Better Breeder Chronicles

Better Breeder Institute

Welcome to the Better Breeder Chronicles where we meet the finest purebred dog breeders in the world. We spotlight these master breeders, hearing their stories in their own words—including their beginnings, their challenges and heartbreaks, and ultimately, their climb to the top and their determination to breed a better dog. We share their journeys to inspire all purebred conservation dog breeders to pursue their dreams for their breeding programs!

  1. −2 D

    Meet Lori Pelletier: Master Breeder of Avalon Norfolk Terriers

    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

    1 tim 10 min
  2. 3 FEB.

    Meet Amy Kiell-Green: Master Breeder of Pebbles’ Run Samoyeds

    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

    1 tim 4 min
  3. 27 JAN.

    Meet Janice Hayes: Master Breeder of Stellar Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen (PBGVs)

    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

    2 tim 7 min
  4. 20 JAN.

    Meet Armando Angelbello: Master Breeder of Marlex Miniature Pinschers

    What did it take Armando Angelbello of Marlex Miniature Pinschers to build a legendary breeding program? It’s a story shaped by mentorship, vision, and decades of disciplined decision-making. Armando reflects on how a chance discovery of the Miniature Pinscher led to mentorship under a breed icon, a record-setting 15 National Specialty wins, and the creation of a recognizable Marlex type known around the world. In this conversation, you’ll hear: - Why mentorship mattered more than pedigrees alone - How he balances phenotype, genotype, and movement in breeding decisions - The biggest challenges facing Miniature Pinschers today - Why breeder collaboration is essential for the future - What aspiring breeders must focus on to build lasting quality Insightful, honest, and grounded in decades of experience, this episode is a must-watch for breeders, exhibitors, and anyone passionate about purebred dogs. 👉 Watch now and learn from one of the breed’s most respected voices. Timestamps: 00:36 Meet Armando Angelbello 01:54 Early life and first miniature pinschers 09:35 Building the Marlex bloodline 22:26 Pedigree vs phenotype in breeding 24:10 Size and structure of the breeding program 27:27 Biggest challenges in breeding 31:05 Hardest traits to achieve in Min Pins 32:44 What defines a Marlex Miniature Pinscher 36:31 Future direction of the Marlex program 39:00 Bringing new people into purebred dogs 43:02 Preserving bloodlines and breed survival 45:30 Collaboration vs competition 49:33 How goals and vision evolved 50:18 Marketing to the general public 51:30 Current challenges in the sport 53:29 Reasons for optimism about the future 54:31 Maintaining quality over time 55:33 The master breeder Armando admires 57:37 What Armando is most proud of 59:17 Advice for aspiring breeders 1:00:30 How Armando wants Marlex remembered 1:01:00 Where to follow Marlex today #PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCdogshows #ArmandoAngelbello #MiniaturePinschers #MarlexMinPins #MinPins #AKCMiniaturePinschers

    1 tim 3 min
  5. 13 JAN.

    Meet Bill Shelton & Steve Leyerly: Master Breeders of Coventry Pembroke Welsh Corgis

    What does it really take to build a legendary bloodline and sustain it for decades? In this episode of Better Breeder Chronicles, Matt Stelter sits down with Bill Shelton and Steve Leyerly of Coventry Pembroke Welsh Corgis. Bill is one of the most respected thought-leader/breeders in the sport. With generations of National Specialty, Westminster, and Best in Show winners, Bill & Steve share the real story behind Coventry’s success beyond trophies and accolades. In this conversation we cover: - How Coventry began and the mentors who shaped their path - Why breeding is more art than science - What breeders often get wrong about linebreeding and outcrossing - The importance of health, temperament, and reproduction, not just wins - Why collaboration is critical for the future of purebred dogs This is a grounded, experience-driven conversation packed with wisdom and some lessons you likely have never heard before. 👉 Watch now to hear the full Coventry story and take away insights that can elevate any breeding program. Timestamps: 00:20 Bill Shelton of Coventry Pembroke Welsh Corgis 02:00 Early life and first dogs 05:30 Mentors and handling career 08:45 Transition to Pembroke Welsh Corgis 10:42 First Coventry litter and foundation bitch 13:10 Origin of the Coventry kennel name 14:24 Building the early breeding program 19:41 Breeding philosophy and linebreeding 24:44 Size of the breeding program 29:56 Defining the Coventry type 37:53 Structure, movement, and anatomy 42:42 Achievements and breed impact 52:32 Key Coventry dogs and bloodlines 1:01:41 Health, reproduction, and setbacks 1:11:04 Stud dogs and genetic families 1:20:06 Mentors, handlers, and collaborators 1:27:28 Partner breeders and satellite programs 1:33:39 Challenges facing purebred dogs 1:44:57 What Bill is most proud of 1:50:45 Advice for aspiring breeders 1:54:49 Coventry’s legacy and final thoughts #PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCdogshows #BillSheltonAndSteveLeyerly #PembrokeWelshCorgi #CoventryCorgis #WestminsterDogShow

    1 tim 59 min
  6. 6 JAN.

    Meet Karen & Clint Livingston: Master Breeders of Trio Brittanys

    What separates breeders who last from those who chase the moment? In this episode, Karen and Clint Livingston, master breeders of Trio Brittanys, share how mentorship, discipline, and long-term thinking shaped their approach to breeding Brittanys that succeed in both the ring and the field. You’ll learn: - Why mentorship mattered more than early wins - How they breed three generations ahead, not litter to litter - Why they choose type over trends - What responsible breeding really demands, from planning to placement If you care about building something that lasts, not just winning today, this conversation delivers hard-earned insight. 👉 Watch now and learn what it takes to breed with purpose. Timestamps: 00:24 Show introduction and guest overview 02:08 Clint Livingston's background in dogs 03:01 Karen Livingston’s early start in dogs 04:22 Mentorship and early influences 10:04 First steps into breeding 12:34 Dual-purpose Brittany philosophy 15:00 Influential breeders and mentors 19:28 Competing paths and early rivalry 22:51 Building the Trio breeding vision 27:02 Role of pedigree in breeding 29:34 Outcrossing strategy 30:48 Ideal Trio Brittany type 32:42 Hardest traits to achieve 35:08 Foundation dogs of the Trio 44:22 Challenges and setbacks in breeding 47:33 Collaboration over competition 51:46 Top winners and breeding decisions 54:51 Using frozen semen thoughtfully 57:25 Defining success today 59:35 Biggest challenges facing the breed 59:50 Breeders to watch and admire 1:04:19 Greatest accomplishments 1:05:51 Advice to aspiring breeders 1:07:43 How Trio wants to be remembered #PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCdogshows #KarenAndClintLivingston #TrioBrittanys #BrittanySpaniels #BritannyDogBreeding

    1 tim 10 min
  7. 2025-12-30

    Meet Lorrie Carlton: Master Breeder of Belle Creek Bichon Frise

    Great breeding isn’t luck. It’s decades of discipline, loss, and vision. In this episode, Lorrie Carlton of Belle Creek Bichons opens up about a lifetime in purebred dogs, the hard lessons behind elite breeding, and the once-in-a-generation dog that changed everything. What you’ll discover: - How Belle Creek began and why foundations matter more than trends - The breeding mistakes that forced difficult, ethical decisions - Why structure and movement matter more than perfect grooming - The full story of Flynn, the Bichon that conquered Westminster - What today’s breeders must do to preserve bloodlines, health, and honesty 👉 Watch the full episode to hear the Belle Creek story in Lorrie’s own words. Timestamps: 00:30 Meet Lorrie Carlton 01:53 Growing Up & Family Background 06:25 Finding Bichons &First Big Wins 13:27 Learning Structure and Grooming 18:44 Bloodlines That Built Bell Creek 40:10 The Early Rise of Flynn 48:17 Flynn’s Lasting Impact 51:34 The Westminster Story 1:01:42 Challenges Facing Today’s Breeders 1:03:56 Collaboration Over Competition 1:05:40 The Structure Problem in the Breed 1:07:00 Reaching the Public as Breeders 1:08:40 Breeders She Recommends 1:10:36 Bell Creek’s Greatest Achievements 1:11:42 Advice for Aspiring Breeders 1:12:35 Defining the Bell Creek Legacy 1:14:10 Where to Find Bell Creek 1:15:10 Final Reflections #PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows #LorrieCarlton #BichonFrise #BelleCreek #BellCreekBichons

    1 tim 16 min
  8. 2025-12-23

    Meet Susan Lacroix Hamil: Master Breeder of Quiet Creek Bloodhounds

    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

    56 min

Om

Welcome to the Better Breeder Chronicles where we meet the finest purebred dog breeders in the world. We spotlight these master breeders, hearing their stories in their own words—including their beginnings, their challenges and heartbreaks, and ultimately, their climb to the top and their determination to breed a better dog. We share their journeys to inspire all purebred conservation dog breeders to pursue their dreams for their breeding programs!

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