Better Breeder Chronicles
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!
Episodes
Meet Sylvia Hammarstrom: Master Breeder of Skansen Giant Schnauzers
Sylvia Hammarstrom of Skansen Kennels has spent more than 70 years breeding, raising, and learning from Schnauzers. What began as a childhood passion in Sweden grew into a Giant Schnauzer breeding program that has produced close to 2,000 American champions.In this episode, Sylvia shares the experiences, dogs, and lessons that shaped Skansen, including:How working in European kennels shaped her as
Meet Andrew DiGiorgio: Master Breeder of Foxhollow Wire Fox Terriers
For nearly 60 years, legendary breeder Andrew DiGiorgio has built Foxhollow into one of the most successful and respected Wire Fox Terrier breeding programs. Andy shares the philosophy, breeding decisions, and unforgettable dogs that shaped a world-class breeding program and left a lasting mark on the breed.In this episode you’ll discover:How Andrew learned to recognize great dogsWhy quality matte
Form & Function: More Than a Checklist
Every breed standard was written with a purpose—but understanding why those words matter is what helps breeders make better decisions.In this episode of the Better Breeder Roundtable, Kathy Rust is joined by Kristi Libertore (Whiskey Hills Bracco Italiano & Whiskeytown Wirehaired Pointing Griffons) and Anne Phillips (Fernhill Brittanys) to explore how breeders can use the Breed Standard as mor
Meet Stephanie Hentschel: Master Breeder of DarRight Pomeranians
Learn how Stephanie Hentschel of DarRight Pomeranians built a highly-respected Pomeranian breeding program in the breed.In this episode, Stephanie shares the breeding philosophy, mentorship, and life lessons that have shaped her success, including the importance of sharing their bloodlines with others. She explains why breeding is about much more than winning in the show ring, but about preserving
Meet Chris & Tom Levy: Master Breeders of Abiqua Pumik
Chris and Tom Levy of Abiqua Pumik didn't just breed exceptional Pumis. They helped build the breed's foundation in the United States.In this episode, Chris and Tom share the journey, years of study, repeated trips across Europe, and a deep commitment to preservation breeding.What you'll discover:Why the world's best breeders study dogs, not just pedigrees.How to balance genetic di
Meet Valerie Nunes-Atkinson: Master Breeder of VJK-Myst Kennels German Shorthaired Pointers
Learn how Valerie Nunes-Atkinson, along with partner Yvonne Hassler-Deterding, built VJK-Myst Kennels into one of the most respected German Shorthaired Pointer breeding programs in the world. Valerie shares the breeding philosophy, mentorship, and long-term vision that shaped generations of top-winning dogs.In this episode, you'll learn:The importance of linebreeding and judicious outcrossing
Outcrossing: Not Just One & Done
Outcrossing is one of the most talked-about and misunderstood topics in dog breeding.In this episode of the Better Breeder Roundtable, Kathy Rust is joined by renowned master breeder Bill Shelton (Coventry Pembroke Welsh Corgis) and Lisa Braun (Mischief Papillons & Miniature American Shepherds) for a practical discussion on when, why, and how breeders should use outcrossing to improve their pr
Meet Lindsey Cook: Master Breeder of Kaska English Setters
This is the story of how Lindsey Cook took Kaska English Setters from humble roots and built it into a program that consistently produces some of the breed’s finest, most dominant dogs. She shares her journey from junior handler to respected breeder, the mentorship that shaped her program, and the dogs that helped define the Kaska legacy.You'll learn:The lessons she learned from legendary bree
Meet Lexa Richmond: Master Breeder of Hialeah Dachshunds
How did Lexa Richmond of Hialeah Dachshunds build a small breeding program that produced DCA National Specialty and AKC National Championship winners and generations of top-producing Dachshunds?In this episode, Matt Stelter sits down with Lexa to share the story behind one of the most successful Dachshund kennels in the country and the lessons learned over 25 years of breeding. Learn how she follo
Meet Patti Strand: Master Breeder of Merry-Go-Round Dalmatians
How did Patti Strand and Merry-Go-Round Dalmatians build one of the most influential Dalmatian breeding programs of the past half-century?In this episode, Matt Stelter sits down with Patti Strand to uncover the dogs, decisions, and breeding philosophy that helped shape a lasting legacy in the Dalmatian. Patti also shares her deep involvement with the National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA). Patti
Meet Allison Sunderman: Master Breeder of Sun Oak Welsh Terriers
How did Allison Sunderman turn Sun Oak Welsh Terriers into a highly-respected breeding program while forced to take a backseat to Allison’s handling career?In this episode of Better Breeder Chronicles, Allison reflects on 50 years in Welsh Terriers, the legendary dogs and mentors that shaped her program, and the hard lessons that come with preserving type, temperament, and quality over generations
Meet Donna & Mike Beadle: Master Breeders of Eclipse Berger Picards
How did Donna and Mike Beadle build Eclipse Berger Picards into one of the most accomplished Berger Picard breeding programs in the country?In this episode, Matt Stelter sits down with the team behind Eclipse Berger Picards to talk about legendary dogs, heartbreaking losses, Westminster & AKC National Championship wins, and the reality of preserving a rare breed.Key insights from this episode:
Meet Andrea Jordan-Lane: Master Breeder of Jordean Brittanys
Andrea Jordan-Lane of Jordean spent decades building one of the most influential Brittany bloodlines in the sport and forever changing what a top-flight Brittany looks like, and this episode reveals exactly how she did it.From showing a non-show-quality dog as a teenager to producing generations of top-winning Brittanys, Andrea shares the mentors, bloodlines, and breeding decisions that shaped the
Meet Barbara Heidenreich: Master Breeder of Fernhill Scottish Deerhounds
Barbara Heidenreich of Fernhill Scottish Deerhounds has spent over 50 years preserving one of the world’s most historic and elegant dog breeds, and her story is unforgettable.From cycling alone through Scotland in the 1960s and falling in love with her first deerhound at a small roadside hotel, Barbara shares the journey that built Fernhill into one of the most respected Scottish Deerhound kennels
Meet Kimm McDowell: Master Breeder of DerHagen Rottweilers
Kimm McDowell of DerHagen Rottweilers went 5 years without winning a single point… then turned an overlooked dog into a Best in Show champion. Kimm shares the real story behind her decades in the ring and the whelping box, shaped by persistence, hard lessons, and a clear focus on breeding better dogs, not just chasing wins.Here’s what you’ll learn:How going 5 years without a single win pushed her
Meet Kay Peiser: Master Breeder of Kaylen Standard Poodles & Chinese Cresteds
Kay Peiser of Kaylen didn’t just breed dogs, she built a legacy of champions from the ground up.In this episode, this widely respected breeder in the sport shares a lifetime of experience shaping Standard Poodles and Chinese Cresteds at the highest level. From early setbacks to producing 100+ champions, Kay reveals what it really takes to succeed with no sugarcoating.Here’s what you’ll learn:Why y
Meet Karen Fitzpatrick: Mater Breeder of Meadowlake Border Terriers
Karen Fitzpatrick of Meadowlake Border Terriers didn’t just breed winners.She redefined what a Border Terrier should be, and in the process, developed an incredible bloodline with triumphs at Westminster, the AKC National Championship, and Morris & Essex. In this episode, Karen shares how she went from fox hunting in the UK to building one of the most dominant Border Terrier breeding programs
Meet Sarah Murphy: Master Breeder of Abbaio Ibizan Hounds
Sarah Murphy of Abbaio Ibizan Hounds started with showing a pet-quality Pug to becoming a top breeder, turning passion into a Best in Show–winning legacy.In this episode, Sarah shares the real story behind building a successful breeding program in a rare breed, from early struggles to producing elite champions.Here’s what you’ll learn:Why your first “imperfect” dog can shape your entire pathThe bi
Meet Lou Ann King: Master Breeder of Loteki Papillons
How did Lou Ann King of Loteki Papillons build a bloodline so powerful it dominated the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show year after year?In this episode, Lou Ann shares the full journey, from handwriting letters to top breeders as a child to creating one of the most recognizable and successful Papillon breeding programs in the world.Inside this conversation, you’ll discover:Why patience, not luck,
Meet Diane Baker: Master Breeder of Sandbar Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
Sandbar breeder Diane Baker didn’t just build a breeding program. She developed a bloodline that helped shape an entire breed and earn new respect from the entire purebred world.In this episode, Diane of Sandbar Chesapeakes shares the story behind her legendary program, from early lessons with horses to producing record-breaking champions and leaving a lasting mark on the Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Meet Doug Johnson & Jamie Hubbard: Master Breeders of Clussexx Clumber Spaniels - Part 2
Doug Johnson & Jamie Hubbard of the world-renowned Clussexx Kennel return for Part 2 of our conversation, and this time, they challenge everything you think you think about about how to breed purebred dogs successfully in the future.In this episode, Doug and Jamie share decades of hard-earned insight on what it truly takes to build a sustainable, future-proof breeding program in today’s world,
Meet Doug Johnson & Jamie Hubbard: Master Breeders of Clussexx Clumber Spaniels
Doug Johnson and Jamie Hubbard, of the renowned Clussexx kennel, don’t just breed top champions; they have preserved four rare breeds. They are premier preservation breeders of Clumber, Sussex, Welsh Springer & English Toy Spaniels, realizing tremendous success in each breed, including TWO Westminster Best In Show wins. Doug started as a teenager with a chance meeting of a Clumber Spaniel in a
Meet Pam Lefever: Master Breeder of Brasswinds English Cockers & English Setters
Pam Lefever of Brasswinds built distinctive bloodlines in both English Setters and English Cocker Spaniels. Pam has bred National Specialty & Westminster Best of Breed winners, as well as all-time top producers in both breeds. In this episode, Pam Lefever shares the story behind her program, the dogs that shaped it, and the philosophy that guided decades of breeding.Pam talks about:How the Bra
Meet Tricia Stanczyk: Master Breeder of Classic Parson Russell Terriers
How did Tricia Stanczyk of Classic Parson Russell Terriers go from knowing nothing about dog shows to producing multiple National Specialty, Westminster, & Best in Show-winning Parson Russell Terriers?In this episode, Tricia shares the story behind her breeding journey and the mentorship that shaped it, especially from Jennifer Johnson of the influential Posey Canyon kennel, whose bloodlines b
Meet Justin & Cheslie Smithey: Master Breeders of Pinnacle Whippets
At Pinnacle Whippets, Justin and Cheslie Smithey have bred two of the most successful Whippets in modern history, and they’re sharing exactly how it happened.The powerhouse duo behind Whiskey and Bourbon reveals the mentorship, strategy, and selfless collaboration with fellow breeders that built their program from a teenage Whippet purchase to National & Westminster wins and record-breaking Be
Meet Stacy Able: Master Breeder of Ginkgo Barbets
From an early import to the AKC National Championship stage, Stacy Able of Ginkgo Barbets shares how she helped build the Barbet breed in the United States from the ground up.With over 20 years in the breed, Stacy walks us through the journey from Foundation Stock Service to full AKC recognition and what it takes to develop a bloodline in a small, growing genepool.In this episode, you’ll learn:The
Meet Kathy Lorentzen: Master Breeder of Ocoee English Springer Spaniels
Kathy Lorentzen of Ocoee English Springer Spaniels shares the mindset behind more than 50 years of intentional, disciplined breeding. From her foundation dogs to creating her own bitch lines, she explains what it really takes to protect a breed.You’ll learn:Why your mental picture shapes every breeding decisionHow linebreeding creates consistency and typeWhy chasing easy ring wins weakens qualityH
Meet Lori Pelletier: Master Breeder of Avalon Norfolk Terriers
Lori Pelletier of Avalon Norfolk Terriers didn’t just build a successful breeding program. She shaped an entire breed’s future.In this conversation, Lori shares the real story behind Avalon Norfolk Terriers: the patience, setbacks, mentors, and hard decisions that turned early dreams into a lasting legacy.You’ll discover:- How Lori went from a first-time owner to one of the most influential Norfol
Meet Amy Kiell-Green: Master Breeder of Pebbles’ Run Samoyeds
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 le
Meet Janice Hayes: Master Breeder of Stellar Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen (PBGVs)
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
Meet Armando Angelbello: Master Breeder of Marlex Miniature Pinschers
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 arou
Meet Bill Shelton & Steve Leyerly: Master Breeders of Coventry Pembroke Welsh Corgis
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
Meet Karen & Clint Livingston: Master Breeders of Trio Brittanys
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 litte
Meet Lorrie Carlton: Master Breeder of Belle Creek Bichon Frise
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 difficul
Meet Susan Lacroix Hamil: Master Breeder of Quiet Creek Bloodhounds
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 prog
Meet Paul and Kelley Catterson: Master Breeders of Bobcat & Alnair Brussels Griffons and Aussies
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. Cillein
Meet Jim and Ann White: Master Breeders of Cambria Dobermans
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 consistenc
Meet Tim Terella: Master Breder of Snoebear Siberian Huskies
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 b
Meet Bill McFadden: Master Breeder of Random Wire Fox Terriers
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 temperament
Meet Grace Fritz: Master Breeder of Good Fortune Chinese Shar-Pei
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 abo
Meet Meghen Riese-Bassel: Master Breeder of Renascent Welsh Springer Spaniels
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 tempera
Meet Jere Marder: Master of Lambluv Old English Sheepdogs
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
Meet Kristi Libertore: Master Breeder of Whiskeytown WPGs & Whiskey Hills Bracchi
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 i
Meet Lisa Ross: Master Breeder of Winfree English Cockers
What happens when a curious teenager falls in love with a pet store puppy and ends up shaping one of the most respected English Cocker bloodlines in America?In this episode, Lisa Ross of Winfree English Cockers reveals how a pet store Irish Setter sparked a lifelong passion for breeding dogs that are not only stunning in the ring but healthy, happy, and full of heart. She shares her decade-long ro
Meet Mary Nowak: Master Breeder of Honeygait English Setters
What does it take to build a bloodline that leaves its mark on history? In this episode, master breeder Mary Nowak talks about the journey to develop Honeygait English Setters, from her very first puppy to producing Ch. Honeygait N Lampliter Fever, the winningest English Setter of all-time with 40 All-Breed Best in Show wins.Mary shares the mentors who shaped her, the philosophy of linebreeding th
Meet Kristi Green: Master Breeder of Knockout Chihuahuas
What does it really take to breed world-class Chihuahuas?Kristi Green of Knockout Chihuahuas reveals how she built one of the top families in the breed, from national winners to top-producing sires. She shares her journey through mentorship, health testing, breeding challenges, and what defines a true “Knockout” Chihuahua.👉 Watch now and learn from one of the most successful Chihuahua breeders in
Meet Patricia Princehouse: Master Breeder of La Brise Pyrenean Shepherds
What drives someone to cross an ocean at 14 just to learn about a breed? For Patricia Princehouse, that leap set the stage for creating America’s most influential Pyrenean Shepherd breeding program.Patricia reveals what it takes to balance health, type, and tradition, the story of her most influential dogs, and the biggest challenges facing purebred breeding today. Discover the passion and legacy
Meet Dennis & Katey Brown: Master Breeder of Solivia Pointers
From deep but separate foundations in the purebred dog world, Dennis and Katey Brown share the remarkable Solivia Pointer story. In this episode, you’ll hear how one family’s passion for purebred dogs grew into an international breeding program known for health, soundness, style — and winning at the highest level.If you care about preserving breeds, producing sound, healthy dogs, and learning from
Meet Carol Felbaum: Master Breeder of Hallmark Bichon Frise
How do you come back from heartbreak and build a bloodline that makes history?Master breeder Carol Felbaum reveals how losing her foundation bitch’s first litter almost ended her program, and how perseverance turned that tragedy into a dynasty of champion Bichons.She shares the inside story of Donald, (GCHG High Ridge He’s So Full of Himself ROMX) a dog some doubted who went on to sire top champio
Meet Tonya Struble: Master Breeder of Rush Hill Golden Retrievers
Step inside the world of Rush Hill Goldens, where Tonya Struble reveals how she built one of the most successful Golden Retriever breeding programs in breed history. She shares her journey from her first golden in Alaska to breeding iconic champions like Am/Can CH Rush Hill’s Haagen-Dazs, GCH Rush Hill’s Run’n Amuck At Abelard,GCH Rush Hill’s River Road Payoff, & more. Learn the strategies beh
Meet Colton Johnson: Master Breeder of Bugaboo Old English Sheepdogs
Through the stewardship of several breeders, the story of Bugaboo Kennels spans several generations of passion, persistence, and record-breaking champions. Colton Johnson shares details about his family’s legacy, the breeding theories behind legendary dogs like Georgie Girl, Swagger & S’More, and how Bugaboo continues to shape the future of the Old English Sheepdog breed.Don’t miss this rare i
Meet Kathy Rust: Master Breeder of Kizmar Vizslas
What separates a good breeder from a great one? In this episode, Kathy Rust of Kizmar Vizslas (South Dakota AKC Vizsla Breeder) shares how she built one of the most respected Vizsla bloodlines in the breed. It was not by chance, but through strategy, relentless research, and wise decisions - and using tail-male breeding theory.You will hear Kathy’s hard-won lessons on selecting foundation dogs, ha
Meet Dale Martenson: Master Breeder of Japanese Chins
What does it really take to become a master breeder across three challenging breeds?In this episode, Dale Martenson (AKC Breeder/Judge) shares how a Saint Bernard puppy sparked a journey that led to over 500 homebred champions. Learn why brutal honesty builds better bloodlines, how to stay profitable and ethical in today’s societal climate, and why your “why” matters more than any ribbon.Dale open
Meet Guy Mauldin: The Master Breeder of Kismet Shelties
In the premier episode of the Better Breeder Chronicles, master breeder Guy Mauldin (Kismet Shelties) reveals insights behind the creation and development of one of the longest and most successful Shetland Sheepdog breeding programs in breed history.Learn how Guy & Thelma Mauldin created a distinctive bloodline that has impacted the breed for over five decades. In the process, they bred/owned
Better Breeder Chronicles
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
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