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Better Breeder Chronicles

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Rating
★★★★★
4.7
from
13 reviews
This podcast has
27 episodes
Language
English
Explicit
No
Date created
2025/08/08
Latest episode
2026/02/03
Average duration
70 min.
Release period
8 days

Description

Welcome to the Better Breeder Chronicles where we meet the finest purebred dog breeders in the world. We spotlight these master breeders, hearing their stories in their own words—including their beginnings, their challenges and heartbreaks, and ultimately, their climb to the top and their determination to breed a better dog. We share their journeys to inspire all purebred conservation dog breeders to pursue their dreams for their breeding programs!

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Meet Amy Kiell-Green: Master Breeder of Pebbles’ Run Samoyeds
2026/02/03
Pebbles Run Samoyeds and master breeder Amy Kiell-Green built a world-class breeding program by prioritizing the dog, the breed, and long-term integrity over trends, titles, and quick wins. In this episode of Better Breeder Chronicles, Amy Kiell-Green shares the story behind Pebbles Run Samoyeds, from her early start in purebred dogs, to the incredible mentors she’s had in her life, to producing legendary winners known for health, longevity, and unmistakable breed type. With decades of experience, she offers honest insight into what it takes to build a program that lasts. In this episode, you’ll hear • Why pedigree and consistency matter more than chasing what’s popular • How mentors outside the breed shaped her vision • The hardest Samoyed traits to preserve and why they matter • How to handle criticism and stay true to your program • Why health and longevity always come before ribbons 👉 Watch now and learn what it really means to breed for the love of the dog and the future of the breed. Timestamps: 00:42 Amy Green and Pebbles Run 01:50 How Amy got started with Samoyeds 03:47 Becoming a breeding 04:31 Early mentors and outside influences 09:19 Defining the Pebbles Run vision 10:25 Early breeding choices and risks 11:52 The role of pedigree 12:39 Linebreeding philosophy 13:37 Managing dogs at every life stage 15:59 What a Pebbles Run Samoyed looks like 18:57 Hardest traits to maintain 20:12 Coat texture and color 21:41 Challenges and criticism in breeding 25:52 Dogs that defined the program 35:12 Future direction of the program 38:05 How the vision has evolved 38:37 Importance of breeder collaboration 42:45 Connecting with puppy buyers 44:32 Biggest challenges facing the breed 47:12 What breeders should focus on today 49:22 The Show & Go generation 55:36 Maintaining quality over generations 57:06 Breeders who Amy admires most 58:19 What Amy is most proud of 1:01:03 Advice to aspiring breeders 1:02:34 How Pebbles Run wants to be remembered 1:03:12 How to connect with Pebbles Run #PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows #AmyKiellGreen #PebblesRunSamoyed #SamoyedDogs #SamoyedBreeder #AKCSamoyedBreeders #WestminsterDogShow #WestminsterKennelClub #WKCDogShow #WestminsterWinner
Meet Janice Hayes: Master Breeder of Stellar Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen (PBGVs)
2026/01/27
Behind every great Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is a keen eye, endless patience, and a breeding plan. Janice Hayes of Stellar PBGVs shares the hard-earned lessons behind her journey from junior handler to handling assistant to Westminster Best In Show-winning handler, and now a world-class breeder. You’ll learn: - Why patience is non-negotiable in a successful PBGV breeding program - How important the professional handler-breeder relationship is - What pedigree knowledge really means in practice - Why timing can matter more than talent - How trust and collaboration shape lasting breeding legacies This is a rare, honest look at the mindset behind world-class breeder — from the ring to the whelping box. 👉 Watch the full episode to hear the Stellar Story firsthand. Timestamps: 00:30 Introduction to Janice Hayes 01:45 First inspiration and junior handling years 08:13 From handler to breeder mindset 17:53 Choosing the PBGV as her breed 24:10 Building the foundation breeding lines 33:56 Small breed challenges and pedigree depth 39:33 Creating distance within a small breed 45:11 Learning pedigrees by hands-on experience 52:46 Buddy Holly and the Westminster win 57:43 Incorporating Buddy Holly into breeding 1:01:16 How pedigree guides breeding decisions 1:08:39 Defining the ideal PBGV type 1:11:42 The hardest breed traits to attain 1:15:10 Future direction of the breeding program 1:19:14 Handler and breeder relationship 1:23:50 Why breeders must focus on the next generation 1:27:54 Educating the public and using social media 1:31:01 The most significant challenge in the breed 1:32:44 What should breeders focus on today 1:41:47 Breeders who shaped her philosophy 1:44:00 What is Janice most proud of 1:58:02 Advice for aspiring breeders 2:02:01 Legacy of Stellar PBGVs 2:03:38 Where to find Janice #PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows #JaniceHayes #StellarPBGVs #PetitBassetGriffonVendeen #PBGVDogs #WestminsterDogShow #WestminsterKennelClub #WKCDogShow #WestminsterWinner
Meet Armando Angelbello: Master Breeder of Marlex Miniature Pinschers
2026/01/20
What did it take Armando Angelbello of Marlex Miniature Pinschers to build a legendary breeding program? It’s a story shaped by mentorship, vision, and decades of disciplined decision-making. Armando reflects on how a chance discovery of the Miniature Pinscher led to mentorship under a breed icon, a record-setting 15 National Specialty wins, and the creation of a recognizable Marlex type known around the world. In this conversation, you’ll hear: - Why mentorship mattered more than pedigrees alone - How he balances phenotype, genotype, and movement in breeding decisions - The biggest challenges facing Miniature Pinschers today - Why breeder collaboration is essential for the future - What aspiring breeders must focus on to build lasting quality Insightful, honest, and grounded in decades of experience, this episode is a must-watch for breeders, exhibitors, and anyone passionate about purebred dogs. 👉 Watch now and learn from one of the breed’s most respected voices. Timestamps: 00:36 Meet Armando Angelbello 01:54 Early life and first miniature pinschers 09:35 Building the Marlex bloodline 22:26 Pedigree vs phenotype in breeding 24:10 Size and structure of the breeding program 27:27 Biggest challenges in breeding 31:05 Hardest traits to achieve in Min Pins 32:44 What defines a Marlex Miniature Pinscher 36:31 Future direction of the Marlex program 39:00 Bringing new people into purebred dogs 43:02 Preserving bloodlines and breed survival 45:30 Collaboration vs competition 49:33 How goals and vision evolved 50:18 Marketing to the general public 51:30 Current challenges in the sport 53:29 Reasons for optimism about the future 54:31 Maintaining quality over time 55:33 The master breeder Armando admires 57:37 What Armando is most proud of 59:17 Advice for aspiring breeders 1:00:30 How Armando wants Marlex remembered 1:01:00 Where to follow Marlex today #PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCdogshows #ArmandoAngelbello #MiniaturePinschers #MarlexMinPins #MinPins #AKCMiniaturePinschers
Meet Bill Shelton & Steve Leyerly: Master Breeders of Coventry Pembroke Welsh Corgis
2026/01/13
What does it really take to build a legendary bloodline and sustain it for decades? In this episode of Better Breeder Chronicles, Matt Stelter sits down with Bill Shelton and Steve Leyerly of Coventry Pembroke Welsh Corgis. Bill is one of the most respected thought-leader/breeders in the sport. With generations of National Specialty, Westminster, and Best in Show winners, Bill & Steve share the real story behind Coventry’s success beyond trophies and accolades. In this conversation we cover: - How Coventry began and the mentors who shaped their path - Why breeding is more art than science - What breeders often get wrong about linebreeding and outcrossing - The importance of health, temperament, and reproduction, not just wins - Why collaboration is critical for the future of purebred dogs This is a grounded, experience-driven conversation packed with wisdom and some lessons you likely have never heard before. 👉 Watch now to hear the full Coventry story and take away insights that can elevate any breeding program. Timestamps: 00:20 Bill Shelton of Coventry Pembroke Welsh Corgis 02:00 Early life and first dogs 05:30 Mentors and handling career 08:45 Transition to Pembroke Welsh Corgis 10:42 First Coventry litter and foundation bitch 13:10 Origin of the Coventry kennel name 14:24 Building the early breeding program 19:41 Breeding philosophy and linebreeding 24:44 Size of the breeding program 29:56 Defining the Coventry type 37:53 Structure, movement, and anatomy 42:42 Achievements and breed impact 52:32 Key Coventry dogs and bloodlines 1:01:41 Health, reproduction, and setbacks 1:11:04 Stud dogs and genetic families 1:20:06 Mentors, handlers, and collaborators 1:27:28 Partner breeders and satellite programs 1:33:39 Challenges facing purebred dogs 1:44:57 What Bill is most proud of 1:50:45 Advice for aspiring breeders 1:54:49 Coventry’s legacy and final thoughts #PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCdogshows #BillSheltonAndSteveLeyerly #PembrokeWelshCorgi #CoventryCorgis #WestminsterDogShow
Meet Karen & Clint Livingston: Master Breeders of Trio Brittanys
2026/01/06
What separates breeders who last from those who chase the moment? In this episode, Karen and Clint Livingston, master breeders of Trio Brittanys, share how mentorship, discipline, and long-term thinking shaped their approach to breeding Brittanys that succeed in both the ring and the field. You’ll learn: - Why mentorship mattered more than early wins - How they breed three generations ahead, not litter to litter - Why they choose type over trends - What responsible breeding really demands, from planning to placement If you care about building something that lasts, not just winning today, this conversation delivers hard-earned insight. 👉 Watch now and learn what it takes to breed with purpose. Timestamps: 00:24 Show introduction and guest overview 02:08 Clint Livingston's background in dogs 03:01 Karen Livingston’s early start in dogs 04:22 Mentorship and early influences 10:04 First steps into breeding 12:34 Dual-purpose Brittany philosophy 15:00 Influential breeders and mentors 19:28 Competing paths and early rivalry 22:51 Building the Trio breeding vision 27:02 Role of pedigree in breeding 29:34 Outcrossing strategy 30:48 Ideal Trio Brittany type 32:42 Hardest traits to achieve 35:08 Foundation dogs of the Trio 44:22 Challenges and setbacks in breeding 47:33 Collaboration over competition 51:46 Top winners and breeding decisions 54:51 Using frozen semen thoughtfully 57:25 Defining success today 59:35 Biggest challenges facing the breed 59:50 Breeders to watch and admire 1:04:19 Greatest accomplishments 1:05:51 Advice to aspiring breeders 1:07:43 How Trio wants to be remembered #PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCdogshows #KarenAndClintLivingston #TrioBrittanys #BrittanySpaniels #BritannyDogBreeding
Meet Lorrie Carlton: Master Breeder of Belle Creek Bichon Frise
2025/12/30
Great breeding isn’t luck. It’s decades of discipline, loss, and vision. In this episode, Lorrie Carlton of Belle Creek Bichons opens up about a lifetime in purebred dogs, the hard lessons behind elite breeding, and the once-in-a-generation dog that changed everything. What you’ll discover: - How Belle Creek began and why foundations matter more than trends - The breeding mistakes that forced difficult, ethical decisions - Why structure and movement matter more than perfect grooming - The full story of Flynn, the Bichon that conquered Westminster - What today’s breeders must do to preserve bloodlines, health, and honesty 👉 Watch the full episode to hear the Belle Creek story in Lorrie’s own words. Timestamps: 00:30 Meet Lorrie Carlton 01:53 Growing Up & Family Background 06:25 Finding Bichons &First Big Wins 13:27 Learning Structure and Grooming 18:44 Bloodlines That Built Bell Creek 40:10 The Early Rise of Flynn 48:17 Flynn’s Lasting Impact 51:34 The Westminster Story 1:01:42 Challenges Facing Today’s Breeders 1:03:56 Collaboration Over Competition 1:05:40 The Structure Problem in the Breed 1:07:00 Reaching the Public as Breeders 1:08:40 Breeders She Recommends 1:10:36 Bell Creek’s Greatest Achievements 1:11:42 Advice for Aspiring Breeders 1:12:35 Defining the Bell Creek Legacy 1:14:10 Where to Find Bell Creek 1:15:10 Final Reflections #PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows #LorrieCarlton #BichonFrise #BelleCreek #BellCreekBichons
Meet Susan Lacroix Hamil: Master Breeder of Quiet Creek Bloodhounds
2025/12/23
In this episode, we talk with Susan Lacroix Hamil of Quiet Creek Bloodhounds, one of the most respected modern Bloodhound breeding programs. She shares her journey from 4-H to producing Best in Show dogs and dedicated working hounds, along with the lessons she’s learned from a lifetime with the breed. In this conversation, Susan explains: - Why bitches are the foundation of any strong breeding program - How mentors and bloodlines shaped Quiet Creek’s type - The biggest challenges facing modern breeders - Why health, temperament, and scenting ability matter more than wins - How conservation breeders can protect the future of purebred dogs 👉 Watch now and hear the Quiet Creek story from Susan LaCroix Hamil. Timestamps: 00:28 Meet Susan Lacroix Hamil 01:42 Early background in 4-H 04:06 First dog shows and early mentors 05:28 Influential breeders and joining the parent club 07:38 Mentorship in a small breed community 09:31 Lessons learned from master breeders 10:33 Key turning points in the breeding journey 12:24 Establishing the Quiet Creek foundation 15:56 Core breeding strategies and linebreeding 18:55 Pedigree importance and tough decisions 19:56 Outcrossing and what to look for 23:29 What a Quiet Creek Bloodhound looks like 24:32 Changes in breed type over time 25:52 Hardest traits to maintain 29:15 Notable dogs of Quiet Creek 37:49 Biggest challenges in the program 40:31 How her goals evolved over time 41:05 Defining success today 43:35 Marketing conservation breeders to the public 46:51 Concerns for the future of the breed 49:22 Reasons for optimism 50:59 Breeders she admires 52:21 What Susan is most proud of 53:21 Advice for aspiring breeders 53:58 Quiet Creek legacy 54:27 How to contact Susan #PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows #SusanLacroixHamil #QuietCreek #BloodhoundsDogs #QuietCreekBloodhounds
Meet Paul and Kelley Catterson: Master Breeders of Bobcat & Alnair Brussels Griffons and Aussies
2025/12/16
What does it really take to rebuild a dog breeding program and recapture your breed type? In this episode, Paul and Kelley Catterson share the inside story of their work with Brussels Griffons and Australian Shepherds, from early mentorship to reviving breeding programs. You’ll learn: - Why linebreeding creates true consistency and why it’s becoming a lost art. - How one legendary Griffon, Ch. Cilleine Masquerade, “Lincoln,” transformed the breed and still influences pedigrees today. - How genetics, health testing, and temperament shape their modern breeding decisions. - Why mentorship matters more than ever in a sport that’s struggling to retain knowledgeable breeders. 👉 Watch now to hear how these two dog experts rebuilt their bloodlines and their vision for the breeds they love. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:27 Meet Paul & Kelley Catterson 01:47 Paul’s early start in purebred dogs 03:11 Kelley’s journey into Australian Shepherds 04:00 Falling back in love with dogs and handling 05:22 Key mentors and breed foundations 07:49 Restarting the Bobcat breeding program 09:04 Linebreeding and pedigree strategy 11:31 Challenges and rebuilding Australian Shepherd lines 15:08 Kennel size and co-breeding partnerships 16:10 Ideal Brussels Griffon traits 17:55 Ideal Australian Shepherd traits 18:58 Notable Bobcat dogs and legacy bloodlines 24:12 Influential Alnair Australian Shepherds 26:58 Breeding setbacks and heartbreaks 28:18 Supporting puppy buyers and mentorship 30:55 Evolving breeding goals 32:09 Redefining success in breeding 33:13 Current challenges in pedigrees and genetics 34:23 Optimism for the future of the breeds 35:27 Preserving breed type and temperament 36:31 The most notable accomplishments 38:19 Advice for aspiring breeders 39:24 Where to learn more about their programs #PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCdogshows #PaulAndKelleyCatterson #BobcatAndAlnair #BrusselsGriffons #AustralianShepherds
Meet Jim and Ann White: Master Breeders of Cambria Dobermans
2025/12/09
Behind some of the most influential Dobermans in history are two breeders who spent a lifetime advancing the breed. In this episode, Jim and Ann White of Cambria Dobermans open up about how their program started, what they learned the hard way, and how one dog, Ch. Cambria’s Cactus Cash, ended up influencing the breed for nearly 20 years. They talk honestly about selecting dogs, building consistency, dealing with setbacks, and what really matters when you’re trying to do things the right way. It's a candid look at two breeders whose lifelong commitment has shaped not just their dogs, but the very standard the breed stands on today. Watch now! Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:02 Jim and Ann White of Cambria Dobermans 02:25 How they began with Dobermans 04:40 How they met and started Cambria 08:48 Key influences and early mentors 11:10 Key moments in their breeding journey 12:24 Establishing the Cambria vision 15:21 Breeding strategy and genetic principles 16:42 Outcrossing philosophy 18:06 Dog numbers and co-ownerships 19:08 Challenges in maintaining quality 20:48 The “ruthless” selection process 22:51 What a Cambria Doberman looks like 26:46 How Cambria type evolved over decades 29:15 The dogs that made Cambria 34:15 The rise of Cactus Cash 39:40 Ch. Cambria’s Out for Justice 42:14 Prominent Cambria brood bitches 49:36 Jim’s medical crisis and its impact 56:50 What are they most proud of 59:56 Advice to aspiring breeders 1:02:30 Legacy and hopes for the breed 1:04:43 Where to find Cambria Dobermans online #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCdogshows #PurebredDogs #JimAndAnnWhite #CambriaDobermans #CactusCash #TopProducingSire
Meet Tim Terella: Master Breder of Snoebear Siberian Huskies
2025/12/02
What does it really take to breed a Siberian Husky that’s both beautiful and built to work?  In this episode, master breeder Tim Terella shares the real foundations of great breeding: balance, correct movement, functional structure, and honest evaluation.  Tim explains how he took his parents’ breeding program and built Snoebear Siberians into a consistent, respected bloodline. He shares the story behind Gin, one of today’s top-winning dogs all-breeds. Finally, he breaks down the challenges facing modern breeders and why collaboration with others matters more than ever. ⏯️ Perfect for anyone curious about how great breeders actually build and protect their lines. Tune in now. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:02 Meet Tim Terella of Snoebear Siberians 02:12 Early years and family background 05:01 Influence of Tim’s parents 06:27 Key mentors and early guidance 09:31 Taking over the Snoebear program 11:38 Developing his breeding vision 14:02 Meeting Megan and their partnership 17:23 Breeding strategies and theories 20:36 Step-by-step progression 23:23 How Tim evaluates dogs 25:16 What defines a Snoebear Siberians 27:20 Differences from current ring trends 30:52 Dogs that shaped the Snoebear 37:05 The Story of Gin 37:16 Gin’s standout year 42:25 Biggest breeding challenges 46:29 Public perception of purebred breeders 50:07 Need for breeder collaboration 55:25 How his goals evolved 55:54 What success means today 56:52 What makes him optimistic 58:06 A breeder he would like on the show 58:47 Tim’s proudest achievement 1:02:34 Advice for aspiring breeders 1:04:41 Snoebear Huskies’ legacy 1:05:28 Where to find Tim #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCdogshows #PurebredDogs #DogBreeding #TimTerella #SiberianHuskies #SnoebearSiberians
Meet Bill McFadden: Master Breeder of Random Wire Fox Terriers
2025/11/25
From his first Rough Collie to building the world-renowned Random Wire Fox Terriers, Bill McFadden has spent a lifetime shaping excellence, one breeding at a time.  In this episode, he shares how Random Wire Fox Terriers began, the mentors who shaped him, the dogs that defined his legacy. He also explains how careful selection and vision turned his passion into a program known for sound temperaments, type, and timeless quality. 🎧Listen now for an inside look at how true master breeders think, plan, and build a legacy. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:27 Meet Bill McFadden of Random Wire Fox Terriers 01:20 How Bill Entered Purebred Dogs 08:21 Early Mentors & Foundational Influences 10:16 Building a Vision for Random Wires 10:25 The Dogs That Shaped His Breeding Eye 12:56 Type-to-Type vs. Physical Compensation 14:28 Bill’s Early Breeding Strategies 15:51 Role of Pedigree in Today’s Program 17:32 Finding the Right Outcross 20:06 Bill’s Dog Evaluation Process 22:39 The Random Wirefox Terrier “Look” 24:32 Comparing to Today’s Breed Type 26:39 Most Notable Dogs & Their Impact 39:46 Sharing Top Dogs With Other Handlers 40:02 Achieving an English Championship 46:35 Setbacks & Lessons Learned 49:32 Bringing New People Into the Sport 56:21 Breeders as Partners, Not Rivals 58:07 How His Vision Has Evolved 1:02:47 Optimism for Future 1:07:31 What Breeders Should Focus on 1:10:56 Master Breeders Bill Respects 1:13:02 What Bill Is Most Proud Of 1:14:23 Advice to Aspiring Breeders 1:15:41 How Bill Hopes to Be Remembered 1:16:54 How to Find Bill Online #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCdogshows #PurebredDogs #DogBreeding #BillMcFadden #RandomWireFoxTerriers #WireFoxTerriers
Meet Grace Fritz: Master Breeder of Good Fortune Chinese Shar-Pei
2025/11/18
A LIFE Magazine cover changed everything for Grace Fritz, inspiring a journey that would redefine the Shar-Pei breed in America. From her early National Specialty wins to producing the top-winning Shar-Pei in breed history, Grace shares how careful selection, sound structure, and genetic insight built her Good Fortune line into one of the most admired Shar-Pei programs in the world. She opens up about the heartbreaks behind the ribbons, the health challenges that shaped her breeding philosophy, and why preserving purebred dogs is more important than ever. ▶️ Watch now to discover the story, strategy, and heart behind Good Fortune Shar-Pei and what every breeder can learn from Grace’s journey. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:33 Meet Grace Fritz 02:12 How Grace discovered the Shar-Pei breed 02:56 First shows and early wins 03:43 Mentors who shaped her breeding journey 07:23 Foundational bloodlines and breeding approach 08:32 Balancing outcrossing and linebreeding 10:57 How Grace evaluates puppies 12:15 Defining the Good Fortune Shar-Pei type 14:30 Notable dogs that built her legacy 21:03 Recent successes and upcoming litters 22:50 Health challenges in the breed 25:00 Promoting purebred awareness 28:35 Using science and genetic tools 29:50 The value of judges' decisions today 30:27 Most significant challenge of the breed 29:10 Mentorship and bringing new breeders in 31:11 Optimism for the future 32:57 Advice for aspiring breeders 34:01 Legacy of Good Fortune Shar-Peis 34:46 Closing thoughts and contact info #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCdogshows #PurebredDogs #GraceFritz #GoodFortune #SharPei
Meet Meghen Riese-Bassel: Master Breeder of Renascent Welsh Springer Spaniels
2025/11/11
Meghen Riese-Bassel of Renascent (and formerly Statesman) Welsh Springer Spaniels grew up as a second-generation breeder. She shares how a childhood surrounded by dogs and great mentors transformed into a lifelong mission to breed with purpose. She talks about those mentoring opportunities, balancing art and science in breeding, and how international collaboration helped improve health and temperament through the generations. Meghen also opens up about the real work behind the wins, family, setbacks, and staying devoted to the breed. 🎧 Watch now to hear the story behind one of the most influential breeders in the world of purebred dogs. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:12 Meet Meghen Riese-Bassel 02:54 Growing Up & Family Life 04:10 Family Mentorship & Origins of “Statesman” 06:50 Early Mentors and the Education of a Breeder 09:06 Learning Through Debate 11:28 Game-Changing Experiences 13:52 Learning From Other Breeds 16:40 Becoming an Independent Breeder 17:39 Defining Breed Styles & Health Priorities 20:56 The First Imports That Changed Everything 22:59 Strategic Breeding Decisions 25:53 Combining Bloodlines for Progress 30:10 The Renascent Welsh Springer Spaniel 32:33 Influential Dogs of the Kennel 37:59 Power of Collaboration 44:54 Breeding Challenges & Emotional Resilience 48:44 The Future of Breeding 52:37 Educating the Next Generation 56:19 Collaboration Over Competition 58:39 Evolving Goals & Redefining Success 1:00:10 Modern Challenges 1:00:39 Hopes for the Future 1:01:21 Breeder She Admires 1:01:39 Most Notable Accomplishment 1:02:49 Advice to Aspiring Breeders #BetterBreederChronicles #PurebredDogs #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows #MeghenRiese-Basse #Renascent #WelshSpringerSpaniels
Meet Jere Marder: Master of Lambluv Old English Sheepdogs
2025/11/04
Jere Marder turned a Christmas surprise into one of the most successful Old English Sheepdog breeding programs in breed history. Legendary breeder Jere Marder reveals how passion, perseverance, and an eye for excellence shaped Lambluv Old English Sheepdogs, a breeding program that has produced iconic champions like Show Stopper, Yoshi, Elvis & Andrew. From her first dog show wearing disco heels to breaking records in the ring, Jere shares hard-won lessons on mentorship, breeding ethics, and keeping the soul of the breed alive for future generations. 👉 Watch the full conversation to hear the Lambluv story in Jere's own words. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:38 Jere Marder of Lambluv Old English Sheepdogs 02:12 What sparked her lifelong passion 03:28 The key moments of her breeding journey 05:16 Early mentors who shaped her breeding 06:37 Key bloodlines & careful selection 08:23 The role of pedigree & hands-on evaluation 11:19 Jere's selection process & maintaining the Standard 12:21 Evaluating puppies & preserving structure 13:06 The Lambluv Old English Sheepdogs look 14:19 The dogs that made Lambluv 22:22 Westminster triumph & show career highlights 25:02 Diva, Desdemona, and continuing the Lambluv line 27:02 Blue Thunder "Elvis" and his records 30:38 Using frozen semen to preserve bloodlines 31:28 Challenges, setbacks, and breeding ethics 33:55 Mentoring the next generation of breeders 36:51 Staying true to her vision and standard 37:17 Today's judges' decisions vs. past 38:08 Her optimism about the breed 38:19 What should breeders focus on 38:44 A breeder Jere respects 40:27 Advice for aspiring breeders 40:48 How Jere wants Lambluv to be remembered 42:40 How to connect with Jere #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows #JereMarder #Lambluv #OldEnglishSheepdogs
Meet Kristi Libertore: Master Breeder of Whiskeytown WPGs & Whiskey Hills Bracchi
2025/10/28
So, how does one breeder build world-class bloodlines in two breeds? 🐾 In this episode, Kristi Libertore shares how she transformed her love of horses into a passion for breeding dual-purpose dogs that shine in the field and dominate in the show ring.  From her mentors’ wisdom to the heartbreaks and triumphs of Whiskeytown Wirehaired Pointing Griffons and Whiskey Hills Bracchi, Kristi reveals what it takes to build a true legacy in purebred dogs. 👉 Watch now to hear the story behind one of America’s most inspiring breeder success stories. Timestamps: 00:00  Intro 00:20 Meet Kristi Libertore 01:29 First Dog and the Show Ring 03:11 Mentorship and Early Lessons 04:52 Mentors Who Influenced Her 08:29 Key Lessons from Her Mentor 09:43 Additional Mentors and Role Models 13:20 Building the Whiskeytown Vision 16:07 What Defines a Whiskeytown Griffon 19:02 The Dogs That Made Whiskeytown 22:23 AKC Sporting Group Breeder of the Year 23:27 Entering a New Breed: The Bracco Italiano 28:10 Developing Broncos with Her Husband 30:55 Breeding Challenges in a Limited Gene Pool 33:44 What Defines a Whiskey Hills Bracco 36:53 The Dogs That Made Whiskey Hills 40:43 The Role of Pedigree 42:14 Breeding Strategies and Linebreeding 44:47 Overcoming Challenges and Heartbreaks 47:09 Advice for Better Kennel Management 49:21 Breeders as Collaborators, Not Competitors 53:32 How Her Vision Has Evolved 54:18 Redefining Success 55:12 Thoughts on Judging and the Show World 56:19 Challenges Facing the Sport 57:44 Optimism for the Future 59:50 What Breeders Should Focus On 1:00:58 Breeders She Admires 1:02:59 Her Greatest Accomplishment 1:03:50 Advice for Aspiring Breeders 1:04:29 Legacy and Vision for the Future 1:05:11 Where to Learn More #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows #KristiLibertore #WhiskeyHillsandWhiskeytown #BracchiItaliani #WirehairedPointingGriffons

Podcast reviews

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4.7 out of 5
13 reviews
★★★★★
Merlins Keep 2025/09/13
Excellent podcast for breeders
I’m loving the interviews with master breeders! Hearing their stories, how they came to develop their line of dogs and their breeding philosophies is ...
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