Better Breeder Chronicles

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.

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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:

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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:

• The crucial difference between a showable dog and one that should be bred
• How Jessica preserved her program after a devastating inherited health issue
• Why breed type, temperament, health, and versatility must work together
• How the right stud dog can transform an entire breeding program
• Why giving promising newcomers excellent dogs is essential to the future of purebred dogs

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/

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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:

• Why compensation breeding is so important
• How Susan successfully combined different bloodlines
• What made JJ such an exceptional show dog
• Why breeders need an objective eye when evaluating their dogs
• Why the future of the Lhasa Apso concerns her

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:

• Why strong virtues should be bred to strong virtues
• How pedigrees help her preserve type while avoiding faults
• The legendary dogs that defined generations of Good Spice
• Why great companions matter far beyond the show ring
• The advice she believes every aspiring breeder needs to hear

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:

• How learning to truly see structure transformed her breeding program
• Why pedigrees are a roadmap, and the dog in front of you never tells the whole story
• How she uses linebreeding and carefully chosen outcrosses to build consistency
• Why collaboration and sharing quality stud dogs will strengthen an entire breed
• Why her proudest achievement isn’t ribbons, but seeing other breeders succeed with Elance bloodlines

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:

• 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 effort

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:

• How Foxfire developed a recognizable breed type
• Why temperament should never be compromised
• Why breeders must be their own toughest critics
• How shrinking gene pools are changing breeding decisions
• The advice Bob believes every aspiring breeder needs to 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

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:

(00:00) Intro

(02:24) Sylvia’s Early Love of Dogs

(08:02) Learning from European Kennels

(13:12) Lessons from Breeders and Handlers

(15:50) From California Kennels to TWA

(19:20) From Dobermans to Giant Schnauzers

(24:29) Building the Skansen Breeding Program

(26:44) Developing Her Ideal Giant Schnauzer

(31:37) Breeding for the Perfect Family Pet

(32:45) Breeding Strategies and European Bloodlines

(35:08) Health, Exercise, and Conditioning

(40:00) The Importance of Health and Character

(45:06) Gentleman Thief and Other Dogs That Shaped Skansen

(50:27) I Have a Dream and Skansen’s Successes

(57:21) The Dogs Closest to Sylvia’s Ideal

(59:47) Managing a Large Breeding Program

(01:02:00) Sylvia’s Approach to Nutrition

(01:08:02) Advice for Today’s Breeders

(01:09:41) Breeding for Healthy, Happy Families

(01:10:30) Sylvia’s Breeding Legacy

(01:11:45) Listen to Your Dogs

(01:18:01) Sylvia’s Advice and Reflections

(01:19:46) Finding Skansen and Choosing the Right Puppy

(01:21:23) 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 #AKCDogShows #Westminster #WestminsterDogShow #WestminsterDogShowWinner #BestInShow #SylviaHammarstrom #Skansen #SkansenGiantSchnauzers #GiantSchnauzers #SchnauzerBreeder #GiantSchnauzerBreedStandard #GiantSchnauzerBloodlines #GiantSchnauzerBreeding

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 dogs
• Why quality matters more than individual traits
• His breeding strategy for producing champions
• Why type and movement matter most
• How the Foxhollow legacy lives on today

Whether 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:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:13) First Dog Show

(04:48) Finding Wire Fox Terriers

(05:52) Learning to See the Whole Dog

(07:30) Building the Foundation

(10:02) Breeding Philosophy

(11:35) Successful Outcrossing

(12:48) Managing the Breeding Program

(13:21) Learning From Setbacks

(14:21) The Ideal Wire Fox Terrier

(16:15) Evaluating Dogs

(18:03) Foxhollow's Most Influential Dogs

(27:47) Passing on the Foxhollow Legacy

(31:09) Closest to the Breed Standard

(32:46) Most Successful Litter

(33:29) Linebreeding vs Outcrossing

(35:42) Conserving Purebred Dogs

(36:44) Attracting New Breeders

(37:39) The Value of Mentorship

(38:57) How the Program Evolved

(40:20) Type vs Style

(42:07) Challenges Facing the Breed

(43:33) The Future of Wire Fox Terriers

(45:17) Priorities for Breeders

(46:37) Foxhollow's Greatest Achievement

(48:06) Advice for New Breeders

(49:05) Recommended Master Breeder

This 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

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 generations

Whether 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) Intro

(00:44) Welcome to the Better Breeder Roundtable

(01:39) Reading the Breed Standard as a Blueprint

(05:23) Understanding the Purpose Behind the Standard

(07:50) Why Structure and Movement Come First

(10:42) Why the Words in the Standard Matter

(14:30) Applying Form & Function to Breeding Decisions

(18:15) Why Temperament Is Part of Form & Function

(21:36) Looking Beyond the Individual Dog

(23:46) Structural Concepts Every Breeder Should Learn

(26:55) Why Front Assemblies Matter

(30:53) Learning from Professional Handlers and Mentors

(33:55) Breaking the Breed Standard into Functional Sections

(35:06) What Movement Reveals That Structure Can't Hide

(39:53) Why Seeing Dogs in Person Matters

(45:22) Choosing Function Over Cosmetics

(51:13) Planning Three Generations Ahead

(53:33) Advice for New Preservation Breeders

(58:55) The Importance of Honest Feedback

(01:02:34) 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