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 heel...

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 wha...

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 r...

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 t...

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...

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...

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 fro...

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 champ...

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 beh...

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...

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, h...

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 op...

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...

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...