Posts by Laura Reeves
32 – Katie Campbell: Why the Public Shows Up at the Seattle Kennel Club Dog Show
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 purebred 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 purebred dog enthusiasts and club members.
Friday Fun: No Public at your Dog Show? Learn How Seattle does it Right!
Katie Campbell: Seattle Kennel Club Katie Campbell brings the success of Seattle Kennel Club media campaigns to PureDogTalk. Faced with a dense, metropolitan area with immense competition for visitors’ time…
Read Full Post31 – Not a Gene Pool…a Gene Puddle: Betty-Anne Stenmark on Dandie Dinmont Terriers
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”.
Wednesday Wisdom: Not a Gene Pool.. a Gene Puddle: Dandie Dinmont Terriers with Betty-Anne Stenmark
Mrs. Betty-Anne Stenmark: AKC Judge, Author, Activist, and True Contributor to our Sport Mrs. Betty-Anne Stenmark wrote the book on Dandie Dinmont Terriers…literally. Under the King’s Mtn. kennel name,…
Read Full Post30 – Hit Me with your Best Shot: Get Winning Win Photos of You and your Dog
29 – AKC’s Top Dogs – the Dog Show Superintendents with Becky Sumner of 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 her 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.
28 – Luc Boileau: Westminster Winner, Master Breeder and AKC Judge
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.
27 – Ringcraft: How to Read the Judge’s Mind
Yes, you can read the dog show judge’s mind! Laura Reeves lets you in on the secrets of ringcraft – master-level skills of understanding the judge’s 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.
26 – Winners of Westminster Dog Show: Bill McFadden, Valerie Nunes Atkinson, Andy Linton
Best in Show at Westminster Dog Show
2017 brings the 141st Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. WKC is older than AKC. A win in Madison Square Garden event is the epitome, of the dream for exhibitors, handlers and owners.
Listen as three past winners speak of the moment the spotlight awarded them Best in Show on the green carpet.
“I’m a greater believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it” – George Herman Ruth
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.
25 – Patricia Trotter: Legendary Breeder, Author, and AKC Judge – Vin-Melca’s Norwegian Elkhounds
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.



