Was the "Voice of Westminster" Your First Mentor?

David Frei was "The Voice of Westminster". For 27 years, David opened our eyes to the traits, instincts, stories and wonder of purebred dogs.  From David we heard about border collies and herding, Belgian Malinois as police dogs, golden retrievers, fox terriers, bloodhounds, siberian huskies, and so many more.  Almost always, the reason behind the pom-poms on the poodle was clearly defined.

Listen to Episode #33, Feb 27 on puredogtalk where David joins Laura Reeves for a walk into his beginnings and career in dogs.  Homage is given to his many mentors, especially in Afghan Hounds.  David talks about Pat Craige Trotter and "Craige-Hounds", a name respectfully given for her dominance in Norwegian Elkhounds.

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Seattle Kennel Club Dog Show Rocks!

Katie Campbell is a second-generation dog breeder and has been exhibiting and breeding under her own TAJI prefix since 1991. Though known worldwide for her highly acclaimed Basenjis, she is also a Breeder of Merit in Ibizan Hounds and Poodles. She has also judged across the USA and around the globe. Like many of us, Katie is an active member in an ensemble of purebred dog clubs, tirelessly aspiring to keep members active and replenishing their rosters. She does so with an inspirational message that mentors not only new owners and aspiring judges, but effectively reaches the public to share our pure bred dog message. As a member of the Seattle Kennel Club Board of Directors and show committee for Seattle Kennel Club’s upcoming large, diverse, and very public oriented show, Katie shares with us how the Seattle Kennel Club uses media to attract gate and potential new pure bred dog enthusiasts and club members.

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Mrs. Betty-Anne Stenmark

Mrs. Betty-Anne Stenmark wrote the book on Dandie Dinmont Terriers...literally.  Under the King's Mtn. kennel name, a long line of champions have been bred and an endangered breed preserved to this day.

We don't have a gene pool, we have a gene puddle.

Dandie Dinmont Terriers are a low-entry breed.  A situation that many of our breeds face today.  In Episode #31 of PureDogTalk.com, Mrs. Stenmark shares her wisdom and generous humor on the "Dandies".

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Photos Deserving of a Champion!

Laura Reeves drops some great tips from professional photographers Warren Cook, Meg Callea, Karen Evasuik and Karn Cowdry to make your win photos as great as your win!

 

Becky Sumner and BaRay Event Services

BaRay Event Services

Did you know that there are only 7 AKC licensed Superintendents?

Becky Sumner of BaRay Event Services tells all about the people who put on the show, handle all the details, and help the exhibitors along the way.

Becky Sumner has been involved in the sport of purebred dogs since the early 1980’s.  She has bred and owned Rottweilers, Tibetan Spaniels and Whippets.  She shares her home with husband Jerry, a pack of Whippets and a pair of Rottweilers.  Becky started working for BaRay Event Services in 2013 as a licensed superintendent, and became co-owner with Sheila Raymond the following year.  Prior to superintending, Becky owned a customer service oriented retail business.  Her downtime usually involves some beach, somewhere.

Breeder of Mulitiple Breeds - Professional Handler - AKC Judge

Great stories of the 1990 Westminster win against Pat Craige (Trotter) with her elkhound, and how the true education and focus on not just one, but many breeds influence Luc Boileau as a judge.  A little reminiscing on dog shows in the early days, and visiting the great kennels and breeders, and how intense and interested everyone was in learning.

A few tips for breeders and exhibitors... Mr. Boileau entertains us in his own unique way.

Luc Boileau has the unique experience of breeding a multitude of breeds.  Starting in Whippets and Poodles in Canada, Mr. Boileau managed show dogs at Ed Jenner's Knolland Farm.  Successful professional handler, Mr. Boileau won Westminster in 1990 with the Pekingese Ch Wendessa Crown Prince.

 

 

 

 

Yes, you can read the dog show judges mind!  Laura Reeves lets you in on the secrets of ringcraft - master level skills of understanding the judges hands, gestures, and procedures.  More on proofing a dog that has not been properly prepared for life as a show dog....or just a great companion.

Best in Show at Westminster Dog Show

2017 bring the 141st Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.  WKC is older than AKC.  A win in Madison Square Garden event is the epitome, the dream for exhibitor, handlers and owners.

Listen as three past winners speak of the moment the spotlight awarded them Best in Show on the green carpet.

Bill McFadden - Mick

Andy Linton - Indy

Valerie Nunes-Atkinson - CJ

 

 

“I'm a greater believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it” - George Herman Ruth

Andy Linton and Indy (photo Westminster KC)

Bill and Taffe McFadden and the Great Mick

Valerie Nunes-Atkinson and CJ (photo Valerie Nunes-Atkinson)

Buy the Book - The Dog Show

The Dog Show - 125 Years of Westminster

History and preservation of the longest and most renowned American dog show.  From the early days, through the wartime efforts, and to the televised spectacle it still is today.

Buy The Book - The Dog Show

Westminster Kennel Club

Patricia V. Trotter

Any serious or aspiring breeder should study the accomplishments of  Pat Trotter and her internationally famous Vin-Melca Norwegian Elkhounds.

* Top sire and dam in breed history

* 10 breeder-owner-handled group firsts at Westminster

* CH Vin-Melca's Vagabond in the AKC Museum of the Dog Hall of Fame

* Gaines Research Center's Girl Show Dog Fancier of the Year award

* 14 Kennel Review Breeder of the Year and Owner-Handler of the Year awards

* Quaker Oats (now Nature's Recipe) Hall of Fame

* Fido Awards-Dog Woman of the Year (1991) and Dog Writer of the Year (1998)

* AKC Hound Group Breeder of the Year - 2004

Her book, "Born to Win" is a library must-have book to be studied.  Mrs. Trotter received the 1997 Maxwell Medallion from the Dog Writers Association of America for her AKC Gazette column.

Pat Trotter's life is dedicated to her dogs and is an example of life-long learning and passion for excellence.

 

 

Laura Reeves brings an in-depth look at how to make a winning plan.

Best in Specialty or Best in Show?

All-Breed rankings or Breed rankings?

Owner Handler or Professional Handler?

Know what it takes to be #1!