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, and impact your breed long after your last litter is born.

You’ll discover:

• Why exclusivity is destroying bloodlines and collaboration is now essential
• The pricing mistake that keeps breeders stuck and undervalued
• Why getting burned is inevitable (& fine) and actually part of long-term success
• How to ensure your breeding program survives beyond your lifetime
• The truth about mentorship and why most breeders are skipping it

👉 Watch Part 2 now and rethink how you breed, elevate, and succeed

Timestamps:

02:15 Persistence and breeder mindset

03:27 Collaboration vs competition

08:08 Shrinking genepools

09:11 Cultural shift in breeding

12:30 Contracts vs Trust in breeding

14:43 Risks and relationships in breeding

18:16 Rising costs and logistics

22:08 Profit stigma in purebred dog breeding

27:55 Dog show quantity and quality

30:13 Tiered dog show system idea

33:21 Learning and breeder education

36:16 Visiting successful kennels

37:01 Learning from handlers

38:33 Attending (National?) specialty shows

41:29 Handler dedication and preparation

43:12 Learning from high volume kennels

45:23 AKC events and distractions

47:50 Grand Championship program impact

52:47 Value of purebred dogs

57:52 Promoting purebred dogs

1:00:23 Educating puppy buyers

1:04:06 Breeder focus and legacy

1:08:47 Finding successors in breeding

1:15:17 Mentoring and education gaps

1:18:59 Courage to seek mentors

1:20:22 Choosing the right judges

1:23:01 Mentorship vs willingness to learn

#PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCdogshows #DougJohnson #JamieHubbard #ClussexxKennel #ClussexxClumberSpaniels #ClumberSpaniel #ClumberSpanielBreeders #SussexSpaniel #WelshSpringerSpaniel #EnglishToySpaniel #DogBreedingStrategy #DogBreedingCollaboration #WestminsteWinners #WestminsterDogShow

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 vet clinic, while Jamie grew up in the world of dog shows in Australia. Together, they have built one of the most respected preservation breeding programs in the world. In this episode, they share what goes on behind decades of “low-entry” success at the highest level.

Here’s what stands out:

• Why early success can create pressure and how to sustain it
• The truth about linebreeding, outcrossing, and building a consistent “type.”
• How one standout dog can transform a breed worldwide
• Why small gene pools aren’t always a disadvantage
• The importance of mentorship, patience, and global collaboration

This is a story about discipline, vision, and playing the long game.

🎧 Listen now to hear how world-class breeding is really done.

Timestamps:

00:37 Doug Johnson and Jamie Hubbard

02:45 Doug’s first Clumber Spaniel

03:42 Jamie’s start in Australia

04:26 First wins and getting hooked

08:01 Early mentors and influence

11:20 Key moments and Westminster success

13:28 Building the ideal Clumber Spaniel

15:15 Foundation dogs and bloodlines

17:16 Linebreeding philosophy

18:35 Outcrossing strategy

22:04 Size of the breeding program

25:01 Challenges in breeding

31:31 Ideal Clumber Spaniel traits

33:33 First dogs and early success

38:59 Key sires and global influence

45:46 Man of Steel and prolific sire debate

49:15 Hard traits to maintain

54:06 Future of the breeding program

57:18 Sussex Spaniel story

1:10:27 English Toy Spaniel beginnings

1:17:34 Building type through generations

1:23:06 Cooper and global success

1:27:47 Biggest achievements and legacy

1:33:04 Advice for new breeders

1:36:37 How they want to be remembered

1:38:04 How to contact Doug and Jamie

#PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCdogshows #DougJohnson #JamieHubbard #ClussexxKennel #ClussexxClumberSpaniels #ClumberSpaniel #ClumberSpanielBreeders #SussexSpaniel #WelshSpringerSpaniel #EnglishToySpaniel #WestminsteWinners #WestminsterDogShow

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 Brasswinds program began and the mentors who influenced her early years
• The story of Brasswinds Ego Trip, one of the most influential English Cocker Spaniel sires
• Why linebreeding was key to producing consistent type and recognizable dogs
• The biggest challenges facing breeders today
• Her simple advice to the next generation of breeders: don’t quit

If you care about breeding, bloodlines, and the history behind great dogs, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Watch the full episode to hear the Brasswinds story and Pam Lefever’s lessons from a lifetime in dogs.

Timestamps:

01:48 How Pam Started with Purebred Dogs

03:50 Lessons from Kay Monaghan

04:54 Mentors and Learning Breed Type

05:37 Early Success with English Setters

07:05 The Ideal English Setter

08:34 Building the Brasswinds Bloodline

10:20 Famous Brasswinds Dogs

18:27 Front Paige News and Breeding Choices

21:21 Adding English Cocker Spaniels

22:54 Learning the English Cocker Breed

24:21 Building the English Cocker Pedigree

27:32 The Look of Brasswinds English Cockers

28:27 The Legendary Stud Dog Ego Trip

31:57 Other Notable English Cockers

38:41 Linebreeding Philosophy

42:22 Biggest Challenges in Breeding

45:43 Modern Breeders’ Challenges

48:16 Importance of Breed Standards

49:16 Marketing Puppies Today

50:47 The Future of Purebred Dogs

52:02 Reasons for Optimism in the Sport

53:11 What Breeders Should Focus On

55:12 Breeder Pam Recommends to Feature

56:09 What Is Pam Most Proud Of

56:40 Advice for Aspiring Breeders

57:15 How She Wants Brasswinds Remembered

57:26 Where to Find Pam Lefever Online

#PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #PurebredDogs #AKCDogShows #DogBreedingProgram #PamLefever #Brasswinds #EnglishSetter #EnglishCockerSpaniel #EnglishSetterBreederEnglish #CockerSpanielBloodlines #EnglishSetterBloodlines #NationalSpecialty #WestminsterBestofBreedWinners

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 became the foundation of the Classic program.

In this conversation, Tricia reveals:

• How her start with an English Setter launched her dog show career
• The mentors who helped shape her breeding philosophy
• Why linebreeding and consistent type built a recognizable bloodline
• The real challenges breeders face — from heartbreak to criticism
• Why temperament and good homes matter more than ribbons

Watch the full episode to hear the complete story behind the Classic & Posey Canyon bloodlines.

Timestamps:

00:31 Meet Tricia Stanczyk

02:09 From Horses to Dog Shows

04:17 Finishing Her First Champion

05:50 The Mentor Who Changed Her Path

08:28 Lessons from Great Dog Mentors

11:54 The Impact of Jennifer Johnson

14:26 The Posey Canyon Bloodline

17:18 The Ideal Parson Russell Type

18:29 Winning the National Montgomery County

22:10 Einstein: The Foundation Dog

25:46 Gidget, Taser, and the Next Generation

33:05 Linebreeding and Setting Type

35:36 Why Breeders Must Collaborate

37:53 The Classic Parson Russell Look

39:14 The Hardest Trait to Breed

40:30 Handling Critics and Negativity

42:07 How Her Breeding Goals Evolved

44:24 Challenges Facing the Breed

46:24 What She’s Most Proud Of

48:33 Mentorship and Legacy

49:11 The Future of Classic Parsons

51:36 Advice for Aspiring Breeders

52:38 The Breeder She Calls the GOAT

#PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #PurebredDogs #AKCDogShows #TriciaStanczyk #ParsonRussellTerriers #ClassicParsonRussellTerrier #ParsonRussellTerrierBreeder #ParsonRussellBreedingProgram #WestminsterWinningDogs

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 Best in Show careers.

You’ll learn:

• How legendary mentors shaped their eye and ambition
• The calculated breeding behind Ringo, Whiskey, Bourbon, and Ivy
• Why the Whippet National is the breed’s ultimate proving ground
• The importance of collaboration and an open stud culture
• Their blunt advice: never breed for convenience

This is a masterclass in vision, patience, and building a legacy kennel the right way.

👉 Watch now to hear the full story behind Pinnacle Whippets’ rise to glory.

Timestamps:

00:46 Meet Justin and Cheslie Smithey

02:11 Justin’s First Whippet at 16

02:57 Cheslie’s background breeding Papillons with her mother

04:17 Early mentors and influences

07:24 Developing the mental picture of a Whippet

08:48 Foundation bloodlines behind Pinnacle

09:55 What defines a Pinnacle Whippet

10:28 Hardest traits to achieve in the breed

12:56 Ringo: The early foundation sire

17:14 The breeding that changed everything

20:48 Whiskey’s National triumph

22:05 Bourbon’s historic show career

25:00 Breeding Bourbon and building the next generation

27:23 Ivy and continued show ring success

29:48 Future goals for Pinnacle Whippets

30:36 Winning the Whippet National Specialty

32:49 Setbacks and heartbreaks in breeding

34:31 Community collaboration among breeders

37:49 Evolving goals and maintaining quality

41:00 Advice for aspiring breeders

43:34 Legacy and generosity in the breed

#PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCdogshows #AKCNational #ChampionDogs #SportingDogs #JustinAndCheslieSmithey #WhippetBreeder #Whippets #PinnacleWhippets #WhippetNationalSpecialtyWinner

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 biggest challenges of breeding a rare breed
• How mentorship shaped her eye for structure and movement
• What she focuses on to improve each generation
• How her dogs rose to national level success

If you’re passionate about preservation breeding, long-term vision, and breeding better dogs, watch now and discover the Ginkgo Story.

Timestamps:

00:29 Stacy Able of Ginkgo Barbets

01:54 Discovering the Barbet Breed

03:38 Early Mentors and Influences

05:40 Challenges of a Small Genepool

06:51 The AKC Recognition Journey

08:50 Building the Ginkgo Bloodline

10:08 Breeding Strategy and Line Development

11:05 Evaluating Pedigree and Structure

12:03 Defining the Ginkgo Barbet Type

12:49 Hardest Trait to Achieve

13:42 Notable Dogs: Cinna, Harper & Epee

20:43 Future Goals for the Breeding Program

21:13 Supporting and Educating Puppy Buyers

22:46 Evolving Goals After AKC Recognition

23:28 Marketing Through Social Media

25:26 Health Challenges in the Breed

27:24 Optimism for the Future of Barbet

29:16 Most Notable Accomplishments

29:50 Advice for Aspiring Breeders

30:28 Legacy of Ginkgo Barbets

#PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #PurebredDogs #AKCDogShows #StacyAble #BarbetDogs #GinkgoBarbets #BarbetBreeder #AKCBarbet #AmericanBarbet

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 decision
• How linebreeding creates consistency and type
• Why chasing easy ring wins weakens quality
• How to handle setbacks without losing focus
• What today’s breeders are getting wrong

Kathy speaks honestly about mentorship, heartbreak, legacy, and refusing to settle for mediocrity.

▶️ Watch now and rethink what it means to breed with conviction.

Timestamps:

00:20 The Ocoee Legacy Begins

01:34 Growing Up With Purebred Dogs

03:32 First Golden Retriever and Mentors

05:56 The Dog That Changed Everything

08:44 Legendary Michigan Breeding Programs

12:07 Building a Signature Ocoee Type

15:13 Starting a Bloodline the Right Way

17:44 The Power of Linebreeding

19:15 Pedigrees, Health, and Tough Decisions

25:03 Life with a House Full of Dogs

27:15 The Perfect Springer Silhouette

29:13 Heartbreak, Parvo, and Hard Losses

33:25 Handling Setbacks Without Drama

34:47 The Dogs That Built Ocoee

42:54 George and the Modern Ocoee Impact

45:04 Too Many Dog Shows, Too Little Quality

47:42 What Success Means Today

50:10 Evolution of Visions and Goals

52:05 Building a Loyal Pet Buyer Base

53:19 The Biggest Threat to the Breed

55:07 Hope for the Next Generation

55:53 Master Breeders She Respects

57:38 What Kathy Is Most Proud Of

58:03 One Lesson for New Breeders

59:54 How She Wants to Be Remembered

1:00:21 Where to Learn More About Ocoee

#PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #PurebredDogs #AKCDogShows #KathyLorentzen #OcoeeEnglishSpringerSpaniels #EnglishSpringerSpaniel #EnglishSpringerSpanielBreeder

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 Norfolk Terrier breeders in the world

- Why mentorship, not competition, is the backbone of a sustainable breeding program

- The truth about linebreeding, outcrossing, and preserving genetic health in a small breed

- How to evaluate puppies, pedigrees, and littermates beyond surface-level wins

- What today’s breeders must do to protect purebred dogs for future generations

👉 Watch now to learn how vision, discipline, and collaboration create a legacy that lasts.

Timestamps:

01:57 Lori’s Early Journey With Dogs

06:59 Early Mentorship Influence

07:56 First Major Setbacks and Breakthroughs

10:32 Defining the Avalon Look

12:18 Foundation Bloodlines

13:53 Linebreeding Philosophy

16:48 Pedigree Research Approach

20:01 Stud Dogs and Litter Evaluation

21:02 Outcrossing Challenges

22:33 Managing a Breeding Program

24:36 Puppy Selection Process

28:10 Hardest Breed Virtues to Maintain

28:56 Notable Avalon Dogs Overview

30:41 Zack’s Impact on the Breed

34:48 Elton and Major Wins

39:05 Little’s Career and Versatility

42:27 Future of Avalon Kennels

45:35 Breeding Challenges and Losses

48:28 Mentorship Philosophy

52:02 Supporting Breeders and the Breed

54:27 Collaboration Over Competition

57:46 Role of the Parent Clubs

1:00:52 Evolving Breeding Vision

1:01:32 Reaching Pet Puppy Buyers

1:02:16 Optimism for the Breed

1:03:07 Breeder Priorities Today

1:03:49 What Lori Is Most Proud Of

1:04:41 Breeders She Admires

1:06:44 Final Advice: Don’t Give Up

1:07:40 Legacy of Avalon Norfolk Terriers

#PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #PurebredDogs #AKCDogShows #LoriPelletier #NorfolkTerrier #AvalonNorfolkTerriers #NorfolkTerrierBreeder #NorfolkTerrierBloodlines #AKCTerrierBreeds

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 legendary winners known for health, longevity, and unmistakable breed type. With decades of experience, she offers honest insight into what it takes to build a program that lasts.

In this episode, you’ll hear

• Why pedigree and consistency matter more than chasing what’s popular

• How mentors outside the breed shaped her vision

• The hardest Samoyed traits to preserve and why they matter

• How to handle criticism and stay true to your program

• Why health and longevity always come before ribbons

👉 Watch now and learn what it really means to breed for the love of the dog and the future of the breed.

Timestamps:

00:42 Amy Green and Pebbles Run

01:50 How Amy got started with Samoyeds

03:47 Becoming a breeding

04:31 Early mentors and outside influences

09:19 Defining the Pebbles Run vision

10:25 Early breeding choices and risks

11:52 The role of pedigree

12:39 Linebreeding philosophy

13:37 Managing dogs at every life stage

15:59 What a Pebbles Run Samoyed looks like

18:57 Hardest traits to maintain

20:12 Coat texture and color

21:41 Challenges and criticism in breeding

25:52 Dogs that defined the program

35:12 Future direction of the program

38:05 How the vision has evolved

38:37 Importance of breeder collaboration

42:45 Connecting with puppy buyers

44:32 Biggest challenges facing the breed

47:12 What breeders should focus on today

49:22 The Show & Go generation

55:36 Maintaining quality over generations

57:06 Breeders who Amy admires most

58:19 What Amy is most proud of

1:01:03 Advice to aspiring breeders

1:02:34 How Pebbles Run wants to be remembered

1:03:12 How to connect with Pebbles Run

#PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows #AmyKiellGreen #PebblesRunSamoyed #SamoyedDogs #SamoyedBreeder #AKCSamoyedBreeders #WestminsterDogShow #WestminsterKennelClub #WKCDogShow #WestminsterWinner

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 professional handler-breeder relationship is

- What pedigree knowledge really means in practice

- Why timing can matter more than talent

- How trust and collaboration shape lasting breeding legacies

This is a rare, honest look at the mindset behind world-class breeder — from the ring to the whelping box.

👉 Watch the full episode to hear the Stellar Story firsthand.

Timestamps:

00:30 Introduction to Janice Hayes

01:45 First inspiration and junior handling years

08:13 From handler to breeder mindset

17:53 Choosing the PBGV as her breed

24:10 Building the foundation breeding lines

33:56 Small breed challenges and pedigree depth

39:33 Creating distance within a small breed

45:11 Learning pedigrees by hands-on experience

52:46 Buddy Holly and the Westminster win

57:43 Incorporating Buddy Holly into breeding

1:01:16 How pedigree guides breeding decisions

1:08:39 Defining the ideal PBGV type

1:11:42 The hardest breed traits to attain

1:15:10 Future direction of the breeding program

1:19:14 Handler and breeder relationship

1:23:50 Why breeders must focus on the next generation

1:27:54 Educating the public and using social media

1:31:01 The most significant challenge in the breed

1:32:44 What should breeders focus on today

1:41:47 Breeders who shaped her philosophy

1:44:00 What is Janice most proud of

1:58:02 Advice for aspiring breeders

2:02:01 Legacy of Stellar PBGVs

2:03:38 Where to find Janice

#PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows #JaniceHayes #StellarPBGVs #PetitBassetGriffonVendeen #PBGVDogs #WestminsterDogShow #WestminsterKennelClub #WKCDogShow #WestminsterWinner