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

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