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Better Breeder Chronicles: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Better Breeder Institute
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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- 5 days ago58 min
Meet Margery Good: Master Breeder of Good Spice Kennel Sealyhams Terriers
Margery Good of Good Spice Kennel has spent decades proving that great breeding is about far more than winning in the show ring, but also producing happy, confident Companions that are fabulous to live with. Good Spice has produced an incredible family of successful Sealyham Terriers, collaborating with top programs around the world. From her earliest days in dogs to building generations of outstanding Sealyham Terriers, Margery shares the mentors, breeding decisions, successes, and setbacks that shaped Good Spice into an internationally respected program.In this episode, she reveals:Why strong virtues should be bred to strong virtuesHow pedigrees help her preserve type while avoiding faultsThe legendary dogs that defined generations of Good SpiceWhy great companions matter far beyond the show ringThe advice she believes every aspiring breeder needs to hearWith decades of experience behind her, Margery still approaches breeding with the same principle that has guided her career: keep learning, keep improving, and never lose sight of the dogs themselves.Watch the full episode to discover the breeding philosophy and legacy behind Good Spice Kennel.Timestamps: Intro Meet Margery Good How Her Journey in Dogs Began The Mentors Who Shaped Her Career Breeding Virtues to Virtues The Win That Changed Everything The Hardest Parts of Breeding Building the Good Spice Bloodlines How Margery Studies Pedigrees Building a Stronger Gene Pool Her Vision of the Ideal Sealyham The Legendary Dogs of Good Spice Chasing the Breed Standard Her Most Successful Litter Kerry Blues, Airedales & Temperament What’s Next for Good Spice Protecting the Future of Purebred Dogs Supporting Breeders & Puppy Owners How Her Breeding Program Evolved Don’t Let the Show Ring Decide What Breeders Should Focus on Now What Matters More Than Winning The Legacy of Good Spice Margery’s Advice to Breeders A Master Breeder to Know Finding Good SpiceThis episode is brought to you by:EZWhelp — https://www.ezwhelp.com/Take Our Quiz: Build Your Whelping Setup in 60 SecondsWith additional support from:Ororo — https://www.ororowear.com/Cherrybrook Pet Supplies — https://www.cherrybrook.com/Revival Animal Health — https://www.revivalanimal.com/#PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #BreedStandard #AKCDogShows #Westminster #WestminsterDogShow #BestInShow #WestminsterKennelClub #NationalDogShow #MargeryGood #GoodspiceKennel #SealyhamTerriers #SealyhamTerrierBreeder #GoodSpiceSealyhams #CharminSealyham
- 1 weeks ago53 min
Meet Cherie Hunchak: Master Breeder of Elance Borzoi
Cherie Hunchak of Elance Borzoi has spent decades pursuing one goal: breed dogs that are strong where the breed is weak.In this episode of Better Breeder Chronicles, Cherie shares the philosophy, breeding decisions, and bloodlines behind Elance Borzoi and the dogs that have influenced pedigrees around the world.You’ll discover:How learning to truly see structure transformed her breeding programWhy pedigrees are a roadmap, and the dog in front of you never tells the whole storyHow she uses linebreeding and carefully chosen outcrosses to build consistencyWhy collaboration and sharing quality stud dogs will strengthen an entire breedWhy her proudest achievement isn’t ribbons, but seeing other breeders succeed with Elance bloodlinesWatch the full episode for an insightful conversation about breeding with purpose, building better pedigrees, and leaving a lasting legacy in the Borzoi breed.Timestamps: Introduction Falling in Love With Borzoi Starting as a Borzoi Breeder Early Mentors and Lessons Understanding Structure and Pedigrees Why Front Structure Matters Developing the Elance Type Reading a Pedigree Linebreeding and Outcrossing Overcoming Breeding Setbacks Sharing Stud Dogs The Ideal Borzoi Why Movement Matters The Dogs That Built Elance A Bloodline-Changing Breeding The Future of Elance Conserving Purebred Dogs Collaboration Over Competition Mentoring Young Breeders Challenges Facing Borzoi What Borzoi Breeders Should Improve More Than Ribbons The Elance Legacy Chase Excellence, Don’t Settle Breeders Worth Learning From Where to Find Elance BorzoiThis episode is brought to you by: EZWhelp — https://www.ezwhelp.com/ Take Our Quiz: Build Your Whelping Setup in 60 SecondsWith additional support from: Ororo — https://www.ororowear.com/ Cherrybrook Pet Supplies — https://www.cherrybrook.com/ Revival Animal Health — https://www.revivalanimal.com/#PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #BreedStandard #AKCDogShows #Westminster #WestminsterDogShow #BestInShow #CherieHunchak #ElanceBorzoi #BorzoiDogs #BorzoiBreeder #BorzoiPedigree #BorzoiBloodlines
- 2 weeks ago1h 7m
Elevate Your Mindset
Great breeding programs are built on the mindset of the breeder behind them.In this episode of the Better Breeder Roundtable, Kathy Rust is joined by Jamie Hubbard (Clussexx Kennels) and Spenser Hardin (Longview Collies) to talk about how a breeder's mindset can either propel a program forward or quietly hold it back for years. Together, they explore what it really takes to think in generations rather than litters, how to overcome the “I'm just a little speck” feeling at the start, and why heart and head both have to be at the table when planning a breeding.Jamie and Spenser share how their own visions have matured over time, why co-breeding and networking have become essential in an era of smaller kennels, and how to stay grounded in your own vision when the ribbons pull in a different direction.Here's what this conversation covers:- Overcoming the “little speck” mindset when starting out- Approaching experienced breeders and nationals with confidence- Building a long-term vision that stays consistent across generations- Balancing heart and head when evaluating your own dogs- Why the biggest winners aren't always the strongest producers- Reproductive health, temperament, and numbers as part of the plan- Building male lines that truly earn their place in a breeding program- Networking, co-breeding, and elevating the breed by elevating others- The truth about first litters and what makes them worth the effortWhether you're contemplating your first litter, refining your vision, or rethinking the direction of an established program, this episode offers a grounded, honest perspective on the mindset it takes to build something that lasts.Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:38 Welcome to the Better Breeder Roundtable01:25 What Mindset Really Means in Breeding02:30 You Are Not Just a Speck in the Sport04:21 How to Approach Your First National06:17 Getting Hands-On with Dogs and Studying the Standard07:46 Why Judges' Education Isn't Just for Judges09:57 Building a Long-Term Vision for Your Kennel11:42 When Emotion Becomes the Killer of a Program16:08 Thinking in Generations, Not Litters18:41 Fixing the Overall Dog Before the Details21:31 How Long Until You Truly Know Your Genepool23:52 Making Progress with Small Numbers Through Co-Breeding27:08 Don't Let Fads Distract from Your Vision29:28 Measurable Strength vs. Ribbons31:16 Why Reproductive Health Belongs in the Vision35:46 Keep the Best Puppy37:47 Breeding Littermates to Compare What They Produce42:55 Why First Litters Are Rarely Good Enough44:44 Building a Male Line With Purpose49:12 Knowing When You've Found the Right Stud52:21 Elevating Other Breeders Elevates Your Own Program59:13 Handling Health Issues With an Open Book01:02:09 Final TakeawaysThis episode is brought to you by:EZWhelp — https://www.ezwhelp.com/Take Our Quiz: Build Your Whelping Setup in 60 SecondsFollow the full Better Breeder Roundtable series here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDjcPjyNN2ik#PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows #BetterBreederRoundtable #KathyRust #BreedStandard #BreederMindset #JamieHubbard #SpenserHardin #LongTermVision #BreedingProgram #BreedingDecisions #BreederEducation #ResponsibleBreeding #PurebredDogs
- 3 weeks ago53 min
Meet Robert Urban: Master Breeder of Foxfire Black and Tan Coonhounds
Robert Urban of Foxfire Black and Tan Coonhounds knows that great breeders build more than winning dogs. They build a kennel with a type, a philosophy, and a legacy.In this episode, Bob shares the lessons behind decades of breeding, showing, and working with Black and Tans, from the breed-founding mentors who shaped him to the dogs that defined Foxfire.You’ll hear:How Foxfire developed a recognizable breed typeWhy temperament should never be compromisedWhy breeders must be their own toughest criticsHow shrinking gene pools are changing breeding decisionsThe advice Bob believes every aspiring breeder needs to hearIt’s a candid conversation about breeding with purpose, learning from every litter, and making the hard decisions that create a lasting program.▶️ Watch the full episode and discover the story and philosophy behind Foxfire.Timestamps: The realities of breeding Getting started in dogs Mentors who shaped Bob Early breeding challenges Building the Foxfire bloodline Pedigrees and genetic diversity The Foxfire ideal Show dogs that can work The dogs that built Foxfire Today’s breeding challenges Why breeders need to collaborate How Bob’s breeding evolved Be your own worst critic What breeders should prioritize The Foxfire legacy Bob’s advice for breeders Breeders Bob admires Where to find BobThis episode is brought to you by:EZWhelp — https://www.ezwhelp.com/Take Our Quiz: Build Your Whelping Setup in 60 Seconds With additional support from:Ororo — https://www.ororowear.com/Cherrybrook Pet Supplies — https://www.cherrybrook.com/Revival Animal Health — https://www.revivalanimal.com/#PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows #BestInShow #BreedStandards #MasterBreeders #BlackAndTanCoonhound #FoxfireCoonhounds #BobUrban #FoxfireBlackAndTanCoonhounds #CoonhoundBreeder
- Aug 18, 20261h 18m
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 a breeder.What she looks for in the ideal Giant Schnauzer.The legendary dogs that shaped Skansen.Why health and temperament became more important than winning.What more than 70 years of breeding taught her about raising great, healthy dogs.At 87, Sylvia still spends hours at the kennel every day. Her advice to breeders after a lifetime with dogs is simple: listen to your dogs.Watch the full episode to discover Sylvia Hammarstrom’s remarkable story and the lessons behind Skansen Kennel.Timestamps: Intro Sylvia’s Early Love of Dogs Learning from European Kennels Lessons from Breeders and Handlers From California Kennels to TWA From Dobermans to Giant Schnauzers Building the Skansen Breeding Program Developing Her Ideal Giant Schnauzer Breeding for the Perfect Family Pet Breeding Strategies and European Bloodlines Health, Exercise, and Conditioning The Importance of Health and Character Gentleman Thief and Other Dogs That Shaped Skansen I Have a Dream and Skansen’s Successes The Dogs Closest to Sylvia’s Ideal Managing a Large Breeding Program Sylvia’s Approach to Nutrition Advice for Today’s Breeders Breeding for Healthy, Happy Families Sylvia’s Breeding Legacy Listen to Your Dogs Sylvia’s Advice and Reflections Finding Skansen and Choosing the Right Puppy Final ThoughtsThis episode is brought to you by:EZWhelp — https://www.ezwhelp.com/With additional support from:Ororo — https://www.ororowear.com/Cherrybrook Pet Supplies — https://www.cherrybrook.com/Revival Animal Health — https://www.revivalanimal.com/#PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows #Westminster #WestminsterDogShow #WestminsterDogShowWinner #BestInShow #SylviaHammarstrom #Skansen #SkansenGiantSchnauzers #GiantSchnauzers #SchnauzerBreeder #GiantSchnauzerBreedStandard #GiantSchnauzerBloodlines #GiantSchnauzerBreeding
- Aug 11, 202651 min
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 matters more than individual traitsHis breeding strategy for producing championsWhy type and movement matter mostHow the Foxhollow legacy lives on todayWhether you're a breeder, exhibitor, or passionate dog lover, this episode is packed with decades of practical wisdom from one of the sport's true master breeders.Watch now and discover the principles that built the legendary Foxhollow legacy.Timestamps: Introduction First Dog Show Finding Wire Fox Terriers Learning to See the Whole Dog Building the Foundation Breeding Philosophy Successful Outcrossing Managing the Breeding Program Learning From Setbacks The Ideal Wire Fox Terrier Evaluating Dogs Foxhollow's Most Influential Dogs Passing on the Foxhollow Legacy Closest to the Breed Standard Most Successful Litter Linebreeding vs Outcrossing Conserving Purebred Dogs Attracting New Breeders The Value of Mentorship How the Program Evolved Type vs Style Challenges Facing the Breed The Future of Wire Fox Terriers Priorities for Breeders Foxhollow's Greatest Achievement Advice for New Breeders Recommended Master BreederThis episode is brought to you by:EZWhelp — https://www.ezwhelp.com/With additional support from:Ororo — https://www.ororowear.com/Cherrybrook Pet Supplies — https://www.cherrybrook.com/Revival Animal Health — https://www.revivalanimal.com/#PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows #Westminster #WestminsterDogShow #WestminsterDogShowWinner #BestInShow #WireFoxTerrier #AndrewDiGiorgio #FoxHollowWireFoxTerriers #WireFoxTerrierBreedingProgram #WireFoxTerrierBloodlines #WestminsterWireFoxTerrier
- Aug 4, 20261h 5m
Form & Function: More Than a Checklist
Summary: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 more than a checklist—understanding the purpose behind every word and every trait.Together, they discuss how form and function shape every part of the Standard, why purpose should guide every breeding decision, and how preserving breed identity begins with understanding why each trait matters.Whether you're new to breeding or have years of experience, this conversation offers practical insights into evaluating dogs through a functional lens and preserving the qualities that define every breed.Here's what this conversation covers:- Reading the Breed Standard as a blueprint, not a wish list- Understanding the purpose behind every structural trait- Why form and function must always go hand in hand- How movement reveals what a stack or photo can't- Evaluating breeding stock beyond titles and cosmetics- The importance of mentorship, anatomy, and recognizing structural excellence- Why seeing dogs perform their original job changes how breeders interpret the Standard- Building breeding programs that preserve purpose for future generationsWhether you're evaluating your next breeding, mentoring a newcomer, or rethinking how you look at your own dogs, this episode is a masterclass in breeding with clarity, understanding, and functional integrity. Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:44 Welcome to the Better Breeder Roundtable01:39 Reading the Breed Standard as a Blueprint05:23 Understanding the Purpose Behind the Standard07:50 Why Structure and Movement Come First10:42 Why the Words in the Standard Matter14:30 Applying Form & Function to Breeding Decisions18:15 Why Temperament Is Part of Form & Function21:36 Looking Beyond the Individual Dog23:46 Structural Concepts Every Breeder Should Learn26:55 Why Front Assemblies Matter30:53 Learning from Professional Handlers and Mentors33:55 Breaking the Breed Standard into Functional Sections35:06 What Movement Reveals That Structure Can't Hide39:53 Why Seeing Dogs in Person Matters45:22 Choosing Function Over Cosmetics51:13 Planning Three Generations Ahead53:33 Advice for New Preservation Breeders58:55 The Importance of Honest Feedback01:02:34 Final Takeaways This episode is brought to you by:EZwhelp — https://www.ezwhelp.com/Follow the full Better Breeder Roundtable series here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDjcPjyNN2ik #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows #BetterBreederRoundtable #KathyRust #BreedStandard #FormAndFunction #KristiLibertore #AnnePhillips #PurebredDogs #ResponsibleBreeding #DogBreeder #PurebredDogPreservation #CanineStructure #BreedingEducation
- Jul 28, 202654 min
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 the breed for future generations.Here's what you'll discover:Why pedigrees and linebreeding are essentialHow to balance type, health, temperament, and soundnessWhy breeders should share bloodlines instead of competingThe biggest challenges facing Pomeranians todayThe mindset every breeder needs to build a lasting programWhether you're new to breeding or have years of experience, you'll find valuable ideas you can apply to your own breeding program.👍 If you enjoyed this episode, like, subscribe, and share it with fellow breeders. Let us know in the comments what lesson from Stephanie stood out most.Timestamps: Intro Starting with Pomeranians Building the Foundation Bloodlines Why Pedigrees Matter Linebreeding and Outcrossing Strategy The Ideal Pomeranian Standard Biggest Problems in the Breed Today The Dogs That Built Darright Her Most Successful Litter Breeding for Health and Natural Whelping Educating Judges and Breeders The Shrinking Genepool Challenge Why Breeders Must Collaborate Lessons That Changed Her Program Evaluating Puppies Objectively Coat Loss and Health Challenges Why She's Optimistic About the Future Her Greatest Accomplishment Advice for New BreedersThis episode is brought to you by:EZwhelp — https://www.ezwhelp.com/Take the EZwhelp Quiz! — https://quiz.ezwhelp.com/With additional support from:Ororo — https://www.ororowear.com/Cherrybrook Pet Supplies — https://www.cherrybrook.com/#PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows #Westminster #WestminsterDogShow #WestminsterDogShowWinner #BestInShow #StephanieHentschel #DarRightPomeranians #PomeranianBreeder #BreedStandard #PomeranianShowDogs #AmericanPomeranianClub
About 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!
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