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PODCAST

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!

kids & family pets & animals

All Episodes

01:18:27

Linebreeding

Better Breeder Chronicles ·

2026/10/06

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

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00:58:11

Meet Jessica MacMillan: Master Breeder of Paisley...

Better Breeder Chronicles ·

2026/09/29

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

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00:48:54

Meet Susan Giles: Master Breeder of Ta Sen Lhasa Apsos

Better Breeder Chronicles ·

2026/09/22

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

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00:58:19

Meet Margery Good: Master Breeder of Good Spice...

Better Breeder Chronicles ·

2026/09/15

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

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00:53:14

Meet Cherie Hunchak: Master Breeder of Elance Borzoi

Better Breeder Chronicles ·

2026/09/08

Cherie Hunchak of Elance Borzoi has spent decades pursuing one goal: breed dogs that are strong where the breed is weak.In this episode of Better Breeder Chronicles, Cherie shares the philosophy, breeding decisions, and bloodlines behind Elance Borzoi and the dogs that have influenced pedigrees around the world.You’ll discover:How learning to truly see structure transformed her breeding programWhy pedigrees are a roadmap, and the dog in front of you never tells the whole storyHow she uses

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01:07:35

Elevate Your Mindset

Better Breeder Chronicles ·

2026/09/01

Great breeding programs are built on the mindset of the breeder behind them.In this episode of the Better Breeder Roundtable, Kathy Rust is joined by Jamie Hubbard (Clussexx Kennels) and Spenser Hardin (Longview Collies) to talk about how a breeder's mindset can either propel a program forward or quietly hold it back for years. Together, they explore what it really takes to think in generations rather than litters, how to overcome the “I'm just a little speck” feeling at the start, and why

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00:53:22

Meet Robert Urban: Master Breeder of Foxfire Black...

Better Breeder Chronicles ·

2026/08/25

Robert Urban of Foxfire Black and Tan Coonhounds knows that great breeders build more than winning dogs. They build a kennel with a type, a philosophy, and a legacy.In this episode, Bob shares the lessons behind decades of breeding, showing, and working with Black and Tans, from the breed-founding mentors who shaped him to the dogs that defined Foxfire.You’ll hear:How Foxfire developed a recognizable breed typeWhy temperament should never be compromisedWhy breeders must be their own toughest

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01:18:14

Meet Sylvia Hammarstrom: Master Breeder of Skansen...

Better Breeder Chronicles ·

2026/08/18

Sylvia Hammarstrom of Skansen Kennels has spent more than 70 years breeding, raising, and learning from Schnauzers. What began as a childhood passion in Sweden grew into a Giant Schnauzer breeding program that has produced close to 2,000 American champions.In this episode, Sylvia shares the experiences, dogs, and lessons that shaped Skansen, including:How working in European kennels shaped her as a breeder.What she looks for in the ideal Giant Schnauzer.The legendary dogs that shaped Skansen.Why

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00:51:10

Meet Andrew DiGiorgio: Master Breeder of Foxhollow...

Better Breeder Chronicles ·

2026/08/11

For nearly 60 years, legendary breeder Andrew DiGiorgio has built Foxhollow into one of the most successful and respected Wire Fox Terrier breeding programs. Andy shares the philosophy, breeding decisions, and unforgettable dogs that shaped a world-class breeding program and left a lasting mark on the breed.In this episode you’ll discover:How Andrew learned to recognize great dogsWhy quality matters more than individual traitsHis breeding strategy for producing championsWhy type and movement matter

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01:05:29

Form & Function: More Than a Checklist

Better Breeder Chronicles ·

2026/08/04

Every breed standard was written with a purpose—but understanding why those words matter is what helps breeders make better decisions.In this episode of the Better Breeder Roundtable, Kathy Rust is joined by Kristi Libertore (Whiskey Hills Bracco Italiano & Whiskeytown Wirehaired Pointing Griffons) and Anne Phillips (Fernhill Brittanys) to explore how breeders can use the Breed Standard as more than a checklist—understanding the purpose behind every word and every trait.Together, they discuss

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00:54:33

Meet Stephanie Hentschel: Master Breeder of DarRight...

Better Breeder Chronicles ·

2026/07/28

Learn how Stephanie Hentschel of DarRight Pomeranians built a highly-respected Pomeranian breeding program in the breed.In this episode, Stephanie shares the breeding philosophy, mentorship, and life lessons that have shaped her success, including the importance of sharing their bloodlines with others. She explains why breeding is about much more than winning in the show ring, but about preserving the breed for future generations.Here's what you'll discover:Why pedigrees and linebreeding are

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00:58:47

Meet Chris & Tom Levy: Master Breeders of Abiqua Pumik

Better Breeder Chronicles ·

2026/07/21

Chris and Tom Levy of Abiqua Pumik didn't just breed exceptional Pumis. They helped build the breed's foundation in the United States.In this episode, Chris and Tom share the journey, years of study, repeated trips across Europe, and a deep commitment to preservation breeding.What you'll discover:Why the world's best breeders study dogs, not just pedigrees.How to balance genetic diversity with consistent breed quality.How to evaluate pedigrees, structure, and breed type with

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01:17:22

Meet Valerie Nunes-Atkinson: Master Breeder of...

Better Breeder Chronicles ·

2026/07/14

Learn how Valerie Nunes-Atkinson, along with partner Yvonne Hassler-Deterding, built VJK-Myst Kennels into one of the most respected German Shorthaired Pointer breeding programs in the world. Valerie shares the breeding philosophy, mentorship, and long-term vision that shaped generations of top-winning dogs.In this episode, you'll learn:The importance of linebreeding and judicious outcrossing in a successful breeding program.Why mentoring young breeders is so important for the future of purebred

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01:18:45

Outcrossing: Not Just One & Done

Better Breeder Chronicles ·

2026/07/07

Outcrossing is one of the most talked-about and misunderstood topics in dog breeding.In this episode of the Better Breeder Roundtable, Kathy Rust is joined by renowned master breeder Bill Shelton (Coventry Pembroke Welsh Corgis) and Lisa Braun (Mischief Papillons & Miniature American Shepherds) for a practical discussion on when, why, and how breeders should use outcrossing to improve their programs.Bill explains why outcrossing is not a shortcut or a fix for problems, but a long-term strategy

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00:42:23

Meet Lindsey Cook: Master Breeder of Kaska English...

Better Breeder Chronicles ·

2026/06/30

This is the story of how Lindsey Cook took Kaska English Setters from humble roots and built it into a program that consistently produces some of the breed’s finest, most dominant dogs. She shares her journey from junior handler to respected breeder, the mentorship that shaped her program, and the dogs that helped define the Kaska legacy.You'll learn:The lessons she learned from legendary breeder Lee GanserWhy correct front assembly is the trait she values mostHow Kaska developed a recognizable

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01:27:35

Meet Lexa Richmond: Master Breeder of Hialeah Dachshunds

Better Breeder Chronicles ·

2026/06/23

How did Lexa Richmond of Hialeah Dachshunds build a small breeding program that produced DCA National Specialty and AKC National Championship winners and generations of top-producing Dachshunds?In this episode, Matt Stelter sits down with Lexa to share the story behind one of the most successful Dachshund kennels in the country and the lessons learned over 25 years of breeding. Learn how she followed her master plan, weaving her tapestry of pedigrees to create Hialeah. Key insights from this

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01:09:59

Meet Patti Strand: Master Breeder of Merry-Go-Round...

Better Breeder Chronicles ·

2026/06/16

How did Patti Strand and Merry-Go-Round Dalmatians build one of the most influential Dalmatian breeding programs of the past half-century?In this episode, Matt Stelter sits down with Patti Strand to uncover the dogs, decisions, and breeding philosophy that helped shape a lasting legacy in the Dalmatian. Patti also shares her deep involvement with the National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA). Patti encourages conservation breeders to take pride in their role as valuable members of society and to take

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00:47:03

Meet Allison Sunderman: Master Breeder of Sun Oak...

Better Breeder Chronicles ·

2026/06/09

How did Allison Sunderman turn Sun Oak Welsh Terriers into a highly-respected breeding program while forced to take a backseat to Allison’s handling career?In this episode of Better Breeder Chronicles, Allison reflects on 50 years in Welsh Terriers, the legendary dogs and mentors that shaped her program, and the hard lessons that come with preserving type, temperament, and quality over generations.She shares stories from decades in the sport as both a breeder and professional handler, including the

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00:48:52

Meet Donna & Mike Beadle: Master Breeders of Eclipse...

Better Breeder Chronicles ·

2026/06/02

How did Donna and Mike Beadle build Eclipse Berger Picards into one of the most accomplished Berger Picard breeding programs in the country?In this episode, Matt Stelter sits down with the team behind Eclipse Berger Picards to talk about legendary dogs, heartbreaking losses, Westminster & AKC National Championship wins, and the reality of preserving a rare breed.Key insights from this episode:How Eclipse helped shape the Berger Picard breed in AKCThe emotional Bumble rescue story that united dog

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01:28:15

Meet Andrea Jordan-Lane: Master Breeder of Jordean...

Better Breeder Chronicles ·

2026/05/26

Andrea Jordan-Lane of Jordean spent decades building one of the most influential Brittany bloodlines in the sport and forever changing what a top-flight Brittany looks like, and this episode reveals exactly how she did it.From showing a non-show-quality dog as a teenager to producing generations of top-winning Brittanys, Andrea shares the mentors, bloodlines, and breeding decisions that shaped the Jordean legacy.In this episode:How Jordean Brittanys got startedThe dogs that changed Andrea’s program

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