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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 road to her first points, the mentors who shaped her journey, and how DNA testing and ethical breeding are redefining the future of purebred dogs.

Tune in to discover what it truly takes to build a legacy in purebred dog breeding — and why health, temperament, and mentorship matter more than trophies.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:42 Meet Lisa Ross of Winfree English Cockers

01:42 Getting Started with Purebred Dogs

03:43 Mentors and Early Lessons

05:49 First Breeding and Vision

08:28 Influential Bloodlines

09:21 Pedigrees and DNA Testing Evolution

10:51 Evaluating Puppies and Breeding Type

12:20 Defining the Winfree English Cocker

13:20 Hallmark Dogs and Bloodlines Through Time

19:04 Breeding Challenges and Heartbreak

22:45 Supporting Puppy Buyers & Building Community

24:39 Collaboration and the Future of Breeding

26:44 Reflections on Success & Legacy

27:18 The Impact of Judges’ Opinion

28:05 The Biggest Challenge of the Breed

28:45 The Optimism for the Future of the Breed

29:23 What Should Breeders Focus On

30:55 Breeders Who Lisa Admires

33:02 Advice for New Breeders

33:49 Winfree English Cockers’ Future

34:41 Where to Find Lisa 

#BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows #LisaRoss #Winfree #EnglishCockerSpaniel