Better Breeder Chronicles

Better Breeder Institute
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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. 5D AGO

    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

    1h 16m

  2. 12/23/2025

    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

  3. 12/16/2025

    Meet Paul and Kelley Catterson: Master Breeders of Bobcat & Alnair Brussels Griffons and Aussies

    What does it really take to rebuild a dog breeding program and recapture your breed type? In this episode, Paul and Kelley Catterson share the inside story of their work with Brussels Griffons and Australian Shepherds, from early mentorship to reviving breeding programs. You’ll learn: - Why linebreeding creates true consistency and why it’s becoming a lost art. - How one legendary Griffon, Ch. Cilleine Masquerade, “Lincoln,” transformed the breed and still influences pedigrees today. - How genetics, health testing, and temperament shape their modern breeding decisions. - Why mentorship matters more than ever in a sport that’s struggling to retain knowledgeable breeders. 👉 Watch now to hear how these two dog experts rebuilt their bloodlines and their vision for the breeds they love. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:27 Meet Paul & Kelley Catterson 01:47 Paul’s early start in purebred dogs 03:11 Kelley’s journey into Australian Shepherds 04:00 Falling back in love with dogs and handling 05:22 Key mentors and breed foundations 07:49 Restarting the Bobcat breeding program 09:04 Linebreeding and pedigree strategy 11:31 Challenges and rebuilding Australian Shepherd lines 15:08 Kennel size and co-breeding partnerships 16:10 Ideal Brussels Griffon traits 17:55 Ideal Australian Shepherd traits 18:58 Notable Bobcat dogs and legacy bloodlines 24:12 Influential Alnair Australian Shepherds 26:58 Breeding setbacks and heartbreaks 28:18 Supporting puppy buyers and mentorship 30:55 Evolving breeding goals 32:09 Redefining success in breeding 33:13 Current challenges in pedigrees and genetics 34:23 Optimism for the future of the breeds 35:27 Preserving breed type and temperament 36:31 The most notable accomplishments 38:19 Advice for aspiring breeders 39:24 Where to learn more about their programs #PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCdogshows #PaulAndKelleyCatterson #BobcatAndAlnair #BrusselsGriffons #AustralianShepherds

    41 min

  4. 12/09/2025

    Meet Jim and Ann White: Master Breeders of Cambria Dobermans

    Behind some of the most influential Dobermans in history are two breeders who spent a lifetime advancing the breed. In this episode, Jim and Ann White of Cambria Dobermans open up about how their program started, what they learned the hard way, and how one dog, Ch. Cambria’s Cactus Cash, ended up influencing the breed for nearly 20 years. They talk honestly about selecting dogs, building consistency, dealing with setbacks, and what really matters when you’re trying to do things the right way. It's a candid look at two breeders whose lifelong commitment has shaped not just their dogs, but the very standard the breed stands on today. Watch now! Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:02 Jim and Ann White of Cambria Dobermans 02:25 How they began with Dobermans 04:40 How they met and started Cambria 08:48 Key influences and early mentors 11:10 Key moments in their breeding journey 12:24 Establishing the Cambria vision 15:21 Breeding strategy and genetic principles 16:42 Outcrossing philosophy 18:06 Dog numbers and co-ownerships 19:08 Challenges in maintaining quality 20:48 The “ruthless” selection process 22:51 What a Cambria Doberman looks like 26:46 How Cambria type evolved over decades 29:15 The dogs that made Cambria 34:15 The rise of Cactus Cash 39:40 Ch. Cambria’s Out for Justice 42:14 Prominent Cambria brood bitches 49:36 Jim’s medical crisis and its impact 56:50 What are they most proud of 59:56 Advice to aspiring breeders 1:02:30 Legacy and hopes for the breed 1:04:43 Where to find Cambria Dobermans online #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCdogshows #PurebredDogs #JimAndAnnWhite #CambriaDobermans #CactusCash #TopProducingSire

    1h 4m

  5. 12/02/2025

    Meet Tim Terella: Master Breder of Snoebear Siberian Huskies

    What does it really take to breed a Siberian Husky that’s both beautiful and built to work?  In this episode, master breeder Tim Terella shares the real foundations of great breeding: balance, correct movement, functional structure, and honest evaluation.  Tim explains how he took his parents’ breeding program and built Snoebear Siberians into a consistent, respected bloodline. He shares the story behind Gin, one of today’s top-winning dogs all-breeds. Finally, he breaks down the challenges facing modern breeders and why collaboration with others matters more than ever. ⏯️ Perfect for anyone curious about how great breeders actually build and protect their lines. Tune in now. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:02 Meet Tim Terella of Snoebear Siberians 02:12 Early years and family background 05:01 Influence of Tim’s parents 06:27 Key mentors and early guidance 09:31 Taking over the Snoebear program 11:38 Developing his breeding vision 14:02 Meeting Megan and their partnership 17:23 Breeding strategies and theories 20:36 Step-by-step progression 23:23 How Tim evaluates dogs 25:16 What defines a Snoebear Siberians 27:20 Differences from current ring trends 30:52 Dogs that shaped the Snoebear 37:05 The Story of Gin 37:16 Gin’s standout year 42:25 Biggest breeding challenges 46:29 Public perception of purebred breeders 50:07 Need for breeder collaboration 55:25 How his goals evolved 55:54 What success means today 56:52 What makes him optimistic 58:06 A breeder he would like on the show 58:47 Tim’s proudest achievement 1:02:34 Advice for aspiring breeders 1:04:41 Snoebear Huskies’ legacy 1:05:28 Where to find Tim #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCdogshows #PurebredDogs #DogBreeding #TimTerella #SiberianHuskies #SnoebearSiberians

    1h 7m

  6. 11/25/2025

    Meet Bill McFadden: Master Breeder of Random Wire Fox Terriers

    From his first Rough Collie to building the world-renowned Random Wire Fox Terriers, Bill McFadden has spent a lifetime shaping excellence, one breeding at a time.  In this episode, he shares how Random Wire Fox Terriers began, the mentors who shaped him, the dogs that defined his legacy. He also explains how careful selection and vision turned his passion into a program known for sound temperaments, type, and timeless quality. 🎧Listen now for an inside look at how true master breeders think, plan, and build a legacy. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:27 Meet Bill McFadden of Random Wire Fox Terriers 01:20 How Bill Entered Purebred Dogs 08:21 Early Mentors & Foundational Influences 10:16 Building a Vision for Random Wires 10:25 The Dogs That Shaped His Breeding Eye 12:56 Type-to-Type vs. Physical Compensation 14:28 Bill’s Early Breeding Strategies 15:51 Role of Pedigree in Today’s Program 17:32 Finding the Right Outcross 20:06 Bill’s Dog Evaluation Process 22:39 The Random Wirefox Terrier “Look” 24:32 Comparing to Today’s Breed Type 26:39 Most Notable Dogs & Their Impact 39:46 Sharing Top Dogs With Other Handlers 40:02 Achieving an English Championship 46:35 Setbacks & Lessons Learned 49:32 Bringing New People Into the Sport 56:21 Breeders as Partners, Not Rivals 58:07 How His Vision Has Evolved 1:02:47 Optimism for Future 1:07:31 What Breeders Should Focus on 1:10:56 Master Breeders Bill Respects 1:13:02 What Bill Is Most Proud Of 1:14:23 Advice to Aspiring Breeders 1:15:41 How Bill Hopes to Be Remembered 1:16:54 How to Find Bill Online #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCdogshows #PurebredDogs #DogBreeding #BillMcFadden #RandomWireFoxTerriers #WireFoxTerriers

    1h 20m

  7. 11/18/2025

    Meet Grace Fritz: Master Breeder of Good Fortune Chinese Shar-Pei

    A LIFE Magazine cover changed everything for Grace Fritz, inspiring a journey that would redefine the Shar-Pei breed in America. From her early National Specialty wins to producing the top-winning Shar-Pei in breed history, Grace shares how careful selection, sound structure, and genetic insight built her Good Fortune line into one of the most admired Shar-Pei programs in the world. She opens up about the heartbreaks behind the ribbons, the health challenges that shaped her breeding philosophy, and why preserving purebred dogs is more important than ever. ▶️ Watch now to discover the story, strategy, and heart behind Good Fortune Shar-Pei and what every breeder can learn from Grace’s journey. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:33 Meet Grace Fritz 02:12 How Grace discovered the Shar-Pei breed 02:56 First shows and early wins 03:43 Mentors who shaped her breeding journey 07:23 Foundational bloodlines and breeding approach 08:32 Balancing outcrossing and linebreeding 10:57 How Grace evaluates puppies 12:15 Defining the Good Fortune Shar-Pei type 14:30 Notable dogs that built her legacy 21:03 Recent successes and upcoming litters 22:50 Health challenges in the breed 25:00 Promoting purebred awareness 28:35 Using science and genetic tools 29:50 The value of judges' decisions today 30:27 Most significant challenge of the breed 29:10 Mentorship and bringing new breeders in 31:11 Optimism for the future 32:57 Advice for aspiring breeders 34:01 Legacy of Good Fortune Shar-Peis 34:46 Closing thoughts and contact info #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCdogshows #PurebredDogs #GraceFritz #GoodFortune #SharPei

    36 min

  8. 11/11/2025

    Meet Meghen Riese-Bassel: Master Breeder of Renascent Welsh Springer Spaniels

    Meghen Riese-Bassel of Renascent (and formerly Statesman) Welsh Springer Spaniels grew up as a second-generation breeder. She shares how a childhood surrounded by dogs and great mentors transformed into a lifelong mission to breed with purpose. She talks about those mentoring opportunities, balancing art and science in breeding, and how international collaboration helped improve health and temperament through the generations. Meghen also opens up about the real work behind the wins, family, setbacks, and staying devoted to the breed. 🎧 Watch now to hear the story behind one of the most influential breeders in the world of purebred dogs. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:12 Meet Meghen Riese-Bassel 02:54 Growing Up & Family Life 04:10 Family Mentorship & Origins of “Statesman” 06:50 Early Mentors and the Education of a Breeder 09:06 Learning Through Debate 11:28 Game-Changing Experiences 13:52 Learning From Other Breeds 16:40 Becoming an Independent Breeder 17:39 Defining Breed Styles & Health Priorities 20:56 The First Imports That Changed Everything 22:59 Strategic Breeding Decisions 25:53 Combining Bloodlines for Progress 30:10 The Renascent Welsh Springer Spaniel 32:33 Influential Dogs of the Kennel 37:59 Power of Collaboration 44:54 Breeding Challenges & Emotional Resilience 48:44 The Future of Breeding 52:37 Educating the Next Generation 56:19 Collaboration Over Competition 58:39 Evolving Goals & Redefining Success 1:00:10 Modern Challenges 1:00:39 Hopes for the Future 1:01:21 Breeder She Admires 1:01:39 Most Notable Accomplishment 1:02:49 Advice to Aspiring Breeders #BetterBreederChronicles #PurebredDogs #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows #MeghenRiese-Basse #Renascent #WelshSpringerSpaniels

    1h 5m
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4.6
out of 5
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About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Better Breeder Institute
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Better Breeder Institute
  • Show Website
    Better Breeder Chronicles

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