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. 18h ago

    Weaving Your Pedigrees: In, Out or Line

    Every breeding is a thread in a tapestry that began long before us, and if we do our job well, it will continue long after us. The decisions we make are what hold the breed together. In this episode of the Better Breeder Roundtable, Kathy Rust is joined by two of the sport’s most respected master breeders, Bill Shelton (Coventry Pembroke Welsh Corgis) and Doug Johnson (Clussexx Clumber, Sussex, & English Toy Spaniels), along with Lisa Braun (Mischief Papillons & Miniature American Shepherds), for an unfiltered discussion on how linebreeding, inbreeding, and outcrossing fit together inside a lasting breeding program. Bill and Doug share decades of experience on tightening pedigrees, forcing good genes forward, weaving two linebred families together, and knowing when a breeding has truly succeeded. They also delve into the mindset of the master breeder. Lisa brings the newer-breeder perspective and asks the questions many developing breeders are afraid to ask out loud. Here's what this conversation covers: Why every breeder needs a personal vision before they start planning littersWorking with the bitch you actually have, not the one you wish you hadLine breeding and inbreeding as tools for consistency and predictabilityWeaving an outcross back into your line over three to four generationsWhy social media and ribbons can mislead new breedersKeeping multiple bitches so you can capture the trait you were breeding forKnowing when (and when not) to decide a breeding was a successThe role of honesty, humility, and shutting out the noise Whether you’re planning your first litter or guiding a program that’s been going for decades, this conversation is a reminder that great dog breeding is a craft. Timestamps: (00:44) Welcome to the Better Breeder Roundtable (00:57) The Weaver’s Mindset Behind Every Breeding (02:36) Starting With the Female Dog You Already Have (04:20) Building a Vision From the Standard (06:15) How New Breeders Should Develop Their Eye (08:38) Being Honest About Health Challenges (11:04) Aiming for the National Specialty Level (13:02) Why One Issue Shouldn’t End a Breeding Line (17:49) Social Media as Both Resource and Trap (23:27) Linebreeding in a Smaller or Newer Breed (26:22) Why Linebreeding Is the Oldest Rule in the Book (29:03) Weaving Two Linebred Pedigrees Together (34:20) The “Blank Semen” Theory of Outcrossing (38:23) What Breeding Failures Can Teach You (41:37) Why Master Breeders Stay Hyper-Critical (44:48) Keeping Two Bitches to Weave New Genes (47:48) Building Consistency in a Young Breed (57:33) Making the Case for Father–Daughter Breedings (01:01:51) Choosing the Right Judges to Evaluate Your Work (01:03:00) How Closely Can You Really Breed? (01:10:11) Knowing When a Breeding Was Successful (01:15:35) Capturing the Trait You Bred For (01:21:00) Breeder Dysmorphia and the Pursuit of Better (01:25:03) Our Responsibility to Future Generations (01:28:16) The Hardest Lessons Every Breeder Learns (01:34:51) Closing Thoughts: Leaving the Tapestry Stronger This episode is brought to you by: EZWhelp — https://www.ezwhelp.com/ Take Our Quiz: Build Your Whelping Setup in 60 Seconds Follow the full Better Breeder Roundtable series here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDjcPjyNN2ik #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows #BetterBreederRoundtable #KathyRust #BillShelton #DougJohnson #LisaBraun #WeavingYourPedigrees #WeavingBreedingProgram #Linebreeding #Inbreeding #Outcrossing

  2. Oct 27

    Meet Gloria Birch: Master Breeder of Covy-Tucker Hill German Shepherds

    Gloria Birch of Covy-Tucker Hill German Shepherds bred a Westminster legend, but she has never let winning ribbons guide her breeding decisions. In this episode of Better Breeder Chronicles, Gloria shares how she and her partner, Cappy Pottle, produced more than 300 champions, including the unforgettable Ch. Covy-Tucker Hill's Manhattan, while building a bloodline and breed type people recognize at a glance. Gloria reveals: Why she looks beyond titles to the dogs behind each pedigree.How two foundation lines came together to produce Manhattan.How Manhattan’s personality won hearts along with ribbons.How she balances linebreeding and outcrossing.Why health, temperament, and longevity are central to every breeding. Watch the full episode to discover the choices behind Gloria’s remarkable dogs and the values that have guided her for decades. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (00:31) Meet Gloria Birch (02:35) Getting Started in German Shepherds (07:01) Mentors Who Shaped Her Journey (09:50) The Courage to Move (10:16) Building the Foundation Bloodlines (15:47) Linebreeding and Outcrossing (18:17) Managing the Breeding Program (19:39) Challenges in Choosing Breeding Dogs (20:23) The Covy-Tucker Hill Look (26:00) The Story Behind Manhattan (37:45) Bringing New People Into Showing (39:56) Raising and Socializing Puppies (45:17) Bringing Breeders Together (47:05) Staying True to Breeding Values (47:29) Looking Beyond Show Wins (47:55) Finding the Right Stud Dogs (48:29) The Future of German Shepherds (49:17) What Breeders Should Focus On (50:00) A Recognizable Bloodline (50:48) The Covy-Tucker Hill Legacy (51:25) Advice for Aspiring Breeders (52:23) Recommended Future Guests (53:54) Where to Find More About Gloria’s Dogs This episode is brought to you by: EZWhelp — https://www.ezwhelp.com/ Take Our Quiz: Build Your Whelping Setup in 60 Seconds With additional support from: Ororo — https://www.ororowear.com/ Cherrybrook Pet Supplies — https://www.cherrybrook.com/ Revival Animal Health — https://www.revivalanimal.com/ #PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #BreedStandard #AKCDogShows #WestminsterDogShow #BestInShow #WestminsterKennelClub #GloriaBirch #CovyTuckerHill #GermanShepherd #GermanShepherdBreeder

  3. Oct 20

    Meet Erin Kerfoot: Master Breeder of Wynmoor English Springer Spaniels

    Erin Kerfoot of Wynmoor English Springer Spaniels built her small kennel into one with a big legacy, and some of her best decisions meant trusting her eye when others disagreed. In this episode, Erin joins Host Matt Stelter to share her journey from junior showmanship success, to the mentors who shaped her breeding philosophy, and the choices behind generations of distinctive, versatile Springers. Discover why she believes in: Starting with a strong foundation bitch and a clear vision.Putting hands on dogs and evaluating them in person before choosing a next step.Balancing linebreeding and outcrossing to preserve type while maintaining genetic diversity.Looking beyond markings to recognize exceptional structure, movement, and breed type.Being honest when a litter doesn’t move your breeding program forward.Working with fellow breeders to strengthen the breed and preserve its future. Watch to hear the stories behind Wynmoor’s standout dogs and learn how Erin breeds for a legacy that reaches beyond the show ring. Timestamps: (00:00) — Erin Kerfoot’s Journey Into English Springer Spaniels (02:10) — From Junior Showmanship to a Lifelong Passion (04:15) — The Mentors Who Shaped Erin’s Breeding Philosophy (06:37) — Why National Specialties Matter (07:51) — Choosing the Foundation Dogs for Wynmoor (11:12) — Building a Breeding Program With a Clear Vision (13:32) — Outcrossing: Taking Risks While Protecting Type (15:01) — Breeding for Structure, Proportion, and Substance (16:44) — Knowing When a Litter Isn’t Good Enough (17:46) — What Defines the Wynmoor Type? (18:55) — The Hardest Traits to Breed in an English Springer (20:04) — Peyton, Liz, McConaughey, and Wynmoor’s Standout Dogs (25:35) — Looking Beyond Markings to See the Dog (31:30) — The Dogs That Came Closest to Erin’s Ideal (33:40) — Linebreeding, Outcrossing, and the Future of Wynmoor (34:40) — Why Veterinary Reproductive Support Matters (36:57) — Inspiring the Next Generation of Conservation Breeders (39:49) — Why Breeders Need to Work Together (41:40) — Updating the English Springer Illustrated Standard (43:26) — What Success Means to Erin Today (45:54) — The Challenges Facing the English Springer Spaniel (47:38) — Why Erin Is Optimistic About the Breed’s Future (48:46) — Breeding for Type, Function, and Purpose (50:36) — The Legacy Erin Wants Wynmoor to Leave (51:33) — Erin’s Advice to Aspiring Breeders (52:28) — The Master Breeder Erin Wants to See on the Show (54:08) — Learn More About Wynmoor English Springer Spaniels (54:48) — Closing Thoughts This episode is brought to you by: EZWhelp — https://www.ezwhelp.com/ Take Our Quiz: Build Your Whelping Setup in 60 Seconds With additional support from: Ororo — https://www.ororowear.com/ Cherrybrook Pet Supplies — https://www.cherrybrook.com/ Revival Animal Health — https://www.revivalanimal.com/ #PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #BreedStandard #AKCDogShows #NationalSpecialty #BestInShow #WestminsterDogShow #ErinKerfoot #WynmoorSpringers #EnglishSpringerSpaniel #JuniorShowmanship

  4. Oct 13

    Meet David Samuelson: Masteer Breeder of Dashing Whippets

    David Samuelson of Dashing Whippets chose to start over rather than continue with a line with a serious health issue. In this episode, David joins Matt Stelter to share how that decision, using strong female lines, and building lasting partnerships shaped his breeding program. From discovering the thrill of racing to living with 5 Best in Show winners, his story centers on preserving everything a Whippet should be. Discover why David believes in: Putting health first, even when it means rebuilding your bloodline.Building a breeding program around strong mothers.Preserving athleticism alongside success in the show ring.Choosing breed type over winning fads.Finding collaborators who will encourage you and challenge your decisions. Watch the full episode for David’s lessons on breeding the whole dog and staying true to your vision. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (00:37) Meet David Samuelson (02:27) Getting Started in Whippets (07:08) Preserving Whippet Athleticism (08:08) Learning from Mentors (12:01) Rebuilding After Heart Problems (14:17) Building on Strong Bitch Lines (17:01) Facing Health Setbacks (18:13) The Dashing Whippet (20:44) Notable Dashing Dogs (23:09) Finding the Right Stud Dog (26:41) Breeding Toward the Standard (28:27) Future Breeding Plans (29:08) Building a Strong Breed Community (34:29) Lessons from Other Breeds (36:05) Collaborating with Fellow Breeders (38:39) Goals and Unexpected Success (40:36) Evaluating Dogs Beyond Fads (45:44) Why Breeding Takes Patience (46:52) The Future of Whippets (48:17) Proudest Moments (49:28) The Dashing Legacy (51:06) Advice for Aspiring Breeders This episode is brought to you by: EZWhelp — https://www.ezwhelp.com/ Take Our Quiz: Build Your Whelping Setup in 60 Seconds With additional support from: Ororo — https://www.ororowear.com/ Cherrybrook Pet Supplies — https://www.cherrybrook.com/ Revival Animal Health — https://www.revivalanimal.com/ #PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #BreedStandard #AKCDogShows #WestminsterDogShow #BestInShow #DavidSamuelson #DashingWhippets #WhippetBreeding #AmericanWhippetClub

  5. Oct 6

    Linebreeding: Carefully Connected, Thoughtfully Bred

    Linebreeding is one of the oldest tools in dog breeding for establishing and maintaining quality, but many people misunderstand it as simply breeding related dogs. In this episode, Kathy Rust is joined by Andrea Jordan-Lane (Jordean Brittanys), Lexa Richmond (Hialeah Dachshunds), and Lisa Braun (Mischief Papillons & Miniature American Shepherds) to discuss how intentional linebreeding can help breeders understand and build their lines over generations. They explore how many generations it can take to establish type, Lloyd Brackett’s breeding theory, triangle breeding theory, the importance of the sire & dam line, COI numbers, repeat breedings, and knowing when it may be time to outcross. Here's what this conversation covers: Defining linebreeding as intentional genetic direction, not simply breeding related dogsWhy starting with a linebred dog can benefit new breedersHow many generations it can take to establish type and styleLloyd Brackett’s theory and common mistakesWhy the dam line deserves equal attentionThe trap of keeping mediocre bitchesBreeding for the whole package, not just one traitStarting tight and working your way outLinebreeding until you need to enhanceUnderstanding COI numbers in contextTriangle Breeding TheoryWhy tail-male and tail-female consistency matterThe case for repeat breedingsBuilding a linebreeding plan based on phenotype and pedigree Whether you're planning your first breeding, refining an established line, or thinking about where to take your program next, this episode is a deep dive into building bloodlines with purpose, patience, and predictability. Timestamps: (00:00) Welcome to the Better Breeder Roundtable (00:57) What Is Linebreeding and How Breeders Learn It (02:07) When Inbreeding Reveals the Skeletons (04:38) Should New Breeders Start With a Linebred Dog? (07:04) How Many Generations It Takes to Set Type (11:55) Planning a Linebreeding Step-by-Step (16:57) Phenotype vs. Genotype in Linebreeding (21:20) Understanding the Bracket Theory the Right Way (25:54) Why the Dam Line Deserves Equal Attention (28:29) The Trap of Keeping Mediocre Bitches (33:08) Breeding for the Whole Package, Not One Trait (39:19) Start Tight, Then Work Your Way Out (44:32) Linebreed Until You Need to Enhance (46:59) Making Sense of COI Numbers (55:41) Triangle Breeding Theory (58:35) Why Tail-Male and Tail-Female Consistency Matter (01:04:27) The Case for Repeat Breedings (01:15:28) Building a Linebreeding Plan (01:16:27) Final Takeaways This episode is brought to you by: EZWhelp — https://www.ezwhelp.com/ Take Our Quiz: Build Your Whelping Setup in 60 Seconds Follow the full Better Breeder Roundtable series here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDjcPjyNN2ik #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows #BetterBreederRoundtable #KathyRust #Linebreeding #Inbreeding #AndreaJordanLane #LexaRichmond #LisaBraun #PurebredDogs #InbreedingCOI #COIDogBreeding #TriangleBreedingTheory #Outcrossing

    Linebreeding: Carefully Connected, Thoughtfully Bred

  6. Sep 29

    Meet Jessica MacMillan: Master Breeder of Paisley Dalmatians

    Jessica MacMillan of Paisley Dalmatians has spent a lifetime building a breeding legacy spanning 13 generations. In this episode, Jessica shares the defining decisions, painful setbacks, and uncompromising standards that made Paisley an influential name in the Dalmatian world. You’ll discover: The crucial difference between a showable dog and one that should be bredHow Jessica preserved her program after a devastating inherited health issueWhy breed type, temperament, health, and versatility must work togetherHow the right stud dog can transform an entire breeding programWhy giving promising newcomers excellent dogs is essential to the future of purebred dogs Jessica explains how she makes difficult breeding decisions, responds to health problems, and produces Dalmatians that can excel in both shows and dog sports. Watch the full episode to discover what it takes to build a breeding legacy that lasts. Timestamps: (00:00) Never Give Up: The Paisley Philosophy (02:48) Growing Up in the Dog Show World (10:25) The Difference Between Showable and Breedable (11:21) Lessons From a Lifetime of Mentors (15:03) Building the Paisley Foundation (17:27) Linebreeding, Outcrossing, and Knowing Your Lines (19:06) When a Bloodline Must Go (21:41) Understanding Copper Storage Disease (22:38) What Makes a True Dalmatian? (23:28) The Hardest Traits to Breed For (25:04) The Dogs That Built Paisley (31:58) Breeding for Versatility (34:34) Balancing Breed Type, Temperament, and Performance (35:51) How Jessica Selects Puppies (37:24) When the Right Stud Dog Changes Everything (38:18) The Future of Paisley Dalmatians (39:56) Giving New Breeders the Right Start (44:21) Why Breeders Need to Work Together (46:28) Don’t Breed to the Popular Stud Dog (49:02) Challenges Facing the Dalmatian Breed (50:15) Why Jessica Is Hopeful About the Future (51:06) What Purebred Breeders Need to Focus On (53:02) Building a 13-Generation Legacy (54:12) Never Give Up: Jessica’s Advice (55:02) What Makes a Master Breeder? (56:49) Learn More About Paisley Dalmatians (57:24) Final Thoughts This episode is brought to you by: EZWhelp — https://www.ezwhelp.com/ Take Our Quiz: Build Your Whelping Setup in 60 Seconds With additional support from: Ororo — https://www.ororowear.com/ Cherrybrook Pet Supplies — https://www.cherrybrook.com/ Revival Animal Health — https://www.revivalanimal.com/ #PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #BreedStandard #AKCDogShows #WestminsterDogShow #BestInShow #WestminsterKennelClub #AKCNationalChampionship #PaisleyDalmatians #JessicaMacMillan #DalmatianBreeding #DalmatianBloodlines #CopperStorageDisease #DalmatianGenetics

  7. Sep 22

    Meet Susan Giles: Master Breeder of Ta Sen Lhasa Apsos

    For more than 50 years, Susan Giles of Ta Sen Lhasa Apsos has built a breeding program known for consistency, breed type, and generations of remarkable show dogs. Ta Sen has produced an incredible family of successful Lhasas, with the pinnacle being “JJ,” GCHP. Ta Sen Westgate Jingle Juice, 2025 AKC National Championship Best in Show & 2026 Westminster Kennel Club Non-Sporting Group winner. In this episode of Better Breeder, Susan shares the philosophy, decisions, and lessons behind the Ta Sen legacy and explains what it takes to stay true to a vision across generations. You’ll discover: Why compensation breeding is so importantHow Susan successfully combined different bloodlinesWhat made JJ such an exceptional show dogWhy breeders need an objective eye when evaluating their dogsWhy the future of the Lhasa Apso concerns her From influential foundation dogs and strategic outcrosses to historic wins and preserving breed type, Susan shares lessons earned over a lifetime in dogs. Watch the full episode to discover the breeding principles behind more than five decades of Ta Sen. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (02:56) Getting Started With Lhasas (05:42) Finding the Right Mentor (07:04) Compensation Breeding (07:49) Combining Bloodlines (09:01) Breeding for Type and Structure (09:55) Successful Outcrossing (12:29) Her Biggest Breeding Setback (14:03) The Ideal Ta Sen Lhasa (15:41) The Hardest Traits to Breed (16:40) The Dogs That Built Ta Sen (22:10) Maintaining Consistent Breed Type (23:24) The Story of JJ (26:34) JJ’s Historic Show Career (28:45) Her Best Lhasa (29:30) Her Best Breeding (30:55) The Future of Ta Sen (32:30) Supporting Puppy Buyers (35:27) The Lhasa’s Declining Numbers (36:34) Breeders as Collaborators (38:32) Staying True to Her Vision (40:58) Avoiding Kennel Blindness (41:34) Evaluating Dogs Objectively (43:26) The Future of the Lhasa (44:45) Bringing in Younger Breeders (45:24) Her Proudest Achievement (45:52) The Ta Sen Legacy (46:23) Advice for Aspiring Breeders This episode is brought to you by: EZWhelp — https://www.ezwhelp.com/ Take Our Quiz: Build Your Whelping Setup in 60 Seconds With additional support from:  Ororo — https://www.ororowear.com/  Cherrybrook Pet Supplies — https://www.cherrybrook.com/  Revival Animal Health — https://www.revivalanimal.com/ #PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #BreedStandard #AKCDogShows #WestminsterDogShow #BestInShow #WestminsterKennelClub #AKCNationalChampionship #SusanGiles #TaSenLhasaApsos #LhasaApsoDogs #LhasaApsoBreeder #JJLhasaApso

  8. Sep 15

    Meet Margery Good: Master Breeder of Good Spice Kennel Sealyhams Terriers

    Margery Good of Good Spice Kennel has spent decades proving that great breeding is about far more than winning in the show ring, but also producing happy, confident Companions that are fabulous to live with. Good Spice has produced an incredible family of successful Sealyham Terriers, collaborating with top programs around the world. From her earliest days in dogs to building generations of outstanding Sealyham Terriers, Margery shares the mentors, breeding decisions, successes, and setbacks that shaped Good Spice into an internationally respected program. In this episode, she reveals: Why strong virtues should be bred to strong virtuesHow pedigrees help her preserve type while avoiding faultsThe legendary dogs that defined generations of Good SpiceWhy great companions matter far beyond the show ringThe advice she believes every aspiring breeder needs to hear With decades of experience behind her, Margery still approaches breeding with the same principle that has guided her career: keep learning, keep improving, and never lose sight of the dogs themselves. Watch the full episode to discover the breeding philosophy and legacy behind Good Spice Kennel. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (00:34) Meet Margery Good (02:42) How Her Journey in Dogs Began (07:26) The Mentors Who Shaped Her Career (09:02) Breeding Virtues to Virtues (15:06) The Win That Changed Everything (16:24) The Hardest Parts of Breeding (17:49) Building the Good Spice Bloodlines (23:11) How Margery Studies Pedigrees (24:43) Building a Stronger Gene Pool (26:58) Her Vision of the Ideal Sealyham (29:31) The Legendary Dogs of Good Spice (37:56) Chasing the Breed Standard (39:02) Her Most Successful Litter (40:03) Kerry Blues, Airedales & Temperament (42:46) What’s Next for Good Spice (44:02) Protecting the Future of Purebred Dogs (46:16) Supporting Breeders & Puppy Owners (49:30) How Her Breeding Program Evolved (52:03) Don’t Let the Show Ring Decide (53:19) What Breeders Should Focus on Now (54:14) What Matters More Than Winning (55:26) The Legacy of Good Spice (55:54) Margery’s Advice to Breeders (56:46) A Master Breeder to Know (57:31) Finding Good Spice This episode is brought to you by: EZWhelp — ⁠https://www.ezwhelp.com/⁠ Take Our Quiz: ⁠Build Your Whelping Setup in 60 Seconds⁠ With additional support from:  Ororo — ⁠https://www.ororowear.com/⁠  Cherrybrook Pet Supplies — ⁠https://www.cherrybrook.com/⁠  Revival Animal Health — ⁠https://www.revivalanimal.com/ #PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #BreedStandard #AKCDogShows #Westminster #WestminsterDogShow #BestInShow #WestminsterKennelClub #NationalDogShow #MargeryGood #GoodspiceKennel #SealyhamTerriers #SealyhamTerrierBreeder #GoodSpiceSealyhams #CharminSealyham

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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
    66
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Better Breeder Institute
  • Show Website
    Better Breeder Chronicles

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