Pure Dog Talk

Field of Champions: Celebrating Form and Function in Purebred Dogs Can a purebred dog excel in the conformation ring while preserving the instinct and drive to work in the field? In this episode of Pure Dog Talk, host Laura Reeves speaks with event organizer Greg Wessel to explore the revival of the historic Field of Champions . Originally popularized across the Midwest and at landmark venues like...

"I don't necessarily feel that the dogs need to be on a farm. What they need is a job. That job can be 20 goats. It can also be one person and their three cats. But they need a job." — Katie Emanuel Whether guarding a herd of livestock on open pasture or watching over a quiet suburban household, the Anatolian Shepherd is an ancient working breed driven by purpose, intelligence, and deep protective...

How can the purebred dog community break down traditional barriers, foster meaningful mentorship, and secure the future of rare breeds? In this episode of Pure Dog Talk, host Laura Reeves sits down with Kathryn Sarkany, a Bearded Collie breeder based in Calgary, Alberta. Together, they explore what it takes for a new generation of breeders to step up, navigate the dog fancy and work collaborativel...

How do you preserve thousands of years of working instincts while ensuring a massive livestock guardian dog can safely navigate modern ranching, apex predator encounters and family life? In this episode of Pure Dog Talk, host Laura Reeves sits down with Natalie Thurman, President of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog Club of America and founder of Apex Anatolians, to explore the precise balance of science...

No Judgment, Just Relief: Protecting Breeders Facing Illness, Loss or Overwhelm Host Laura Reeves sits down with Stephanie Hentschel to discuss the American Pomeranian Club (APC) Breeder Assistance Program. This initiative delivers confidential relief and practical aid to dog breeders dealing with illness, death, job loss, health changes, or animal care overwhelm. Operating as an independent 501(c...

How can veteran dog breeders ensure the future of purebred dogs while welcoming new enthusiasts into the fold? Host Laura Reeves and Dr. Marty Greer dive into the critical shift from gatekeeping to true mentorship. Discover practical ways senior breeders can recruit, guide, and trust the next generation of handlers, caretakers, and future breeders. Learn how overcoming the fear of sharing bloodlin...

How you present yourself in the ring speaks volumes before your dog even takes a single step. Host Laura Reeves sits down with veteran handler and judge Linda Clark to break down essential ring etiquette, fashion guidance and professional presentation tips. Linda shares her insider perspective on what judges evaluate, why comfortable and polished attire matters, and how developing a strong work et...

Are Sunday night point rankings and ribbon chasing taking over your peace of mind? In this episode of Pure Dog Talk, host Laura Reeves sits down with 40-year hound veteran, AKC judge and K9 handler Bob Urban for a candid reality check on modern dog show culture. Bob breaks down why hyper-focusing on show results ruins the joy of the sport, how outside hobbies restore perspective, and why keeping t...

Host Laura Reeves sits down with renowned professional handler Diego Garcia for an inspiring conversation on the dedication, philosophy and heart required to succeed in the purebred dog sport. [caption id="attachment_17302" align="alignleft" width="194"] Diego Garcia in the early days.[/caption] From his beginnings in Argentina to learning under legendary dog men in the United States, Diego shares...

My Backpack Went to Paris and Had a Better Vacation Than Me! What happens when you travel across the globe with a brand-new puppy, only to find yourself stranded without clothes, while your beloved backpack takes a solo two-week tour of France? In this hilarious and jam-packed episode, host Laura Reeves sits down with our favorite veterinarian, Dr. Marty Greer , for a special "back-to-school" edit...

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 precis...

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...

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 cele...

Can't Afford Vet Bills or Stuck in Danger? These AKC Grants Help Pets and Survivors 🐕❤️   [video width="1280" height="720" mp4="https://puredogtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/AKC-Humane-Fund_-No-Dog-Left-Behind.mp4"][/video]   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, the...

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 T...

The Digital Handoff: A New Tool for Dog Breeders Laura Reeves visits with Lianna Shepard, Senior Manager for New Business Models at Purina, to talk about how modern technology is reshaping the purebred dog community. At the center of this technological shift is the newly updated MyPurina app, which has evolved from a simple rewards program into a comprehensive, handheld digital assistant for both...

Preserving the Dome and the Dip: Secrets to Mastering the Dandie Dinmont Standard 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. [caption id="attachment_17179" align="alignleft" width="300"] Donna Francis with CH. Jollygaze Time L...

Unlocking Dog Breeding's Greatest Puzzle with Dr. Angela Hughes Veterinary geneticist and dog breeder Dr. Angela Hughes joins host Laura Reeves to break down how breeders can leverage genetic testing to preserve their breed’s future, balance breed standards with genetic diversity and avoid the devastating traps of popular sires. Drawing from her extensive career, including her pioneering work at W...

Dandies Down Under: Breeding with Integrity and Soft Outlines Laura Reeves  sits down with  Emma Greenway  of  Jolly Gaze kennels in Victoria, Australia, for an in-depth conversation on the history, breeding and styling of the 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...

Couture, Controversy, and the Future of Purebred Dogs with Caroline Clegg [caption id="attachment_17058" align="alignleft" width="300"] Caroline Clegg and Natasha, featured in the Elite Runway Experience.[/caption] Host Laura Reeves is joined by preservation breeder Caroline Clegg to pull back the curtain on the Elite Runway Experience currently rolling out on social media. Fusing the worlds of hi...

Mentorship in Motion: The Power of Partnership Sandra Pretari-Hickson joins host Laura Reeves to discuss her 25-year partnership with Betty-Anne Stenmark and how their shared devotion and collaborative mentorship have preserved the iconic King's Mountain Dandie Dinmont Terrier legacy. This episode of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Diaries is part of Pure Dog Talk’s Clubhouse. The series features membe...

The Sloughi: Inside the "Telepathic" World of the AKC’s Rarest Sighthound One distinction between Sloughi and Azawakh is the Moroccan dogs will have no white markings, Wyatt said.[/caption] Host Laura Reeves is joined by Erika Wyatt to explore the AKC's least popular fully recognized breed: the fascinating and rare Sloughi. Called "the best-kept secret in the AKC," this ancient, intuitive breed ha...

"A Little Person in a Dog Body": Inside the Whimsical World of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Sandy Wolfskill showing a Dandie to Anne Katona.[/caption] Pure Dog Talk host Laura Reeves sits down with Elfwish Kennels' Sandy Wolfskill to explore the art of preservation breeding, global pedigree collaboration and what it truly takes to safeguard the historic Dandie Dinmont Terrier for the next generation...

Beyond the Curls: Brains, Beauty and "Dad Jokes" of the Irish Water Spaniel [caption id="attachment_16944" align="alignleft" width="300"] Stacy Duncan and one of her Irish Water Spaniels.[/caption] Host Laura Reeves sits down with lifelong dog handler, breeder, and Westminster Best Junior winner Stacy Duncan to celebrate "Love the Breeds Month" with a captivating look at the rare and remarkable Ir...

Curved Toplines and Hearts of Gold: Tarwathie Dandie Dinmont Terriers Veteran breeder Kay Simpson of Tarwathie Dandies shares the precise combination of physical structure and gentle disposition that defines this rare, historic breed: Dandie Dinmont Terrier Diaries are part of the Pure Dog Talk Clubhouse ... Shining a Spotlight on the Legends, History and Future of the Breed [caption id="attachmen...