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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:
Whether 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:
(00:00) Intro
(02:10) Starting with Pomeranians
(07:32) Building the Foundation Bloodlines
(11:26) Why Pedigrees Matter
(12:34) Linebreeding and Outcrossing Strategy
(14:57) The Ideal Pomeranian Standard
(16:28) Biggest Problems in the Breed Today
(18:43) The Dogs That Built Darright
(28:50) Her Most Successful Litter
(29:44) Breeding for Health and Natural Whelping
(31:46) Educating Judges and Breeders
(34:01) The Shrinking Genepool Challenge
(35:58) Why Breeders Must Collaborate
(39:52) Lessons That Changed Her Program
(41:32) Evaluating Puppies Objectively
(46:48) Coat Loss and Health Challenges
(47:31) Why She's Optimistic About the Future
(49:42) Her Greatest Accomplishment
(50:57) Advice for New Breeders
This 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
Chris and Tom Levy of Abiqua Pumik didn't just breed exceptional Pumis. They helped build the breed's foundation in the United States.
In this episode, Chris and Tom share the journey, years of study, repeated trips across Europe, and a deep commitment to preservation breeding.
What you'll discover:
Great dogs don't happen by chance. They are the result of thoughtful decisions, years of study, and breeders who never stop learning. Chris and Tom explain what that process really looks like.
Watch now and discover what separates good breeders from truly great ones.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro
(02:26) The Beginning of the Breeding Journey
(08:55) Falling in Love with the Pumi
(11:06) Learning from Europe's Best Breeders
(15:08) Creating the Ideal Pumi
(17:02) Why Pedigrees Matter
(20:00) Breeding for Health and Diversity
(24:50) Building a Better Bloodline
(27:48) Inside the Pumi Breed Standard
(31:45) The Dogs That Built Their Legacy
(40:11) The Next Chapter for Abiqua
(41:28) Today's Biggest Breeding Challenges
(44:47) How to Become a Better Breeder
(48:07) Redefining Success in Breeding
(50:44) Protecting the Future of the Pumi
(52:49) The Legacy They Hope to Leave
(54:40) One Lesson Every Breeder Should Learn
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/
#PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows #Westminster #WestminsterDogShow #WestminsterDogShowWinner #BestInShow #AbiquaPumik #Pumik #ChrisAndTomLevy #PumikBreeders #FCIPumiStandard #AKCPumik
Learn how Valerie Nunes-Atkinson, along with partner Yvonne Hassler-Deterding, built VJK-Myst Kennels into one of the most respected German Shorthaired Pointer breeding programs in the world.
Valerie shares the breeding philosophy, mentorship, and long-term vision that shaped generations of top-winning dogs.
In this episode, you'll learn:
If you're passionate about purebred dogs and achieving success in a breeding program, you won't want to miss this conversation.
Enjoyed the episode? Like, subscribe, share it with fellow breeders, and leave your thoughts in the comments.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro
(02:17) How It All Began
(04:04) The Westminster Dream
(06:30) Winning Best Junior At Westminster
(10:23) Mentors Who Shaped Her Career
(16:38) Mentoring The Next Generation
(23:20) Building A Linebreeding Program
(26:33) Successful Outcrossing Strategies
(30:13) The Art And Science Of Breeding
(32:00) Creating The VJK-Myst Bloodline
(35:03) The Ideal German Shorthaired Pointer
(40:56) The Dogs That Built VJK-Myst
(49:20) The Future Of The Breeding Program
(50:58) Why Breeders Should Be Proud
(57:58) Educating Puppy Buyers
(1:01:05) The Biggest Challenge Facing Breeders
(1:05:44) A Vision For Future Breeders
(1:10:03) What Valerie Is Most Proud Of
(1:12:47) Advice For Aspiring Breeders
(1:16:30) Where To Learn More About VJK-Myst
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/
#PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows #Westminster #WestminsterDogShow #WestminsterDogShowWinner #BestInShow #ValerieNunes-Atkinson #GermanShorthairedPointer #VJK_MystKennels #GSP #VJK_Myst #GSPBreeding #GSPBloodlines #GSPBreeder
Outcrossing is one of the most talked-about and misunderstood topics in dog breeding.
In this episode of the Better Breeder Roundtable, Kathy Rust is joined by renowned master breeder Bill Shelton (Coventry Pembroke Welsh Corgis) and Lisa Braun (Mischief Papillons & Miniature American Shepherds) for a practical discussion on when, why, and how breeders should use outcrossing to improve their programs.
Bill explains why outcrossing is not a shortcut or a fix for problems, but a long-term strategy for enrichment, to capture specific virtues while preserving type, health, and consistency.
In this conversation, you'll learn:
Whether you're new to breeding or refining an established program, this episode is packed with practical insights and decades of breeding experience.
Watch now and learn how successful breeders use outcrossing to strengthen their bloodlines for generations to come.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro
(00:45) What Is Outcrossing?
(06:14) Linebreeding vs Inbreeding vs Outcrossing
(10:07) Why Consistency Matters
(15:16) When Should You Outcross?
(18:23) The Biggest Outcrossing Mistake
(22:08) Breeding Back Into the Line
(25:53) Advice for New Breeders
(31:50) Why Linebreeding Comes First
(33:22) A Real Outcrossing Example
(38:34) Genetic Testing and Health
(41:39) Outcrossing to Capture Virtues
(44:05) Reproductive Health Matters
(51:44) Choosing the Right Outcross
(56:28) Is It Better to Buy a New Dog?
(58:10) Why National Specialties Matter
(01:04:19) When to Use an Outcross
(01:09:37) Final Takeaways
This episode is brought to you by:
EZWhelp — https://www.ezwhelp.com/
#PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows #BetterBreederRoundtable #KathyRust #Outcrossing #BillShelton #LisaBraun #PurebredDogs #CanineGenetics #ResponsibleBreeding #DogBreeder #BreedingPrograms #BreedingStrategy #Bloodlines #Pedigrees
This is the story of how Lindsey Cook took Kaska English Setters from humble roots and built it into a program that consistently produces some of the breed’s finest, most dominant dogs.
She shares her journey from junior handler to respected breeder, the mentorship that shaped her program, and the dogs that helped define the Kaska legacy.
You'll learn:
Whether you're a breeder, exhibitor, or purebred dog enthusiast, this conversation is packed with insights on breeding, mentorship, pedigrees, and building a lasting legacy.
If you enjoy these breeder stories, like, subscribe, and share this episode with fellow dog lovers.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro
(02:39) Getting Started in Dogs
(04:08) Meeting Lee Ganser
(07:25) Early Career Turning Point
(09:02) Building the Kaska Bloodline
(09:56) Taking Over the Breeding Program
(11:17) The Role of Pedigree
(11:50) Linebreeding and Preserving Type
(12:51) Mentoring the Next Generation
(13:31) Overcoming Health Challenges
(15:09) The Kaska English Setter
(16:57) Dogs That Defined Kaska
(21:52) Closest to the Breed Standard
(23:19) Most Influential Litter
(24:01) The Future of Kaska
(25:02) Balancing Type and Health
(25:39) Health Clearances as a Tool
(26:49) Promoting Conservation Breeding
(28:23) Bringing Young People Into Dogs
(29:12) Challenges Facing Modern Breeders
(31:12) Great Litters vs Great Puppies
(33:08) Evolving as a Breeder
(33:48) Staying Objective About Your Dogs
(35:21) The Biggest Breed Challenge
(36:10) Reasons for Optimism
(37:30) Never Lose Sight of Breed Type
(38:30) What Lindsay Is Most Proud Of
(39:37) Advice for Aspiring Breeders
(40:17) A Breeder Lindsay Admires
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/
#PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows #Westminster #WestminsterDogShow #WestminsterDogShowWinner #BestInShow #LindseyCook #EnglishSetter #EnglishSetterBreeder #KaskaEnglishSetters #EnglishSetterBloodlines #EnglishSetterPedigree #EnglishSetterBreederInterview #WestminsterEnglishSetter #WestminsterBestOfBreedEnglishSetter
How did Lexa Richmond of Hialeah Dachshunds build a small breeding program that produced DCA National Specialty and AKC National Championship winners and generations of top-producing Dachshunds?
In this episode, Matt Stelter sits down with Lexa to share the story behind one of the most successful Dachshund kennels in the country and the lessons learned over 25 years of breeding. Learn how she followed her master plan, weaving her tapestry of pedigrees to create Hialeah.
Key insights from this conversation:
Whether you're a breeder, exhibitor, or purebred dog enthusiast, this episode offers a fascinating look at the planning, patience, and passion behind a lasting kennel legacy.
🎧 Watch now and discover what it really takes to build a successful breeding program.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro
(02:23) Discovering Dachshunds
(07:52) First Steps Into Breeding
(13:07) Lessons From a Mentor
(22:23) Winning at Westminster
(30:13) Building the Hialeah Bloodline
(38:09) Designing a Long-Term Breeding Plan
(49:08) Breeding for Temperament
(56:36) The Eight-Year Plan
(1:00:00) Producing Top Champions
(1:08:04) The Ideal Dachshund
(1:09:02) What Defines a Hialeah Dachshund
(1:11:41) The Hardest Traits to Breed
(1:12:40) Managing Gene Pool Challenges
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/
#PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows #Westminster #WestminsterDogShow #WestminsterDogShowWinner #BestInShow #LexaRichmond #Dachshunds #HialeahDachshunds #DachshundBreedingProgram #WestminsterWinningDachshunds #NationalSpecialtyDachshundWinner
How did Patti Strand and Merry-Go-Round Dalmatians build one of the most influential Dalmatian breeding programs of the past half-century?
In this episode, Matt Stelter sits down with Patti Strand to uncover the dogs, decisions, and breeding philosophy that helped shape a lasting legacy in the Dalmatian. Patti also shares her deep involvement with the National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA). Patti encourages conservation breeders to take pride in their role as valuable members of society and to take back the narrative by educating people about the different types of breeders.
You'll learn:
Drawing on more than 50 years of experience, Patti shares hard-earned lessons on breeding better dogs, preserving breed integrity, and staying focused on what truly matters.
🎧 Watch now to discover what separates great breeders from the rest.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction to Patti Strand
(02:59) How Patti Got Started with Dalmatians
(06:27) First Steps Into Showing and Breeding
(11:21) Early Mentors and Foundation Bloodlines
(16:41) The Dalmatian as a Trotting Breed
(21:39) Patti’s Most Successful Litter
(24:07) Linebreeding and Health Priorities
(25:48) Managing a Breeding Program
(27:36) Hardest Traits to Breed in Dalmatians
(31:23) The Merry-Go-Round Dalmatian
(33:55) The National Animal Interest Alliance
(36:07) Why Breeders Need Better Public Outreach
(40:26) Telling the Breeder Story
(43:20) Public Perception of Purebred Dogs
(45:53) Dog Trafficking vs Dog Rescue
(53:44) The Future of Purebred Dogs
(55:28) What Breeders Should Focus On
(57:19) Patti’s Proudest Accomplishments
(58:59) How History Should Remember Merry-Go-Round
(1:00:22) Advice for New Breeders
(1:03:21) Breeders Patti Respects
(1:05:10) How to Learn More About Merry-Go-Round Dalmatians
(1:06:42) Healthy Dog Importation Act
(1:10:30) Final Thoughts and Closing
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/
#PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows #Westminster #WestminsterDogShow #WestminsterDogShowWinner #BestInShow #PattiStrand #MerryGoRoundDalmatians #DalmatianBreeder #DalmatianDogs #DalmatianBreederInterview #DalmatianBreedingProgram
How did Allison Sunderman turn Sun Oak Welsh Terriers into a highly-respected breeding program while forced to take a backseat to Allison’s handling career?
In this episode of Better Breeder Chronicles, Allison reflects on 50 years in Welsh Terriers, the legendary dogs and mentors that shaped her program, and the hard lessons that come with preserving type, temperament, and quality over generations.
She shares stories from decades in the sport as both a breeder and professional handler, including the bloodlines that influenced her vision, the dogs that built Sun Oak, and why breeding great terriers takes far more than just producing champions.
You’ll hear:
A thoughtful conversation filled with experience, honesty, and insight from a lifetime dedicated to dogs. Watch now.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro
(01:49) Early Journey Into Purebred Dogs
(04:02) Mentors Who Shaped Her Career
(05:39) The Dog That Changed Everything
(06:30) Building the Ideal Welsh Terrier
(09:15) Breeding Strategies and Bloodlines
(10:06) Why Pedigree Still Matters
(12:17) Balancing Handling and Breeding
(14:34) What Defines a Sun Oak Welsh Terrier
(15:22) Hardest Breed Traits To Achieve
(17:13) The Dogs That Built Sun Oak
(23:46) A Dog Closest to the Standard
(24:58) Allison’s Most Successful Litters
(26:46) The Future of Sun Oak Welsh Terriers
(29:16) Challenges Facing Modern Breeders
(30:44) How to Attract New Dog Enthusiasts
(31:57) Educating and Supporting Puppy Buyers
(37:03) The Biggest Threats to Welsh Terriers
(38:41) Reasons for Optimism in the Breed
(40:14) Concerns About the Future of Dog Shows
(41:57) Allison’s Proudest Accomplishments
(43:28) How Allison Wants Sun Oak Remembered
(43:39) Advice for Aspiring Breeders
(44:13) A Breeder Allison Admires Most
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/
#PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows #Westminster #WestminsterDogShow #WestminsterDogShowWinner #BestInShow #AllisonSunderman #WelshTerrier #SunOakWelshTerriers #WelshTerrierBreeder #TerrierGroup #WelshTerrierBreederInterview #WelshTerrierBloodlines #ChampionWelshTerriers
How did Donna and Mike Beadle build Eclipse Berger Picards into one of the most accomplished Berger Picard breeding programs in the country?
In this episode, Matt Stelter sits down with the team behind Eclipse Berger Picards to talk about legendary dogs, heartbreaking losses, Westminster & AKC National Championship wins, and the reality of preserving a rare breed.
Key insights from this episode:
If you’re fascinated by great dogs, passionate breeders, and the stories behind building a top breeding program, you’ll really enjoy this one. Watch now.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(02:26) Starting with German Shepherds
(03:40) Discovering Berger Picards
(05:31) Mentors Who Shaped Eclipse
(07:06) Building the Ideal Picard
(09:07) Linebreeding and Rare Breed Challenges
(11:32) The Bumble Story
(18:04) What Defines an Eclipse Dog
(21:14) The Hardest Traits to Preserve
(23:20) The Dogs That Built Eclipse
(30:10) Closest Dog to the Breed Standard
(31:39) Their Most Successful Litters
(33:30) Future Goals for Eclipse
(36:58) Marketing Purebred Dogs Better
(38:20) Biggest Health Challenges in the Breed
(39:05) Hope for the Future of Picards
(40:51) Threats Facing Preservation Breeders
(43:06) Eclipse’s Greatest Accomplishments
(43:46) The Legacy They Want to Leave
(45:28) Advice for Aspiring Breeders
(46:33) Breeder They’d Like Featured Next
(47:21) Where to Learn More About Eclipse
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/
#PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows #Westminster #WestminsterDogShow #WestminsterDogShowWinner #BestInShow #DonnaAndMikeBeadle #BergerPicards #EclipseBergerPicards #BergerPicardBreeders #WestminsterDogShowBergerPicard #AKCBergerPicard #BestBergePicardBloodlines #BergerPicardShowDogs #BumbleNation #AKCNationalChampionship
Andrea Jordan-Lane of Jordean spent decades building one of the most influential Brittany bloodlines in the sport and forever changing what a top-flight Brittany looks like, and this episode reveals exactly how she did it.
From showing a non-show-quality dog as a teenager to producing generations of top-winning Brittanys, Andrea shares the mentors, bloodlines, and breeding decisions that shaped the Jordean legacy.
In this episode:
If you love purebred dogs, breeding history, or hearing how great programs are built over time, you’ll gain a lot from this conversation. Watch now to hear the full Jordean story.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Andrea’s Advice to New Breeders
(00:22) Introduction to Andrea Jordan-Lane & the Jordean Brittanys Legacy
(02:16) Andrea’s Childhood Fascination With Purebred Dogs
(03:44) Her First Brittany & Discovering Dog Shows
(05:15) Learning the Sport Through Mentors & Observation
(06:57) First Brittany Specialty & Seeing Great Dogs for the First Time
(08:23) Getting Her First Purpose-Bred Brittany
(09:23) Early Success Producing Champions
(10:02) Setbacks, Persistence & Learning the Hard Way
(11:35) Meeting Dennis Jordan Through Dogs
(14:09) Andrea’s First National Specialty Experience
(15:08) How Andrea & Dennis Jordan Became Partners
(16:53) Building the Jordean Vision
(18:50) Acquiring “Jonas” & Finding the Right Type
(20:24) Beverly Millett’s Influence on the Jordean Program
(23:52) Breeding Mistakes, Genetics & Lessons Learned
(25:41) The Importance of Pedigrees, Linebreeding & Type Consistency
(29:17) Health Challenges in the Brittany Breed
(30:09) Hip Dysplasia, Epilepsy & Genetic Responsibility
(35:00) Health Testing, Transparency & Protecting the Breed
(36:25) Andrea’s Mental Picture of the Ideal Brittany
(38:56) The Hardest Breed Traits to Produce Correctly
(39:40) Front Construction, Side Gait & Breed Balance
(41:10) Rear Structure, Hocks & Sound Movement
(43:51) The Foundation Dogs Behind Jordean Brittanys
(45:00) Ch. Jordan Millett Just Kiddin’ “Kitty” & Her Impact
(47:40) The Story of Ollie Begins
(50:20) Ollie’s Rise to a Record-Breaking Show Career
(53:30) Ollie’s Influence as a Sire & Producer
(55:40) Hunting Ability, Field Work & Preserving Duality
(59:40) Producing Multiple Best in Show Winners
(1:02:10) BeBe, Riley, Adam & Multi-Generation Success
(1:04:35) Which Dog Came Closest to the Breed Standard?
(1:07:14) Promoting Preservation Breeders & Purebred Dogs
(1:10:05) Educating Puppy Buyers & Supporting New Exhibitors
(1:12:37) Why Breeders Must Collaborate Instead of Compete
(1:15:22) The Importance of Staying for Group Judging & Best in Show
(1:17:14) Why Every Breeder Should Attend National Specialties
(1:18:12) The Biggest Challenges Facing the Brittany Breed Today
(1:19:30) Aging Breeders, Declining Entries & Lack of Participation
(1:20:20) Reasons Andrea Is Still Optimistic About the Future
(1:21:37) What Breeders Should Prioritize Most Today
(1:22:04) Andrea’s Proudest Accomplishments in the Breed
(1:24:44) The Legacy Andrea Hopes Jordean Leaves Behind
(1:25:15) Andrea’s Advice for Aspiring Breeders
(1:25:51) Breeders Andrea Admires & Respects Today
(1:27:19) Where to Learn More About Jordean Brittanys
(1:27:50) Final Thoughts & Closing Remarks
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/
#PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows #Westminster #WestminsterDogShow #WestminsterDogShowWinner #BestInShow #AndreaJordanLane #BrittanyDogs #JordeanBrittanys #BrittanyBreederInterview #BrittanyDogBreeding #PurebredBrittanyDogs #BrittanyBloodlines
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