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Gloria Birch of Covy-Tucker Hill German Shepherds bred a Westminster legend, but she has never let winning ribbons guide her breeding decisions.
In this episode of Better Breeder Chronicles, Gloria shares how she and her partner, Cappy Pottle, produced more than 300 champions, including the unforgettable Ch. Covy-Tucker Hill's Manhattan, while building a bloodline and breed type people recognize at a glance.
Gloria reveals:
Watch the full episode to discover the choices behind Gloria’s remarkable dogs and the values that have guided her for decades.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro
(00:31) Meet Gloria Birch
(02:35) Getting Started in German Shepherds
(07:01) Mentors Who Shaped Her Journey
(09:50) The Courage to Move
(10:16) Building the Foundation Bloodlines
(15:47) Linebreeding and Outcrossing
(18:17) Managing the Breeding Program
(19:39) Challenges in Choosing Breeding Dogs
(20:23) The Covy-Tucker Hill Look
(26:00) The Story Behind Manhattan
(37:45) Bringing New People Into Showing
(39:56) Raising and Socializing Puppies
(45:17) Bringing Breeders Together
(47:05) Staying True to Breeding Values
(47:29) Looking Beyond Show Wins
(47:55) Finding the Right Stud Dogs
(48:29) The Future of German Shepherds
(49:17) What Breeders Should Focus On
(50:00) A Recognizable Bloodline
(50:48) The Covy-Tucker Hill Legacy
(51:25) Advice for Aspiring Breeders
(52:23) Recommended Future Guests
(53:54) Where to Find More About Gloria’s Dogs
This 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 #BreedStandard #AKCDogShows #WestminsterDogShow #BestInShow #WestminsterKennelClub #GloriaBirch #CovyTuckerHill #GermanShepherd #GermanShepherdBreeder
Erin Kerfoot of Wynmoor English Springer Spaniels built her small kennel into one with a big legacy, and some of her best decisions meant trusting her eye when others disagreed.
In this episode, Erin joins Host Matt Stelter to share her journey from junior showmanship success, to the mentors who shaped her breeding philosophy, and the choices behind generations of distinctive, versatile Springers.
Discover why she believes in:
Watch to hear the stories behind Wynmoor’s standout dogs and learn how Erin breeds for a legacy that reaches beyond the show ring.
Timestamps:
(00:00) — Erin Kerfoot’s Journey Into English Springer Spaniels
(02:10) — From Junior Showmanship to a Lifelong Passion
(04:15) — The Mentors Who Shaped Erin’s Breeding Philosophy
(06:37) — Why National Specialties Matter
(07:51) — Choosing the Foundation Dogs for Wynmoor
(11:12) — Building a Breeding Program With a Clear Vision
(13:32) — Outcrossing: Taking Risks While Protecting Type
(15:01) — Breeding for Structure, Proportion, and Substance
(16:44) — Knowing When a Litter Isn’t Good Enough
(17:46) — What Defines the Wynmoor Type?
(18:55) — The Hardest Traits to Breed in an English Springer
(20:04) — Peyton, Liz, McConaughey, and Wynmoor’s Standout Dogs
(25:35) — Looking Beyond Markings to See the Dog
(31:30) — The Dogs That Came Closest to Erin’s Ideal
(33:40) — Linebreeding, Outcrossing, and the Future of Wynmoor
(34:40) — Why Veterinary Reproductive Support Matters
(36:57) — Inspiring the Next Generation of Conservation Breeders
(39:49) — Why Breeders Need to Work Together
(41:40) — Updating the English Springer Illustrated Standard
(43:26) — What Success Means to Erin Today
(45:54) — The Challenges Facing the English Springer Spaniel
(47:38) — Why Erin Is Optimistic About the Breed’s Future
(48:46) — Breeding for Type, Function, and Purpose
(50:36) — The Legacy Erin Wants Wynmoor to Leave
(51:33) — Erin’s Advice to Aspiring Breeders
(52:28) — The Master Breeder Erin Wants to See on the Show
(54:08) — Learn More About Wynmoor English Springer Spaniels
(54:48) — Closing Thoughts
This 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 #BreedStandard #AKCDogShows #NationalSpecialty #BestInShow #WestminsterDogShow #ErinKerfoot #WynmoorSpringers #EnglishSpringerSpaniel #JuniorShowmanship
David Samuelson of Dashing Whippets chose to start over rather than continue with a line with a serious health issue. In this episode, David joins Matt Stelter to share how that decision, using strong female lines, and building lasting partnerships shaped his breeding program.
From discovering the thrill of racing to living with 5 Best in Show winners, his story centers on preserving everything a Whippet should be.
Discover why David believes in:
Watch the full episode for David’s lessons on breeding the whole dog and staying true to your vision.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro
(00:37) Meet David Samuelson
(02:27) Getting Started in Whippets
(07:08) Preserving Whippet Athleticism
(08:08) Learning from Mentors
(12:01) Rebuilding After Heart Problems
(14:17) Building on Strong Bitch Lines
(17:01) Facing Health Setbacks
(18:13) The Dashing Whippet
(20:44) Notable Dashing Dogs
(23:09) Finding the Right Stud Dog
(26:41) Breeding Toward the Standard
(28:27) Future Breeding Plans
(29:08) Building a Strong Breed Community
(34:29) Lessons from Other Breeds
(36:05) Collaborating with Fellow Breeders
(38:39) Goals and Unexpected Success
(40:36) Evaluating Dogs Beyond Fads
(45:44) Why Breeding Takes Patience
(46:52) The Future of Whippets
(48:17) Proudest Moments
(49:28) The Dashing Legacy
(51:06) Advice for Aspiring Breeders
This 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 #BreedStandard #AKCDogShows #WestminsterDogShow #BestInShow #DavidSamuelson #DashingWhippets #WhippetBreeding #AmericanWhippetClub
Linebreeding is one of the oldest tools in dog breeding for establishing and maintaining quality, but many people misunderstand it as simply breeding related dogs.
In this episode, Kathy Rust is joined by Andrea Jordan-Lane (Jordean Brittanys), Lexa Richmond (Hialeah Dachshunds), and Lisa Braun (Mischief Papillons & Miniature American Shepherds) to discuss how intentional linebreeding can help breeders understand and build their lines over generations.
They explore how many generations it can take to establish type, Lloyd Brackett’s breeding theory, triangle breeding theory, the importance of the sire & dam line, COI numbers, repeat breedings, and knowing when it may be time to outcross.
----------
Here's what this conversation covers:
- Defining linebreeding as intentional genetic direction, not simply breeding related dogs
- Why starting with a linebred dog can benefit new breeders
- How many generations it can take to establish type and style
- Lloyd Brackett’s theory and common mistakes
- Why the dam line deserves equal attention
- The trap of keeping mediocre bitches
- Breeding for the whole package, not just one trait
- Starting tight and working your way out
- Linebreeding until you need to enhance
- Understanding COI numbers in context
- Triangle Breeding Theory
- Why tail-male and tail-female consistency matter
- The case for repeat breedings
- Building a linebreeding plan based on phenotype and pedigree
Whether you're planning your first breeding, refining an established line, or thinking about where to take your program next, this episode is a deep dive into building bloodlines with purpose, patience, and predictability.
Timestamps:
00:00 Welcome to the Better Breeder Roundtable
00:57 What Is Linebreeding and How Breeders Learn It
02:07 When Inbreeding Reveals the Skeletons
04:38 Should New Breeders Start With a Linebred Dog?
07:04 How Many Generations It Takes to Set Type
11:55 Planning a Linebreeding Step-by-Step
16:57 Phenotype vs. Genotype in Linebreeding
21:20 Understanding the Bracket Theory the Right Way
25:54 Why the Dam Line Deserves Equal Attention
28:29 The Trap of Keeping Mediocre Bitches
33:08 Breeding for the Whole Package, Not One Trait
39:19 Start Tight, Then Work Your Way Out
44:32 Linebreed Until You Need to Enhance
46:59 Making Sense of COI Numbers
55:41 Triangle Breeding Theory
58:35 Why Tail-Male and Tail-Female Consistency Matter
01:04:27 The Case for Repeat Breedings
01:15:28 Building a Linebreeding Plan
01:16:27 Final Takeaways
This episode is brought to you by:
EZWhelp — https://www.ezwhelp.com/
Take Our Quiz: Build Your Whelping Setup in 60 Seconds
Follow the full Better Breeder Roundtable series here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDjcPjyNN2ik
Main Hashtags:
#PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows #BetterBreederRoundtable #KathyRust #Linebreeding #Inbreeding #AndreaJordanLane #LexaRichmond #LisaBraun #PurebredDogs #InbreedingCOI #COIDogBreeding #TriangleBreedingTheory #Outcrossing
Jessica MacMillan of Paisley Dalmatians has spent a lifetime building a breeding legacy spanning 13 generations.
In this episode, Jessica shares the defining decisions, painful setbacks, and uncompromising standards that made Paisley an influential name in the Dalmatian world.
You’ll discover:
Jessica explains how she makes difficult breeding decisions, responds to health problems, and produces Dalmatians that can excel in both shows and dog sports.
Watch the full episode to discover what it takes to build a breeding legacy that lasts.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Never Give Up: The Paisley Philosophy
(02:48) Growing Up in the Dog Show World
(10:25) The Difference Between Showable and Breedable
(11:21) Lessons From a Lifetime of Mentors
(15:03) Building the Paisley Foundation
(17:27) Linebreeding, Outcrossing, and Knowing Your Lines
(19:06) When a Bloodline Must Go
(21:41) Understanding Copper Storage Disease
(22:38) What Makes a True Dalmatian?
(23:28) The Hardest Traits to Breed For
(25:04) The Dogs That Built Paisley
(31:58) Breeding for Versatility
(34:34) Balancing Breed Type, Temperament, and Performance
(35:51) How Jessica Selects Puppies
(37:24) When the Right Stud Dog Changes Everything
(38:18) The Future of Paisley Dalmatians
(39:56) Giving New Breeders the Right Start
(44:21) Why Breeders Need to Work Together
(46:28) Don’t Breed to the Popular Stud Dog
(49:02) Challenges Facing the Dalmatian Breed
(50:15) Why Jessica Is Hopeful About the Future
(51:06) What Purebred Breeders Need to Focus On
(53:02) Building a 13-Generation Legacy
(54:12) Never Give Up: Jessica’s Advice
(55:02) What Makes a Master Breeder?
(56:49) Learn More About Paisley Dalmatians
(57:24) Final Thoughts
This 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 #BreedStandard #AKCDogShows #WestminsterDogShow #BestInShow #WestminsterKennelClub #AKCNationalChampionship #PaisleyDalmatians #JessicaMacMillan #DalmatianBreeding #DalmatianBloodlines #CopperStorageDisease #DalmatianGenetics
For more than 50 years, Susan Giles of Ta Sen Lhasa Apsos has built a breeding program known for consistency, breed type, and generations of remarkable show dogs. Ta Sen has produced an incredible family of successful Lhasas, with the pinnacle being “JJ,” GCHP. Ta Sen Westgate Jingle Juice, 2025 AKC National Championship Best in Show & 2026 Westminster Kennel Club Non-Sporting Group winner.
In this episode of Better Breeder, Susan shares the philosophy, decisions, and lessons behind the Ta Sen legacy and explains what it takes to stay true to a vision across generations.
You’ll discover:
From influential foundation dogs and strategic outcrosses to historic wins and preserving breed type, Susan shares lessons earned over a lifetime in dogs.
Watch the full episode to discover the breeding principles behind more than five decades of Ta Sen.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro
(02:56) Getting Started With Lhasas
(05:42) Finding the Right Mentor
(07:04) Compensation Breeding
(07:49) Combining Bloodlines
(09:01) Breeding for Type and Structure
(09:55) Successful Outcrossing
(12:29) Her Biggest Breeding Setback
(14:03) The Ideal Ta Sen Lhasa
(15:41) The Hardest Traits to Breed
(16:40) The Dogs That Built Ta Sen
(22:10) Maintaining Consistent Breed Type
(23:24) The Story of JJ
(26:34) JJ’s Historic Show Career
(28:45) Her Best Lhasa
(29:30) Her Best Breeding
(30:55) The Future of Ta Sen
(32:30) Supporting Puppy Buyers
(35:27) The Lhasa’s Declining Numbers
(36:34) Breeders as Collaborators
(38:32) Staying True to Her Vision
(40:58) Avoiding Kennel Blindness
(41:34) Evaluating Dogs Objectively
(43:26) The Future of the Lhasa
(44:45) Bringing in Younger Breeders
(45:24) Her Proudest Achievement
(45:52) The Ta Sen Legacy
(46:23) Advice for Aspiring Breeders
This 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 #BreedStandard #AKCDogShows #WestminsterDogShow #BestInShow #WestminsterKennelClub #AKCNationalChampionship #SusanGiles #TaSenLhasaApsos #LhasaApsoDogs #LhasaApsoBreeder #JJLhasaApso
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:
With 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:
(00:00) Intro
(00:34) Meet Margery Good
(02:42) How Her Journey in Dogs Began
(07:26) The Mentors Who Shaped Her Career
(09:02) Breeding Virtues to Virtues
(15:06) The Win That Changed Everything
(16:24) The Hardest Parts of Breeding
(17:49) Building the Good Spice Bloodlines
(23:11) How Margery Studies Pedigrees
(24:43) Building a Stronger Gene Pool
(26:58) Her Vision of the Ideal Sealyham
(29:31) The Legendary Dogs of Good Spice
(37:56) Chasing the Breed Standard
(39:02) Her Most Successful Litter
(40:03) Kerry Blues, Airedales & Temperament
(42:46) What’s Next for Good Spice
(44:02) Protecting the Future of Purebred Dogs
(46:16) Supporting Breeders & Puppy Owners
(49:30) How Her Breeding Program Evolved
(52:03) Don’t Let the Show Ring Decide
(53:19) What Breeders Should Focus on Now
(54:14) What Matters More Than Winning
(55:26) The Legacy of Good Spice
(55:54) Margery’s Advice to Breeders
(56:46) A Master Breeder to Know
(57:31) Finding Good Spice
This 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 #BreedStandard #AKCDogShows #Westminster #WestminsterDogShow #BestInShow #WestminsterKennelClub #NationalDogShow #MargeryGood #GoodspiceKennel #SealyhamTerriers #SealyhamTerrierBreeder #GoodSpiceSealyhams #CharminSealyham
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:
Watch the full episode for an insightful conversation about breeding with purpose, building better pedigrees, and leaving a lasting legacy in the Borzoi breed.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(02:09) Falling in Love With Borzoi
(04:02) Starting as a Borzoi Breeder
(07:48) Early Mentors and Lessons
(09:55) Understanding Structure and Pedigrees
(12:02) Why Front Structure Matters
(13:39) Developing the Elance Type
(14:49) Reading a Pedigree
(15:45) Linebreeding and Outcrossing
(18:40) Overcoming Breeding Setbacks
(20:07) Sharing Stud Dogs
(23:45) The Ideal Borzoi
(24:53) Why Movement Matters
(26:08) The Dogs That Built Elance
(31:14) A Bloodline-Changing Breeding
(35:04) The Future of Elance
(36:25) Conserving Purebred Dogs
(37:29) Collaboration Over Competition
(43:40) Mentoring Young Breeders
(44:34) Challenges Facing Borzoi
(46:50) What Borzoi Breeders Should Improve
(47:54) More Than Ribbons
(49:17) The Elance Legacy
(50:10) Chase Excellence, Don’t Settle
(50:34) Breeders Worth Learning From
(52:16) Where to Find Elance Borzoi
This 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 #BreedStandard #AKCDogShows #Westminster #WestminsterDogShow #BestInShow #CherieHunchak #ElanceBorzoi #BorzoiDogs #BorzoiBreeder #BorzoiPedigree #BorzoiBloodlines
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:
Whether 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) Intro
(00:38) Welcome to the Better Breeder Roundtable
(01:25) What Mindset Really Means in Breeding
(02:30) You Are Not Just a Speck in the Sport
(04:21) How to Approach Your First National
(06:17) Getting Hands-On with Dogs and Studying the Standard
(07:46) Why Judges' Education Isn't Just for Judges
(09:57) Building a Long-Term Vision for Your Kennel
(11:42) When Emotion Becomes the Killer of a Program
(16:08) Thinking in Generations, Not Litters
(18:41) Fixing the Overall Dog Before the Details
(21:31) How Long Until You Truly Know Your Genepool
(23:52) Making Progress with Small Numbers Through Co-Breeding
(27:08) Don't Let Fads Distract from Your Vision
(29:28) Measurable Strength vs. Ribbons
(31:16) Why Reproductive Health Belongs in the Vision
(35:46) Keep the Best Puppy
(37:47) Breeding Littermates to Compare What They Produce
(42:55) Why First Litters Are Rarely Good Enough
(44:44) Building a Male Line With Purpose
(49:12) Knowing When You've Found the Right Stud
(52:21) Elevating Other Breeders Elevates Your Own Program
(59:13) Handling Health Issues With an Open Book
(01:02:09) Final Takeaways
This episode is brought to you by:
EZWhelp — https://www.ezwhelp.com/
Take Our Quiz: Build Your Whelping Setup in 60 Seconds
Follow 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
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:
It’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:
(00:00) The realities of breeding
(02:15) Getting started in dogs
(07:30) Mentors who shaped Bob
(12:21) Early breeding challenges
(15:22) Building the Foxfire bloodline
(17:25) Pedigrees and genetic diversity
(19:40) The Foxfire ideal
(22:24) Show dogs that can work
(26:10) The dogs that built Foxfire
(33:21) Today’s breeding challenges
(36:27) Why breeders need to collaborate
(39:25) How Bob’s breeding evolved
(40:20) Be your own worst critic
(44:24) What breeders should prioritize
(46:27) The Foxfire legacy
(48:08) Bob’s advice for breeders
(50:52) Breeders Bob admires
(52:00) Where to find Bob
This 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
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