Gone to the Dogs Straight to the Top
As a long-haired surfer 50 years ago, Andy Linton’s only leash was attached to his surfboard. He never suspected his board would be replaced by a dog, but his first sniff came when, at 15, a family friend gave him a Doberman Pinscher — who happened to be a show dog.
“I thought it was ridiculous!” he says. I’d never heard of a dog show, but my friend talked me into entering one. I showed up in jeans and a T-shirt with a logging chain for a leash. We took second out of two dogs in the novice class! After breeding her, I got hooked when showing her puppies.”
Later, seeing that puppy owners were turning to professional handlers instead of Andy, he worked for professionals until eventually striking out on his own. His goal: to have the #1 dog at the iconic Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in NYC.
Early on, Andy’s Doberman Indy won Best in Show at Westminster. This, after surviving a life-threatening case of bloat en route to the show.
Then came a 37-year drought.
Despite showing up to 30 dogs per weekend as a professional handler, Andy’s goal became elusive.
Then Penny arrived: a four-year-old Doberman he’d been hired to train.About that time, a diagnosis of Parkinson’s also arrived.“I went from feeling athletic and coordinated to being klutzy at everything.”
A cuddly girl, Penny helped Andy through 2½ tough years. “When I first saw her — with so much heart and character — I knew she could win Westminster. I’d shown thousands of Dobermans. She motivated me to keep moving and going to shows.”
Finally ready for New York this year, the day before their February flight, the airline said it was too cold for Penny to fly. “I was ready to give up, but my fiancé Valerie rented an SUV and drove us across country in 2½ days — sleeping and eating at gas stations.”
Still not at full strength, Andy says, “I knew I’d be leaning strong on Penny. But nearing my career’s end, I wanted to give it one last big effort. During the show I miraculously didn’t feel any of the effects of Parkinson’s. Penny propped me up. I felt 35 again! It was a best showing for both Penny and me.”
Penny won 2026 Best in Show over 2,500 dogs of all breeds, in front of 15,000 people. The crowd cheered as Andy hugged and kissed “America’s #1 dog.”
Kind and gentle by nature, Andy is open about his dogs and his disease. His steady blue-eyed gaze belies his trembling hands. “I don’t play politics or favorites. I’m living proof that you don’t have to be political to be successful. I’ve never cheated, never tried to lure a judge. I stay on the straight and narrow.”
“I have more access to people than most. A junior handler might appreciate an encouraging word, and I try to make somebody’s day every day. It makes me love my job more.”
The perks, he says, also include playing with and training dogs, making his own schedule, choosing who he works for, and traveling the world.
“I wish every human could receive the love and care I’ve received,” he says. “The dog show community worldwide is like a big family.”
Planning to reduce his show schedule to allow more time to focus on his health and travel, these things will undoubtedly help him maintain his connection with that beloved worldwide family.
Candy Puterbaugh
50plus Magazine
Candy Puterbaugh is a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, groan-inducing punster, writer, competitive runner, pet lover, and tender of gardens.