Meghen Riese-Bassel of Renascent (and formerly Statesman) Welsh Springer Spaniels grew up as a second-generation breeder. She shares how a childhood surrounded by dogs and great mentors transformed into a lifelong mission to breed with purpose.

She talks about those mentoring opportunities, balancing art and science in breeding, and how international collaboration helped improve health and temperament through the generations.

Meghen also opens up about the real work behind the wins, family, setbacks, and staying devoted to the breed.

🎧 Watch now to hear the story behind one of the most influential breeders in the world of purebred dogs.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

01:12 Meet Meghen Riese-Bassel

02:54 Growing Up & Family Life

04:10 Family Mentorship & Origins of “Statesman”

06:50 Early Mentors and the Education of a Breeder

09:06 Learning Through Debate

11:28 Game-Changing Experiences

13:52 Learning From Other Breeds

16:40 Becoming an Independent Breeder

17:39 Defining Breed Styles & Health Priorities

20:56 The First Imports That Changed Everything

22:59 Strategic Breeding Decisions

25:53 Combining Bloodlines for Progress

30:10 The Renascent Welsh Springer Spaniel

32:33 Influential Dogs of the Kennel

37:59 Power of Collaboration

44:54 Breeding Challenges & Emotional Resilience

48:44 The Future of Breeding

52:37 Educating the Next Generation

56:19 Collaboration Over Competition

58:39 Evolving Goals & Redefining Success

1:00:10 Modern Challenges

1:00:39 Hopes for the Future

1:01:21 Breeder She Admires

1:01:39 Most Notable Accomplishment

1:02:49 Advice to Aspiring Breeders

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