About Us

Bryan and Nancy Martin offer individual training, specialized conditioning and proper grooming techniques for all breeds. Having been involved in the dog show world since the 1960's, they have the experience which allows them to present your dog to it's fullest potential.

Bryan started showing dogs and participating in Junior Showmanship competition as a youngster, and has been involved in Basset Hounds since 1962. He was a show assistant to both Jack Funk and Doug McClain until he attended college, earning a BA degree from Iowa State University in 1976.

After graduation, Bryan broadened his handling base to include all breeds, but continued to specialize in the Basset Hound, adding multiple top ranked hounds to his growing resume. Bryan also made his mark with Group and Best in Show wins with breeds as varied as the Great Pyrenees and the Sussex Spaniel, with a foray into judging the Junior Showmanship competition at Westminster Kennel Club, which was quite an honor.

BIS BISS CH. Topsfield Bumper Cars, CD, ROM - Bryan is pictured above with Bumpers, the Number One Basset Hound in Breed and All-Breed Systems for 2002, the Number Two Hound in 2002, and Best of Breed at Westminster Kennel Club. With Bryan, Bumpers accumulated 45 all breed Best in Shows, 23 Specialty Best in Shows, and 250 Group One wins.

Nancy, a transplanted New Yorker, began her career in the sport of dogs around 1967, breeding and showing Doberman Pinschers and Pointers. She worked as an assistant to a number of high profile handlers in the 1970's - Bill Trainor, Bob and Jane Forsyth, and Joy Brewster, as well.

Nancy then put her excellent grooming skills to work for her and as an all breed professional handler in her own right, she stepped into the winner's circle with a Gordon Setter and has never looked back. Nancy is currently known across the country for her skillful handling of Best in Show, Best in Specialty Show and number one ranked Samoyeds and Japanese Chins.

BIS BISS CH. Chindale's Outback Jack - Nancy is shown above with Jack, having earned multiple Best in Show and Best in Specialty Show wins, along with numerous Toy Group wins and placements. Jack is currently the Top Winning Japanese Chin of all time.

Bryan and Nancy have been handling dogs together since 1983 and are very proud to continue to be associated with high quality dogs of all breeds.

The Martins handle all breeds currently recognized in all groups listed by the American Kennel Club. The breeds vary from show to show, and weekend to weekend, but you are guaranteed to find a Samoyed or a Basset Hound traveling along on their way to the next dog show site, and more than likely coming back home having been in the ribbons!

The Kennel and Traveling Facilities

The Martin show kennel is located on a five and a half acre estate in Mettawa, Illinois, a northern suburb of Chicago. The kennel building is attached to the residence so all dogs in the care of Bryan and Nancy are able to be closely monitored.

The kennel building, containing indoor runs, is heated and air conditioned, and all outdoor exercise runs are covered to provide comfort and protection from the elements afforded by the ever-changing midwest weather.

All the dogs travel across the country with Bryan and Nancy in a completely self-contained motor home, fully equipped with all the necessities and comforts available to and for the dogs.

Care and consideration for the dogs are always of primary concern. Besides the appropriate heating and cooling of the dog's living quarters, the motor home contains the most up to date safety features including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and a temperature alarm system to monitor the interior while at a show site.

Please feel free to contact us for more information.