Breeders Brew: The Dog Breeding Podcast

What is Crufts really like when you step away from the show ring? In this bonus episode, Sara and Isobel discuss all-things-Crufts after a whirlwind few days. From the glitz of the Pawscars awards to wandering through Discover Dogs and the endless trade stands, we share the moments that made us stop and think. We talk about ethical breeding, health testing, how advice around dogs is changing, and...

As the final episode of the 12 Days of Christmas mini-series, Sara and Isobel close things out by talking about a side of dog breeding that rarely gets discussed: burnout. They reflect on the reality behind the polished puppy photos online, why so many breeders only seek support once they are already overwhelmed, and how having guidance earlier in the journey can completely change the experience....

Day 11 of the 12 Days series, Sara and Isobel reveal the biggest project they have ever built, the launch of Whelping World , the new home of the PUPLIFE pathway. What began as a podcast grew into something far larger, a fully structured, stage-led platform designed to guide dog owners through every step of the breeding journey. In this episode, they unpack why Breeders Brew could no longer hold t...

Day 10 of the 12 Days series, Sara and Isobel challenge one of the most dangerous mindsets in dog ownership and breeding, “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.”  Through real-life stories of breakdowns, missed warnings, tech failures, and whelping plans gone sideways, they explore why waiting for problems removes choice, increases cost, and forces rushed decisions. From flat tyres and emergency recov...

Day 9 of the 12 Days of Christmas mini-series lands in the quiet space between reflection and resolution.  In this solo episode, Isobel shares why looking back, at conversations, traditions, and long-held beliefs, is essential before deciding what to carry forward. From lessons sparked by unexpected conversations in education with veterinary professionals, to the danger of fixed opinions in breedi...

Day 8 of the 12 Days of Christmas mini-series lands on New Year’s Day, a fitting moment to pause and reflect.  This solo episode explores a lesson from 2025 about change, boundaries, and the courage it takes to step away from what works on paper when it no longer feels right in practice. === 🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club  → www.wh...

Day 7 of the 12 Days of Christmas mini-series lands on New Year’s Eve, and instead of resolutions, Sara and Isobel invite reflection. In this episode, they explore how many of the beliefs we hold about breeding, fertility, food, and health are inherited, outdated, or rarely questioned. From ovulation myths and assumptions around fertility, to convenience-driven feeding and ultra-processed diets, t...

Day 6 of the 12 Days of Christmas mini-series focuses on one of the most overlooked parts of breeding dogs, safeguarding through paperwork, contracts, and clear processes. In this episode, Sara and Isobel talk about why puppy contracts, stud agreements, guidance packs, and written expectations matter, not as red tape, but as protection for your dogs, your puppies, and yourself. They explore how pr...

Day 5 of the 12 Days of Christmas mini-series shifts from food comas to something far more practical, boundaries. In this episode, Sara and Isobel talk candidly about how easily boundaries are crossed when you are breeding dogs, particularly when family life, work, and seasonal pressures all collide. They explore why protecting your time, energy, and wellbeing is not about being difficult, but abo...

Day 4 of the 12 Days of Christmas mini-series turns the spotlight on what happens when knowledge is given a home. Inspired by the idea of shared libraries and quiet learning traditions from Iceland, Sara and Isobel reflect on the creation of the Support Club Taproom and why having the right information at the right moment can change everything. This episode gently pulls back the curtain on how exp...

Day 3 of the 12 Days of Christmas mini-series, reflects on how traditions are formed, passed down, and sometimes followed without question. From Christmas carols to breeding practices, Sara and Isobel explore why some knowledge survives simply because someone kept showing up to share it, and why choosing which traditions to keep matters more than ever in a changing breeding landscape. === 🫖 Love...

Day 2 of the 12 Days of Christmas takes a sharp turn away from pawprints and into something far more lasting, your digital footprint . What starts as a light-hearted Boxing Day chat about carols, pub quizzes, and festive nonsense quickly becomes a serious conversation about privacy, perception, and protection in modern dog ownership.  We unpack how what you post online can shape your reputation, y...

What if the most important parts of dog breeding aren’t the ones everyone talks about? In this festive wrap-up episode, Sara and Isobel reflect on the year through a very different lens. Using Christmas as a metaphor, they unpack why so many dog owners fixate on mating and whelping, while quietly overlooking the stages that actually shape outcomes, stress levels, and long-term success. This episod...

What does it really mean to raise the bar in modern dog breeding, and how do you avoid getting stuck on average?  In this final episode of the Annual Breeder Awards series, Sara and Isobel reflect on the standout stories shared throughout the season, from holistic Whippets and powerful Mastiffs to stud dogs backed by substance, not just style. They dig into why structured breeding matters, how to...

What separates a stud dog owner from a true breeding partner? In this episode, Sara sits down with Diana Stevens of Wylanbriar Labradors , winner of the Supportive Stud Award, to reveal what it really takes to build a stud service that breeders trust, respect and return to—litter after litter. With over 1,000 litters sired through her boys and a thriving community built on mentorship, marketing an...

What does it take to protect a vulnerable native breed when only a handful of puppies are born each year?   In this episode, Sara sits down with Steve from Womlu Mastiffs , winner of the Breed Mastery Award and finalist in both Breeder Excellence and Breeder Vision, to share the real-world realities of breeding and preserving one of the UK’s rarest giants. From the emotional toll of small litters...

What does raising truly well-rounded puppies actually involve once the excitement wears off and the hard work begins? In this episode, Sara sits down with Sam Chamberlain , winner of the Top Puppy Parent Award and finalist for Breeder Excellence, to unpack the real-life routines, tough decisions, and thoughtful systems behind her standout litters. From managing a surprise midnight whelping to bala...

What does actual attentiveness look like in the whelping room? In this episode, Sara chats with Helen Farnes , winner of the Attentive Owner Award, whose blend of instinct, experience and calm decisiveness has earned her a reputation for gold-standard care before, during and after whelping. From managing a complex labour with a mummified pup to standing firm against vet advice when it mattered mos...

What happens when instinct, science and perseverance finally come together? In this episode, Sara sits down with Jacquie Mullin , winner of the Holistic Breeder Award and finalist for Rising Star, to discuss how she overcame multiple missed matings and adopted a more open and intentional approach to breeding her beloved Whippets. From discovering her bitch ovulated late to balancing advice from bo...

Bonus Brew: Behind the Breeder Awards + Your VIP Invitation  Surprise! We're back in your ears with a bonus episode that lifts the lid on everything happening backstage at the Annual Breeder Awards – and finally gives you the inside scoop on the Brew Crew mentorship. Join us as we reflect on the ABA series so far, share why the diversity of breeder stories truly matters, and reveal the common...

What does it take to raise the bar in a breed often misunderstood?   In this episode, Sara shines a spotlight on Shainy Majidi , winner of the Breeding Vision Award, whose ethical and health-driven approach to French Bulldogs is turning heads for all the right reasons. From walking away from disappointing stud dogs to raising two litters just nine days apart, Shainy shares what it really takes to...

What does true breeder excellence look like behind the scenes? In this episode, Sara sits down with Sue Taplin , winner of the Canine Family Planner's Breeder Excellence Award, to uncover the real story behind her decades of dedication to raising well-bred, health-tested Labradors. From managing 80 dogs in a licensed boarding kennel to supporting new puppy owners with layered educational reso...

What are the Annual Breeder Awards—and why do they matter?  In this special solo episode, Sara introduces the ABAs, a new initiative created to recognise breeders who are quietly raising the bar. First in the spotlight is Adam Mayle , winner of the Rising Star Award, whose thoughtful, health-focused approach to breeding Labradors has earned him a growing reputation for doing things the right way....

What's the big announcement everyone's been waiting for? In this final episode of our Q&A series, we reveal what's next for the Breeders Brew and trust us, it's worth tuning in for. Alongside the celebration, we tackle your most-asked questions with the same straight-talking, no-fluff guidance you've come to expect. From irregular seasons and stud trip stress to the tr...

Did you miss the party but still want to celebrate with us? In this short and sweet mini-episode, we mark a significant milestone— the Breeders Brew podcast turns one . Sara and Isobel went live, off the cuff and full of laughs, to answer your burning breeding questions and reflect on a year of real talk, big topics and brilliant breeders. Even if you couldn’t join the live Pod Party, you’re still...