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 Doug Johnson & Jamie Hubbard: Master Breeders of Clussexx Clumber Spaniels - Part 2

    Doug Johnson & Jamie Hubbard of the world-renowned Clussexx Kennel return for Part 2 of our conversation, and this time, they challenge everything you think you think about about how to breed purebred dogs successfully in the future. In this episode, Doug and Jamie share decades of hard-earned insight on what it truly takes to build a sustainable, future-proof breeding program in today’s world, and impact your breed long after your last litter is born. You’ll discover: Why exclusivity is destroying bloodlines and collaboration is now essentialThe pricing mistake that keeps breeders stuck and undervaluedWhy getting burned is inevitable (& fine) and actually part of long-term successHow to ensure your breeding program survives beyond your lifetimeThe truth about mentorship and why most breeders are skipping it 👉 Watch Part 2 now and rethink how you breed, elevate, and succeed Timestamps: 02:15 Persistence and breeder mindset 03:27 Collaboration vs competition 08:08 Shrinking genepools 09:11 Cultural shift in breeding 12:30 Contracts vs Trust in breeding 14:43 Risks and relationships in breeding 18:16 Rising costs and logistics 22:08 Profit stigma in purebred dog breeding 27:55 Dog show quantity and quality 30:13 Tiered dog show system idea 33:21 Learning and breeder education 36:16 Visiting successful kennels 37:01 Learning from handlers 38:33 Attending (National?) specialty shows 41:29 Handler dedication and preparation 43:12 Learning from high volume kennels 45:23 AKC events and distractions 47:50 Grand Championship program impact 52:47 Value of purebred dogs 57:52 Promoting purebred dogs 1:00:23 Educating puppy buyers 1:04:06 Breeder focus and legacy 1:08:47 Finding successors in breeding 1:15:17 Mentoring and education gaps 1:18:59 Courage to seek mentors 1:20:22 Choosing the right judges 1:23:01 Mentorship vs willingness to learn #PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCdogshows #DougJohnson #JamieHubbard #ClussexxKennel #ClussexxClumberSpaniels #ClumberSpaniel #ClumberSpanielBreeders #SussexSpaniel #WelshSpringerSpaniel #EnglishToySpaniel #DogBreedingStrategy #DogBreedingCollaboration #WestminsteWinners #WestminsterDogShow

    1h 28m

  2. MAR 24

    Meet Doug Johnson & Jamie Hubbard: Master Breeders of Clussexx Clumber Spaniels

    Doug Johnson and Jamie Hubbard, of the renowned Clussexx kennel, don’t just breed top champions; they have preserved four rare breeds. They are premier preservation breeders of Clumber, Sussex, Welsh Springer & English Toy Spaniels, realizing tremendous success in each breed, including TWO Westminster Best In Show wins. Doug started as a teenager with a chance meeting of a Clumber Spaniel in a vet clinic, while Jamie grew up in the world of dog shows in Australia. Together, they have built one of the most respected preservation breeding programs in the world. In this episode, they share what goes on behind decades of “low-entry” success at the highest level. Here’s what stands out: Why early success can create pressure and how to sustain itThe truth about linebreeding, outcrossing, and building a consistent “type.”How one standout dog can transform a breed worldwideWhy small gene pools aren’t always a disadvantageThe importance of mentorship, patience, and global collaboration This is a story about discipline, vision, and playing the long game. 🎧 Listen now to hear how world-class breeding is really done. Timestamps: 00:37 Doug Johnson and Jamie Hubbard 02:45 Doug’s first Clumber Spaniel 03:42 Jamie’s start in Australia 04:26 First wins and getting hooked 08:01 Early mentors and influence 11:20 Key moments and Westminster success 13:28 Building the ideal Clumber Spaniel 15:15 Foundation dogs and bloodlines 17:16 Linebreeding philosophy 18:35 Outcrossing strategy 22:04 Size of the breeding program 25:01 Challenges in breeding 31:31 Ideal Clumber Spaniel traits 33:33 First dogs and early success 38:59 Key sires and global influence 45:46 Man of Steel and prolific sire debate 49:15 Hard traits to maintain 54:06 Future of the breeding program 57:18 Sussex Spaniel story 1:10:27 English Toy Spaniel beginnings 1:17:34 Building type through generations 1:23:06 Cooper and global success 1:27:47 Biggest achievements and legacy 1:33:04 Advice for new breeders 1:36:37 How they want to be remembered 1:38:04 How to contact Doug and Jamie #PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCdogshows #DougJohnson #JamieHubbard #ClussexxKennel #ClussexxClumberSpaniels #ClumberSpaniel #ClumberSpanielBreeders #SussexSpaniel #WelshSpringerSpaniel #EnglishToySpaniel #WestminsteWinners #WestminsterDogShow

    1h 40m

  3. MAR 17

    Meet Pam Lefever: Master Breeder of Brasswinds English Cockers & English Setters

    Pam Lefever of Brasswinds built distinctive bloodlines in both English Setters and English Cocker Spaniels. Pam has bred National Specialty & Westminster Best of Breed winners, as well as all-time top producers in both breeds. In this episode, Pam Lefever shares the story behind her program, the dogs that shaped it, and the philosophy that guided decades of breeding. Pam talks about: How the Brasswinds program began and the mentors who influenced her early yearsThe story of Brasswinds Ego Trip, one of the most influential English Cocker Spaniel siresWhy linebreeding was key to producing consistent type and recognizable dogsThe biggest challenges facing breeders todayHer simple advice to the next generation of breeders: don’t quit If you care about breeding, bloodlines, and the history behind great dogs, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Watch the full episode to hear the Brasswinds story and Pam Lefever’s lessons from a lifetime in dogs. Timestamps: 01:48 How Pam Started with Purebred Dogs 03:50 Lessons from Kay Monaghan 04:54 Mentors and Learning Breed Type 05:37 Early Success with English Setters 07:05 The Ideal English Setter 08:34 Building the Brasswinds Bloodline 10:20 Famous Brasswinds Dogs 18:27 Front Paige News and Breeding Choices 21:21 Adding English Cocker Spaniels 22:54 Learning the English Cocker Breed 24:21 Building the English Cocker Pedigree 27:32 The Look of Brasswinds English Cockers 28:27 The Legendary Stud Dog Ego Trip 31:57 Other Notable English Cockers 38:41 Linebreeding Philosophy 42:22 Biggest Challenges in Breeding 45:43 Modern Breeders’ Challenges 48:16 Importance of Breed Standards 49:16 Marketing Puppies Today 50:47 The Future of Purebred Dogs 52:02 Reasons for Optimism in the Sport 53:11 What Breeders Should Focus On 55:12 Breeder Pam Recommends to Feature 56:09 What Is Pam Most Proud Of 56:40 Advice for Aspiring Breeders 57:15 How She Wants Brasswinds Remembered 57:26 Where to Find Pam Lefever Online #PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #PurebredDogs #AKCDogShows #DogBreedingProgram #PamLefever #Brasswinds #EnglishSetter #EnglishCockerSpaniel #EnglishSetterBreederEnglish #CockerSpanielBloodlines #EnglishSetterBloodlines #NationalSpecialty #WestminsterBestofBreedWinners

    59 min

  4. MAR 10

    Meet Tricia Stanczyk: Master Breeder of Classic Parson Russell Terriers

    How did Tricia Stanczyk of Classic Parson Russell Terriers go from knowing nothing about dog shows to producing multiple National Specialty, Westminster, & Best in Show-winning Parson Russell Terriers? In this episode, Tricia shares the story behind her breeding journey and the mentorship that shaped it, especially from Jennifer Johnson of the influential Posey Canyon kennel, whose bloodlines became the foundation of the Classic program. In this conversation, Tricia reveals: How her start with an English Setter launched her dog show careerThe mentors who helped shape her breeding philosophyWhy linebreeding and consistent type built a recognizable bloodlineThe real challenges breeders face — from heartbreak to criticismWhy temperament and good homes matter more than ribbons Watch the full episode to hear the complete story behind the Classic & Posey Canyon bloodlines. Timestamps: 00:31 Meet Tricia Stanczyk 02:09 From Horses to Dog Shows 04:17 Finishing Her First Champion 05:50 The Mentor Who Changed Her Path 08:28 Lessons from Great Dog Mentors 11:54 The Impact of Jennifer Johnson 14:26 The Posey Canyon Bloodline 17:18 The Ideal Parson Russell Type 18:29 Winning the National Montgomery County 22:10 Einstein: The Foundation Dog 25:46 Gidget, Taser, and the Next Generation 33:05 Linebreeding and Setting Type 35:36 Why Breeders Must Collaborate 37:53 The Classic Parson Russell Look 39:14 The Hardest Trait to Breed 40:30 Handling Critics and Negativity 42:07 How Her Breeding Goals Evolved 44:24 Challenges Facing the Breed 46:24 What She’s Most Proud Of 48:33 Mentorship and Legacy 49:11 The Future of Classic Parsons 51:36 Advice for Aspiring Breeders 52:38 The Breeder She Calls the GOAT #PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #PurebredDogs #AKCDogShows #TriciaStanczyk #ParsonRussellTerriers #ClassicParsonRussellTerrier #ParsonRussellTerrierBreeder #ParsonRussellBreedingProgram #WestminsterWinningDogs

    55 min

  5. MAR 3

    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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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4.7
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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
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Better Breeder Institute
  • Show Website
    Better Breeder Chronicles

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