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.

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.

Stud dogs working hard often experience:

• stress

• loss of appetite

• environmental impacts on sperm quality

Marty notes semen quality is affected by:

• being toohot or cold

• overexertion / too much stimulation

• stress from being surrounded by bitches in heat

So:

• keep him comfortable (climate control matters)

• make sure he’ssleeping

• if he won’t eat,tempt him(chicken in the bowl is fine — the goal is calories and nutrients)

Bottom line: a stud dog can’t produce quality semen if he’s not eating, resting and staying comfortable.

Instead of multiple breedings “because she’s standing,” Marty recommends:

• Require progesterone timingso breedings are targeted

• Useone breeding(maybe two), at the correct time

• Avoid exhausting the dog with daily/every-other-day breedingsbefore ovulation even happens

She emphasizes:

• ovulation typically aroundprogesterone 4–10

• peak fertility is abouttwo days after ovulation

Bottom line: progesterone timing protects the stud dog, improves pregnancy success, and prevents “emptying the tank.”

Today’s episode brings you a rare conversation with someone who does not say yes to interviews very often. Amy Rutherford joined host Laura Reeves for a holiday visit and the timing could not be better, fresh off her Best Bred-By Exhibitor win at the AKC National Championship with her Smooth Fox Terrier, Wager. For breeders, exhibitors, and dog show fans, this conversation delivers real insight into what it takes to build a program that lasts.

Amy’s path started early. Her parents were horse people who also kept Australian Shepherds before they were AKC recognized. A winter trip turned into a defining moment when the family got snowed in and visited an AKC dog show. From the stands, young Amy watched Smooth Fox Terriers in the ring and knew she wanted that life.

The journey was not immediate. Her first breed was Airedales, which taught hard lessons about grooming, structure, and realistic expectations. Eventually, she saved money and purchased Smooth Fox Terrier puppies that both finished quickly and became group winners. That early success did more than build confidence. It created a foundation and one of those early bitches still anchors the pedigree behind her dogs today.

Amy’s handling career developed the way the best ones often do, through years of real work. She spent summers helping professionals and then committed to a full apprenticeship with Eddie and Leslie Boyes. She stayed for nine years, learning the daily realities of conditioning, presentation, animal husbandry, trimming and the logistics that define show life.

That apprenticeship is a major takeaway for anyone interested in becoming a professional handler. Amy explains that experience builds skill and it builds a network. When she went out on her own, she had the credibility and connections that make the difference between surviving and thriving.

One of the most valuable parts of this episode is Amy’s honest discussion about stepping into breeds that are not part of your original comfort zone. She moved from Smooth Fox

Terriers into coated breeds including a Portugese Water Dog and a Standard Poodle import. Her advice is clear. Learn from the best people you can find, ask for feedback, and keep training your eye.

She also talks about the reality of showing a dog that does not match the popular look of the moment. Her Standard Poodle, Dino, was impressive and successful but also controversial. Amy says the key is believing in your dog completely and choosing shows and judges who will appreciate the dog’s strengths.

For preservation breeders, Amy’s success with Smooth Fox Terriers offers powerful lessons. She describes how she pursued the look she wanted, sought mentorship and bred to the best dogs available. The results include legendary dogs like Dover, a top-winning Smooth Fox Terrier who also became a major sire.

That legacy continues with Wager, the dog who earned Best Bred-By Exhibitor at the AKC National Championship. Amy shares the behind the scenes breeding decisions, the role of frozen semen and a few “miracle” moments that made Wager possible.

If you are serious about showing dogs, preservation breeding, or building a kennel name with meaning, this episode is required listening. Learn more and listen now at PureDogTalk.com.

As we come to the close of another year — one that has been long, challenging, and filled with upheaval both globally and within the purebred dog fancy — it felt right to pause, reflect and remember why we do what we do.

One of the great comforts of purebred dogs is their reliability. No matter what else is happening in the world, somewhere nearby there is a dog event — a show, a trial, a hunt test, a training day. These gatherings give us a chosen family: people who console us when times are hard, celebrate with us when times are good, and understand the passion that binds us together.

In dog breeding, one of my favorite phrases is “on the shoulders of giants.” While famous handlers may get the television time, the true unsung heroes of purebred dogs are the breeders.

Breeders are the devoted advocates and curators of living history. Their imagination, vision, commitment, and endurance preserve breeds that represent centuries — sometimes millennia — of human partnership with dogs. And yet, too often, when master breeders pass, their hard-earned knowledge disappears with them.

Pure Dog Talk was created, in part, to save and share that irreplaceable wisdom.

Through our podcast archives, albums, and seminars, we aim to preserve the voices, stories, and experience of the best and brightest breeders worldwide — so that future generations don’t have to reinvent what has already been learned.

Every one of the 200+ breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club — and many more worldwide — represents a specific time, place, and human culture. Purebred dogs are a living, breathing continuum of history.

Pedigrees bring that history directly into our homes. Some breeding records trace back thousands of years. Long before formal breed standards existed, early humans were selectively breeding dogs for climate adaptation, specialized diets, hunting ability, and companionship.

Recent research has even reshaped our understanding of ancient breeds:

• TheGreenland Dogis now considered the oldest known dog breed, tracing back to the Pleistocene era.

• Basenjis, depicted in cave art dating to 6,000 BC, possess uniquely distinct DNA.

• Greyhoundsdescribed in a 15th-century poem still match the breed standard today — and every modern Greyhound traces back to a single dog whelped in England in 1839.

• Bedlington Terriersboast the oldest unbroken terrier pedigree, dating to 1782.

• Ancient breeds like theChow Chow,Shar Pei,Pug,Pekingese,Peruvian Inca Orchid, and Nordic Spitz breeds tell stories of emperors, explorers, and civilizations long past.

That dog curled up on your couch? Their family tree may reach back centuries — even thousands of years.

This living history survives only because breeders care enough to protect it.

From documenting pedigrees to choosing the right homes for puppies, from studying genetics to honoring breed purpose, preservation breeding is both an art and a responsibility.

At Pure Dog Talk, we are committed to supporting that mission:

• Over50 hours of breeder interviewsavailable in the PDT Albums

• Pedigrees to Puppies seminars, offering hands-on, real-world education

• Breed-focused resources like theLove the Breedsalbum

• New projects and educational opportunities coming soon

Our website, PureDogTalk.com, has grown into a deep, rich resource — and there’s even more ahead in the coming year.

As the year comes to a close, our tiny but mighty team at Pure Dog Talk thanks you — breeders, exhibitors, judges, trainers, puppy buyers and dog lovers — for being part of this community.

Your passion is our purpose.

Wishing you, your dogs, and your families a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year.

Peace and goodwill to all.

— Laura Reeves
Host, Pure Dog Talk

By Laura Reeves • Pure Dog Talk

Pure Dog Talk is the voice of purebred dogs. We bring you conversations with legends of the sport and offer practical, actionable guidance for creating an extraordinary life with your purebred dog. In this episode, host Laura Reeves dives into a timely and essential topic: how to show dogs effectively without breaking the bank.

Dog shows are more plentiful than ever—but the costs are rising. Entry fees, fuel, lodging, grooming supplies, and time away from work or family can quickly turn a joyful hobby into a financial strain. Showing on a shoestring doesn’t mean cutting corners—it means strategizing, choosing wisely and investing where it matters most.

As Laura says, “Your passion is our purpose.”
These tips will help you maximize results while minimizing expenses.

Before entering a single show, determine exactly what you want to accomplish:

• Finishing a Championship
  You must attend shows with reliable breed entries.

• Earning a Grand Championship
  Prioritize majors and competition.

• Ranking in Breed or Group Standings
  Breed rankings require breed entries; group rankings require competitive groups.

“You can’t make a plan until you make a goal.”

Knowing your goal drives every decision—from which shows to attend to how far you should travel.

Not every show is equal, and not every judge appreciates the same breed style.

• InfoDog— view historical entries in your breed and region

• AKC Judges Directory— review judges’ assignment histories and past results

Understanding which judges favor your dog’s strengths can save hundreds of dollars in wasted entries.

“Don’t write a judge off forever—just write them off for that particular dog.”

Make informed entries. Your wallet will thank you.

Showing is more affordable—and far more enjoyable—with a team.

• Share travel and lodging costs

• Split grooming space

• Help hold dogs and support each other in the ring

• Enjoy camaraderie rather than showing alone

The Pure Dog Talk Patrons Group is an excellent place to build these relationships.

“Your enjoyment of dog shows increases when you have people to hang out with—and it saves you money.”

Showing an untrained or poorly conditioned dog is one of the most expensive mistakes exhibitors make.

Create a grooming and conditioning routine—put it in your phone like any other appointment:

• Tuesday:full groom, brush-out, trim, or strip

• Weekly:training sessions

• Before shows:conditioning, coat checks, toenails, ring readiness

“If it’s not on your calendar, you probably won’t do it.”

A competitive dog is a cost-effective dog.

Sometimes the best show for your goals is not the closest one.

A single well-planned trip can be more effective—and cheaper—than several local shows with no results.

“One productive road trip is often less expensive than four local shows that get you nothing but indigestion.”

Avoid unreliable online judge-rating sites and seek guidance from trusted mentors or experienced breeders.

Hiring a handler does not mean outsourcing your dog’s entire career. Often, sending a dog with a professional for a single weekend or a short campaign can achieve goals that would otherwise take years.

Choose only handlers who are:
✔ Members of the Professional Handler Association
✔ Participants in the AKC Registered Handler Program

“Sometimes a handler can get things done that you simply can’t—and it pencils out.”

This can be the most cost-effective route when targeted wisely.

Entering a dog that isn’t competitive wastes money and sets everyone up for frustration.

Laura’s advice for puppies:

• Show in4–6 monthsfor exposure

• Skip regular conformation until the dog is mature and competitive

• Use that time to do obedience, rally, scent work, or socialization

“Bring your dog out when it is competitive and ready to win.”

Waiting until two or three years old is often the smartest path—especially in breeds that mature slowly.

Small savings add up quickly:

• Skip expensive post-show dinners

• Bring food and supplies

• Share hotel rooms

• Use thesuperintendent’s direct entry optionwhen possible to avoid online fees (save $4–$5 per entry)

“You can pay for multiple entries with the money you save by skipping one fancy dinner.”

Many handlers welcome help and are willing to teach exhibitors who show interest.

You might assist with:

• Holding dogs

• Walking dogs

• Setting up and tearing down

• Grooming prep

• Ring support

In return, you gain invaluable hands-on experience.

“Handlers will spend enormous time teaching you if you show interest—and they always need help.”

• The Junior must reside in the region
• The Junior will have earned three first place wins in an Open Class with competition in the prior 12 months ending 3 months prior to the date of the event

• Use of a Superintendent
• Should there be an entry fee, it should not exceed the regular event fee
• The Junior Regional must be held in conjunction with an all-breed event
• AKC will offer $1,000 in Scholarship funds for Best Junior to be matched by the club