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.

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.

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.

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....

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...

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...