Better Breeder Chronicles

Jere Marder turned a Christmas surprise into one of the most successful Old English Sheepdog breeding programs in breed history.Legendary breeder Jere Marder reveals how passion, perseverance, and an eye for excellence shaped Lambluv Old English Sheepdogs, a breeding program that has produced iconic champions like Show Stopper, Yoshi, Elvis & Andrew.From her first dog show wearing disco heels to breaking records in the ring, Jere shares hard-won lessons on mentorship, breeding ethics, and keeping the soul of the breed alive for future generations.👉 Watch the full conversation to hear the Lambluv story in Jere's own words.Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:38 Jere Marder of Lambluv Old English Sheepdogs02:12 What sparked her lifelong passion03:28 The key moments of her breeding journey05:16 Early mentors who shaped her breeding06:37 Key bloodlines & careful selection08:23 The role of pedigree & hands-on evaluation11:19 Jere's selection process & maintaining the Standard12:21 Evaluating puppies & preserving structure13:06 The Lambluv Old English Sheepdogs look14:19 The dogs that made Lambluv22:22 Westminster triumph & show career highlights25:02 Diva, Desdemona, and continuing the Lambluv line27:02 Blue Thunder "Elvis" and his records30:38 Using frozen semen to preserve bloodlines31:28 Challenges, setbacks, and breeding ethics33:55 Mentoring the next generation of breeders36:51 Staying true to her vision and standard37:17 Today's judges' decisions vs. past38:08 Her optimism about the breed38:19 What should breeders focus on38:44 A breeder Jere respects40:27 Advice for aspiring breeders40:48 How Jere wants Lambluv to be remembered42:40 How to connect with Jere#BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows #JereMarder #Lambluv #OldEnglishSheepdogs

So, how does one breeder build world-class bloodlines in two breeds? 🐾In this episode, Kristi Libertore shares how she transformed her love of horses into a passion for breeding dual-purpose dogs that shine in the field and dominate in the show ring. From her mentors’ wisdom to the heartbreaks and triumphs of Whiskeytown Wirehaired Pointing Griffons and Whiskey Hills Bracchi, Kristi reveals what it takes to build a true legacy in purebred dogs.👉 Watch now to hear the story behind one of America’s most inspiring breeder success stories.Timestamps:00:00  Intro00:20 Meet Kristi Libertore01:29 First Dog and the Show Ring03:11 Mentorship and Early Lessons04:52 Mentors Who Influenced Her08:29 Key Lessons from Her Mentor09:43 Additional Mentors and Role Models13:20 Building the Whiskeytown Vision16:07 What Defines a Whiskeytown Griffon19:02 The Dogs That Made Whiskeytown22:23 AKC Sporting Group Breeder of the Year23:27 Entering a New Breed: The Bracco Italiano28:10 Developing Broncos with Her Husband30:55 Breeding Challenges in a Limited Gene Pool33:44 What Defines a Whiskey Hills Bracco36:53 The Dogs That Made Whiskey Hills40:43 The Role of Pedigree42:14 Breeding Strategies and Linebreeding44:47 Overcoming Challenges and Heartbreaks47:09 Advice for Better Kennel Management49:21 Breeders as Collaborators, Not Competitors53:32 How Her Vision Has Evolved54:18 Redefining Success55:12 Thoughts on Judging and the Show World56:19 Challenges Facing the Sport57:44 Optimism for the Future59:50 What Breeders Should Focus On1:00:58 Breeders She Admires1:02:59 Her Greatest Accomplishment1:03:50 Advice for Aspiring Breeders1:04:29 Legacy and Vision for the Future1:05:11 Where to Learn More#BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows #KristiLibertore #WhiskeyHillsandWhiskeytown #BracchiItaliani #WirehairedPointingGriffons

What happens when a curious teenager falls in love with a pet store puppy and ends up shaping one of the most respected English Cocker bloodlines in America?In this episode, Lisa Ross of Winfree English Cockers reveals how a pet store Irish Setter sparked a lifelong passion for breeding dogs that are not only stunning in the ring but healthy, happy, and full of heart. She shares her decade-long road to her first points, the mentors who shaped her journey, and how DNA testing and ethical breeding are redefining the future of purebred dogs.Tune in to discover what it truly takes to build a legacy in purebred dog breeding — and why health, temperament, and mentorship matter more than trophies.Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:42 Meet Lisa Ross of Winfree English Cockers01:42 Getting Started with Purebred Dogs03:43 Mentors and Early Lessons05:49 First Breeding and Vision08:28 Influential Bloodlines09:21 Pedigrees and DNA Testing Evolution10:51 Evaluating Puppies and Breeding Type12:20 Defining the Winfree English Cocker13:20 Hallmark Dogs and Bloodlines Through Time19:04 Breeding Challenges and Heartbreak22:45 Supporting Puppy Buyers & Building Community24:39 Collaboration and the Future of Breeding26:44 Reflections on Success & Legacy27:18 The Impact of Judges’ Opinion28:05 The Biggest Challenge of the Breed28:45 The Optimism for the Future of the Breed29:23 What Should Breeders Focus On30:55 Breeders Who Lisa Admires33:02 Advice for New Breeders33:49 Winfree English Cockers’ Future34:41 Where to Find Lisa #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows #LisaRoss #Winfree #EnglishCockerSpaniel

What does it take to build a bloodline that leaves its mark on history? In this episode, master breeder Mary Nowak talks about the journey to develop Honeygait English Setters, from her very first puppy to producing Ch. Honeygait N Lampliter Fever, the winningest English Setter of all-time with 40 All-Breed Best in Show wins.Mary shares the mentors who shaped her, the philosophy of linebreeding that defined her program, and the dogs that carried her legacy into the record books. Whether you’re a seasoned exhibitor or simply love great dogs with health and history, the Honeygait story is one you won’t want to miss. Timestamps:00:00 Introduction & the “Honeygait” story begins01:19 First English Setter & how the Honeygait name started03:47 Early mentors and their influence08:17 Building the Honeygait breeding program12:49 Breeding philosophy & health priorities18:14 Selecting puppies and what stands out21:40 Thoughts on outcrossing vs. line breeding24:55 Defining the Honeygait “look”29:30 Notable dogs and their show careers35:16 Biggest challenges in breeding37:04 Most proud accomplishments37:41 Collaborating with other breeders45:58 Biggest challenges facing the breed today48:17 Optimism for the future of English Setters50:25 Breeders she admires & would recommend for interviews52:26 Advice to aspiring breeders53:28 How she hopes Honeygait will be remembered54:44 Where to learn more & closing thoughts#BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows #MaryNowak #Honeygait #EnglishSetters

What does it really take to breed world-class Chihuahuas?Kristi Green of Knockout Chihuahuas reveals how she built one of the top families in the breed, from national winners to top-producing sires. She shares her journey through mentorship, health testing, breeding challenges, and what defines a true “Knockout” Chihuahua.👉 Watch now and learn from one of the most successful Chihuahua breeders in the country.Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:31 Meet Kristi Green of Knockout Chihuahuas01:23 How Kristi got into Chihuahuas04:06 Early breeding challenges and goals04:55 Struggles finding mentors05:47 Meeting Darwin Delaney and key influences07:16 Lessons learned from mentors08:30 Building a family of her Chihuahuas10:01 Establishing foundation bitches and early successes11:24 Breeding strategies and line development12:15 Breeding philosophy: Linebreeding13:02 Specific breeding strategies14:25 Stud dog selection15:38 Focusing on virtues over faults16:20 Puppy selection and Knockout traits17:41 Defining the “Knockout Chihuahua”19:42 Notable dogs that shaped Knockout Chihuahuas30:09 Challenges of breeding toy dogs31:46 Health testing as a breeding tool33:39 Importance of National Specialties34:27 Today’s breeder challenges & shrinking gene pools35:29 Biggest challenges in Chihuahuas today36:18 Optimism for the breed’s future36:58 Breeding priorities for longevity and lines37:36 Kristi’s most meaningful accomplishments38:25 Breeders Kristi admires39:33 Advice to aspiring breeders40:19 Knockout legacy and long-term goals41:13 Where to learn more about Knockout Chihuahuas#BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShow #KristiGreen #Knockout #Chihuahuas #KnockoutChihuahuas

What drives someone to cross an ocean at 14 just to learn about a breed? For Patricia Princehouse, that leap set the stage for creating America’s most influential Pyrenean Shepherd breeding program.Patricia reveals what it takes to balance health, type, and tradition, the story of her most influential dogs, and the biggest challenges facing purebred breeding today. Discover the passion and legacy behind La Brise Pyrenean Shepherds.Timestamps:00:00 Early love of dogs & first purebred dog03:00 Discovering dog shows as a teenager06:00 First trip to France & meeting mentors09:00 Breeding Great Pyrenees as livestock guardians13:00 Transition to Pyrenean Shepherds18:00 Early breeding challenges & lessons learned25:00 Preserving natural breeds as cultural history31:00 Importing dogs & building a U.S. program40:00 Health, outcrosses & maintaining type50:00 Head, movement, and selection priorities55:00 Prominent La Brise dogs & show ring impact1:10:00 Challenges: judges, novices, and public perception1:20:00 Collaboration and community in breeding1:27:00 Optimism for the next generation1:38:00 Legacy & advice to aspiring breeders#BetterBreederChronicles #PatriciaPrincehouse #LaBrise #PyreneanShepherds #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShow

From deep but separate foundations in the purebred dog world, Dennis and Katey Brown share the remarkable Solivia Pointer story. In this episode, you’ll hear how one family’s passion for purebred dogs grew into an international breeding program known for health, soundness, style — and winning at the highest level.If you care about preserving breeds, producing sound, healthy dogs, and learning from two of the most influential Pointer breeders of our time, this is an interview you won’t want to miss. Timestamps:00:00 Intro & the early Solivia story00:22 Katey’s mom’s path: Irish Setters → Cockers → Pointers04:00 Foundation lines that shaped Solivia06:40 Core philosophy: Health and Soundness first10:32 Dennis’s background & how Dennis/Katey connected18:31 International outcross strategy (Italy, NZ, UK, etc.)22:01 Why Pointers are a “bitch breed” (dam-line consistency)23:57 What a Solivia Pointer looks like (type & movement)25:07 Game-changer sire & what he fixed36:07 Ch. Solivia’s Desiderata: National winner & record producer48:12 Conditioning Secrets: paddocks, free-feeding pups, & more1:06:06 Advice to aspiring breeders: don’t quit; condition the dog#BetterBreederChronicles #DennisBrown #KateyBrown #Solivia #Pointers #SoliviaPointers #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows

How do you come back from heartbreak and build a bloodline that makes history?Master breeder Carol Felbaum reveals how losing her foundation bitch’s first litter almost ended her program, and how perseverance turned that tragedy into a dynasty of champion Bichons.She shares the inside story of Donald, (GCHG High Ridge He’s So Full of Himself ROMX) a dog some doubted who went on to sire top champions worldwide, and she explains why mentorship, transparency, and collaboration are the future of purebred dogs. If you are passionate about breeding programs, preserving breed standards, or the hidden stories behind champion dogs, you won’t want to miss this. 👉 Subscribe now for more breeder stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and conversations that keep the purebred dog breeding community strong. Timestamps:00:00 Beginnings in purebred dogs01:30 Teen years and weekends at dog shows02:21 Discovering Bichons 04:59 Early mentors and lessons in dog care09:15 Learning through observation and quiet study12:14 Honesty, tough conversations, and breeder transparency16:44 Returning to the dog world after raising a family19:08 Foundation bitch Minnie and her impact22:54 First litters, heartbreak, and perseverance28:22 Breeding success: Audrey, Donald, and champion offspring34:26 Donald’s Story: from family dog to top sire51:24 Donald’s accomplishments and legacy55:35 Building toward the next great dog57:46 Breeding decisions, linebreeding, and frozen semen1:02:43 Challenges of promoting purebred dogs today1:04:39 Collaboration vs. competition among breeders1:07:28 Educating puppy buyers and lifelong support1:11:22 Challenges in the Bichon breed today1:13:49 Optimism and gratitude for the future1:16:21 Hallmark kennel name story1:18:39 Breeders who Carol admires1:21:12 Perseverance as the key lesson for aspiring breeders1:22:37 How Carol wants Hallmark Bichons remembered1:23:35 Why there’s still no website#BetterBreederChronicles #Carol Felbaum #HallmarkBichonFrise #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows

Step inside the world of Rush Hill Goldens, where Tonya Struble reveals how she built one of the most successful Golden Retriever breeding programs in breed history. She shares her journey from her first golden in Alaska to breeding iconic champions like Am/Can CH Rush Hill’s Haagen-Dazs, GCH Rush Hill’s Run’n Amuck At Abelard,GCH Rush Hill’s River Road Payoff, & more. Learn the strategies behind her breeding choices, the health challenges she’s faced, and the lessons learned along the way. This episode is a masterclass in vision, perseverance, and leaving a lasting legacy in the breed. Timestamps:00:00 First Golden Retriever Story04:41 Entering the Purebred World07:08 Early Mentors and Lessons09:23 Make Your Own Decisions10:24 Founding the Rush Hill Line14:30 Breeding Plans and Strategies20:57 Selecting Puppies to Keep24:48 Breeding for Versatile Dogs25:35 Defining the Rush Hill Look34:16 Haagen Dazs: Kirby’s Legacy44:40 Chaos: The Charismatic Showdog47:20 Vegas: Rising to #150:42 Willis and McClain’s Wins51:45 Health Issues and Setbacks53:51 Experiences with Other Breeds56:05 Supporting Puppy Buyers 57:00 Challenges Facing Today’s Sport1:05:03 Achievements She’s Most Proud Of1:06:34 Key Advice for Breeders1:08:20 Legacy of Rush Hill Goldens1:12:28 Preserving History Through Website#BetterBreederChronicles #TonyaStruble #RushHill #GoldenRetrievers #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows

Through the stewardship of several breeders, the story of Bugaboo Kennels spans several generations of passion, persistence, and record-breaking champions. Colton Johnson shares details about his family’s legacy, the breeding theories behind legendary dogs like Georgie Girl, Swagger & S’More, and how Bugaboo continues to shape the future of the Old English Sheepdog breed.Don’t miss this rare inside look at one of the most successful kennels in the dog show world. Watch now!Timestamps:00:00 Origins of Bugaboo Kennels02:42 Early breeding goals and lessons in linebreeding06:39 Colton’s childhood and growing up in a dog show family08:39 Meeting Heather and discovering a passion for showing dogs12:12 Breeding Bugaboo’s Georgie Girl and Picture Perfect13:06 Lessons from his parents as mentors16:17 Influential mentors and breeders outside the family18:33 Moving the Bugaboo bloodline forward20:11 Insights into the selection process23:46 Football analogies for breeding programs25:19 When litters don’t work out & the surprises of genetics26:16 The most notable Bugaboo dogs30:24 Colton’s daughter wins Best Junior at Westminster32:49 Building a community hub36:30 Educating the public on purebred dogs38:16 The story of Hulk, the Bugaboo dog for the Fountain, CO Police41:47 Colton’s most notable accomplishment43:15 Collaboration over competition in breeding48:14 Biggest challenge today: proper mentorship51:41 What gives hope for the future of purebred dogs54:22 What should breeders focus on right now56:28 How Colton hopes Bugaboo will be remembered#BetterBreederChronicles #ColtonJohnson #Bugaboo #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows

What separates a good breeder from a great one? In this episode, Kathy Rust of Kizmar Vizslas (South Dakota AKC Vizsla Breeder) shares how she built one of the most respected Vizsla bloodlines in the breed. It was not by chance, but through strategy, relentless research, and wise decisions - and using tail-male breeding theory.You will hear Kathy’s hard-won lessons on selecting foundation dogs, handling health setbacks, and establishing the mindset every new breeder needs to succeed. You will also learn about creating a tail-male bloodline to forming the breeder circles that enabled Kathy’s tremendous success, this conversation will challenge, inspire, and sharpen your vision for what successful purebred breeding will look like in the future.Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:47 Meet Kathy Rust02:14 Early exposure to dogs and breeding05:09 Figure skating & competitive breeding mindset06:38 First Vizsla and her early journey in the breed08:21 Deep-dive research and pedigree analysis11:19 Exploring form and function13:14 Starting the Kizmar bloodline15:31 Type-to-type breeding18:09 The Lloyd Brackett breeding method20:09 Selecting puppies to move forward with22:50 The most notable Kizmar dogs26:39 Building a consistent tail-male line28:44 Theories behind a tail-male line35:00 The biggest challenge Kizmar faced and overcame38:41 Advice for unexpected health issues44:09 Her relationships with puppy owners46:36 What are breeder circles?51:49 Defining your breeder identity and mission54:07 The future of purebred dogs56:30 Kathy’s message to new breeders57:37 How Kizmar will be remembered in breed history58:48 How to learn more about Kizmar#BetterBreederChronicles #KathyRust #KizmarVizslas #Vizsla #VizslaDogs #VizslaBreeder #DogBreeding #PurebredDogs #AKCVizsla #VizslaPuppies #VizslaLovers #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCdogshows

What does it really take to become a master breeder across three challenging breeds?In this episode, Dale Martenson (AKC Breeder/Judge) shares how a Saint Bernard puppy sparked a journey that led to over 500 homebred champions. Learn why brutal honesty builds better bloodlines, how to stay profitable and ethical in today’s societal climate, and why your “why” matters more than any ribbon.Dale opens up about the heartbreaks, the wins, and the evolving strategies that helped him leave a lasting mark on Japanese Chins, Cavaliers, and Cocker Spaniels. Based out of Texas with his wife Jane, the Martensons built Touche and Castlemar into two of the most respected kennel names in the purebred dog world, known as much for their kindness and generosity as their excellence and success.Subscribe for more expert interviews, tools, and support for purebred conservation dog breeders.Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:51 Meet Dale Martenson02:12 How It All Began04:25 Competitions & First Big Win06:25 Early Mentors & People They Learned From08:48 Early Pivotal Experiences10:25 Learning from Losses13:19 Building a Legacy in Japanese Chins20:18 The Power of Good Bitches24:22 Breeding Strategies to Establish Bloodline26:28 Progress Over the Years & Selection Process32:00 The Biggest Challenge as the Breeder34:41 Handling Setbacks and Disappointments38:27 The Cavaliers & Cockers40:52 The Most Notable Accomplishments43:22 Why Good Breeders Deserve To Make A Profit50:18 Adapting to Today’s Challenges53:39 What Should Breeders Focus On Today?56:22 Optimism for the Future of Purebred Dogs1:00:18 The Impact of Social Media1:02:32 Final Advice for Aspiring Breeders1:04:15 How Dale Wishes to Be Remembered1:05:54 Where to Connect with Dale

In the premier episode of the Better Breeder Chronicles, master breeder Guy Mauldin (Kismet Shelties) reveals insights behind the creation and development of one of the longest and most successful Shetland Sheepdog breeding programs in breed history.Learn how Guy & Thelma Mauldin created a distinctive bloodline that has impacted the breed for over five decades. In the process, they bred/owned nearly 300 champions, won 99 Best In Shows (breed record), and transformed the breed.Containing insider stories, breeding strategies, and thrilling wins at Westminster & National Specialties, this episode is a must-watch for anyone who loves purebred dogs, breeding theory, or success stories. Prepare to be inspired by a master breeder who redefined excellence in the dog show world.Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:47 Meet Guy Mauldin of Kismet Shetland Sheepdogs02:50 From a Collie Interest to Sheltie Champions05:46 High Born: The Dog That Started It All07:48 Linebreeding Strategies & The Power of Pedigree10:10 Outcrossing Without Losing Your Identity11:50 Inside the Kismet Selection Process12:53 The Biggest Challenge 13:33 Iconic Dogs of Kismet15:15 An Unlikely Win at Westminster19:18 The Lucky Discovery in Japan: The Pajero Story23:31 The Legacy of Kismet 25:55 The Proudest Accomplishments#BetterBreederChronicles #KismetShelties #ShetlandSheepdog #SheltieLove #DogShowLegends #PurebredDogs #MasterBreeder #DogBreeding #PedigreePower #Linebreeding #Outcrossing #ShowDogLife #WestminsterDogShow #NationalSpecialty #ChampionDogs #DogBreederSuccess #SheltieBreeder #DogShowHistory #SheltieChampion #BreedLegacy

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!Behind every great dog is a great breeder, and the are often the ones who exist in anonymity and whose stories remain untold. On the Better Breeder Chronicles, host Matt Stelter - AKC dog breeder/judge - shares their legacies with the purebred dog fancy and preserves them for breed history. Learn the theory, strategy & story behind National Specialty and Best In Show winning AKC/CKC breeding programs.Brought to you by EZWhelp. Elevate your breeding program with EZWhelp whelping boxes!