters report that these grants have enabled them to help 25% to 35% more people, providing safety and peace of mind for survivors and their beloved animals.


❤️ Supporting All Pets and Their People

The AKC Humane Fund operates under the firm belief that every pet owner should have the opportunity to live a safe, healthy life with their animals. From mixed breeds competing in the AKC Canine Partners program to support for breed-specific rescue networks, the AKC is actively evolving to serve as a modern, inclusive resource for every pet lover, no matter where they are on their journey.

Starting Over 3 Times: A Dandie Dinmont Breeder’s Story of Ultimate Perseverance 🐶
This episode of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Diaries is part of Pure Dog Talk’s Clubhouse. The series features members of the Club Partnership Program who are working to preserve the knowledge of their legacy breeders.How far would you go for the breed you love?Pure Dog Talk in partnership with the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club of America dives deep with Laura Chapal Snyder of Dreamboat Dandies. Since 1980, Laura has dedicated her life to the rare and wonderful Dandie Dinmont Terrier—but her path has been anything but easy. In this episode, Laura shares her extraordinary journey of rebuilding her entire breeding program three separate times after facing heartbreaking health crises, including devastating battles with glaucoma and lymphoma. From the musical inspiration behind her kennel name (connected to the band Heart!) to her absolute insistence on prioritizing temperament and proper head structure, Laura offers a masterclass in preservation breeding. Discover why honesty and communication are vital when managing a "gene puddle", how she utilizes line breeding after careful outcrossing, her strict 12-week rule for puppy evaluation, and her powerful message of perseverance for the next generation of dog show exhibitors. 💡 Key Episode Takeaways
Overcoming Genetic Hurdles:Laura faced glaucoma in five out of six puppies in her first litter. Instead of quitting, she kept her blind dogs as beloved family pets and restarted her program.
The "Dreamboat" Priorities:For Laura,Temperament is #1andHeads are #2("Dandies are a head breed").
Breeder Transparency:With such a small gene pool in rare breeds, open communication about hereditary issues like glaucoma, lymphoma and Cushing’s is vital for breed preservation.
Puppy Socialization:Laura advises against isolation. Puppies need to be handled, socialize with other people and play with other dogs to build confidence.
The Reality of Show Success:Practice makes perfect. Laura spent her first 10 years in the show ring winning almost nothing, reminding new breeders that dedication pays off.

🔗 Resources & Connect
Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club of America (DDTCA)