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 precise conformation of its forebears? In this episode of Pure Dog Talk, host Laura Reeves sits down with legendary breeder Barbara Baese of Molly Bay Dandies. From her unexpected beginnings as a professional dancer who had never owned a dog to launching her kennel in 1989 with a "sight-unseen" puppy and a "Dandie or bust" attitude, Barbara shares her 36-year journey. Discover the secrets behind owning the all-time top agility Dandie Dinmont Terrier, the strict structural standards that define the breed’s iconic silhouette, and the fascinating (and rarely discussed) genetics behind breeding mustard and pepper coats. Whether you are a canine sports enthusiast, an aspiring breeder, or a judge seeking to understand the Illustrated Standard, this masterclass is packed with invaluable breed wisdom. What You’ll Learn in This Masterclass:

• The All-Around Performance Dog:Dandies are far more than companion dogs. Barbara shares her experience in Earthdog, Therapy work, and how she raised the #1 top agility Dandie Dinmont Terrier of all time.
• Decoding the Standard—"No Topline, No Dandie":Why the correct outline, a filled muzzle, dark round eyes, and a low tail set are non-negotiable for a true Dandie. Plus, the "teacup test" for smooth, effortless movement.
• The Complex Rules of Pepper & Mustard Genetics:Why you should never breed pepper-to-pepper (which dilutes furnishings) or mustard-to-mustard more than once, and how breeding the two colors together preserves the perfect coat texture and color depth.
• Behind the Name "Molly Bay":The heartwarming story of how Barbara and her husband blended their names to create a Celtic-sounding kennel name that is uniquely theirs.
• The Power of Mentorship:Lessons learned from breed giants like Christie Maxfield, Vern Wilson, Peggy Carr, and Kathy Nelson, and Barbara’s advice for the next generation of preservation breeders.

Episode Highlights

•  The "Dandie or Bust" Beginnings:How a vet visit and a picture of a "Don King" dog led to a long-distance search and a sight-unseen puppy flying in from Pennsylvania.
• Immersion Into Conformation:Learning to groom with Vern Wilson and standing by the ring with mentor Christie Maxfield to study the breed standard.
• The 3 Golden Priorities of Breeding:Why temperament comes first (the true "gentleman's terrier"), followed by health preservation (combating glaucoma and lymphoma), and structural movement.
• The Teacup Movement Test:Ensuring a Dandie moves with a smooth, flowing reach and drive rather than jumping like a Bichon Frise.
• Coat Color & Genetic Dilution:The definitive guide to breeding mustard and pepper coats to avoid graying furnishings.
• Beyond the Show Ring:How the club promotes this rare breed to the public through Scottish heritage festivals, custom brochures, and their very own tartan.

About Guest Barbara Baese Barbara Baese established Molly Bay Dandies in 1989. Over nearly four decades, she has been a tireless advocate for the preservation of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, serving as president of the parent club and mentoring exhibitors across the country. Her kennel is renowned for producing dogs that excel in conformation, obedience, therapy, earthdog, and record-breaking agility.