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. 1D AGO

    Meet Justin & Cheslie Smithey: Master Breeders of Pinnacle Whippets

    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 ambitionThe calculated breeding behind Ringo, Whiskey, Bourbon, and IvyWhy the Whippet National is the breed’s ultimate proving groundThe importance of collaboration and an open stud cultureTheir 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

    45 min

  2. FEB 24

    Meet Stacy Able: Master Breeder of Ginkgo Barbets

    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 breedHow mentorship shaped her eye for structure and movementWhat she focuses on to improve each generationHow 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

    32 min

  3. FEB 17

    Meet Kathy Lorentzen: Master Breeder of Ocoee English Springer Spaniels

    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 decisionHow linebreeding creates consistency and typeWhy chasing easy ring wins weakens qualityHow to handle setbacks without losing focusWhat 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

    1h 2m

  4. FEB 10

    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

    1h 10m

  5. FEB 3

    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

    1h 4m

  6. JAN 27

    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

    2h 7m

  7. JAN 20

    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

    1h 3m

  8. JAN 13

    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

    1h 59m
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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
14 Ratings

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
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Better Breeder Institute
  • Show Website
    Better Breeder Chronicles

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