Better Breeder Chronicles

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!

Better Breeder Chronicles is a kids podcast hosted by Better Breeder Institute, with 60 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Better Breeder Institute hosts Better Breeder Chronicles, a kids show with 60 episodes published.

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  Episode #57

  Meet Jessica MacMillan: Master Breeder of Paisley Dalmatians

  Sep 29, 202658 minS2

  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 bred How Jessica preserved her program after a devastating inherited health issue Why breed type, temperament, health, and versatility must work together How the right stud dog can transform an entire breeding program Why giving promising newcomers excellent dogs is essential to the future of purebred dogs Jessica explains how she makes difficult breeding decisions, responds to health problems, and produces Dalmatians that can excel in both shows and dog sports. Watch the full episode to discover what it takes to build a breeding legacy that lasts. Timestamps: (00:00) Never Give Up: The Paisley Philosophy (02:48) Growing Up in the Dog Show World (10:25) The Difference Between Showable and Breedable (11:21) Lessons From a Lifetime of Mentors (15:03) Building the Paisley Foundation (17:27) Linebreeding, Outcrossing, and Knowing Your Lines (19:06) When a Bloodline Must Go (21:41) Understanding Copper Storage Disease (22:38) What Makes a True Dalmatian? (23:28) The Hardest Traits to Breed For (25:04) The Dogs That Built Paisley (31:58) Breeding for Versatility (34:34) Balancing Breed Type, Temperament, and Performance (35:51) How Jessica Selects Puppies (37:24) When the Right Stud Dog Changes Everything (38:18) The Future of Paisley Dalmatians (39:56) Giving New Breeders the Right Start (44:21) Why Breeders Need to Work Together (46:28) Don’t Breed to the Popular Stud Dog (49:02) Challenges Facing the Dalmatian Breed (50:15) Why Jessica Is Hopeful About the Future (51:06) What Purebred Breeders Need to Focus On (53:02) Building a 13-Generation Legacy (54:12) Never Give Up: Jessica’s Advice (55:02) What Makes a Master Breeder? (56:49) Learn More About Paisley Dalmatians (57:24) Final Thoughts This episode is brought to you by: EZWhelp — https://www.ezwhelp.com/ Take Our Quiz: Build Your Whelping Setup in 60 Seconds With additional support from: Ororo — https://www.ororowear.com/ Cherrybrook Pet Supplies — https://www.cherrybrook.com/ Revival Animal Health — https://www.revivalanimal.com/ #PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #BreedStandard #AKCDogShows #WestminsterDogShow #BestInShow #WestminsterKennelClub #AKCNationalChampionship #PaisleyDalmatians #JessicaMacMillan #DalmatianBreeding #DalmatianBloodlines #CopperStorageDisease #DalmatianGenetics

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  Episode #56

  Meet Susan Giles: Master Breeder of Ta Sen Lhasa Apsos

  Sep 22, 202649 minS2

  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 legacy and explains what it takes to stay true to a vision across generations. You’ll discover: Why compensation breeding is so important How Susan successfully combined different bloodlines What made JJ such an exceptional show dog Why breeders need an objective eye when evaluating their dogs Why the future of the Lhasa Apso concerns her From influential foundation dogs and strategic outcrosses to historic wins and preserving breed type, Susan shares lessons earned over a lifetime in dogs. Watch the full episode to discover the breeding principles behind more than five decades of Ta Sen. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (02:56) Getting Started With Lhasas (05:42) Finding the Right Mentor (07:04) Compensation Breeding (07:49) Combining Bloodlines (09:01) Breeding for Type and Structure (09:55) Successful Outcrossing (12:29) Her Biggest Breeding Setback (14:03) The Ideal Ta Sen Lhasa (15:41) The Hardest Traits to Breed (16:40) The Dogs That Built Ta Sen (22:10) Maintaining Consistent Breed Type (23:24) The Story of JJ (26:34) JJ’s Historic Show Career (28:45) Her Best Lhasa (29:30) Her Best Breeding (30:55) The Future of Ta Sen (32:30) Supporting Puppy Buyers (35:27) The Lhasa’s Declining Numbers (36:34) Breeders as Collaborators (38:32) Staying True to Her Vision (40:58) Avoiding Kennel Blindness (41:34) Evaluating Dogs Objectively (43:26) The Future of the Lhasa (44:45) Bringing in Younger Breeders (45:24) Her Proudest Achievement (45:52) The Ta Sen Legacy (46:23) Advice for Aspiring Breeders This episode is brought to you by: EZWhelp — https://www.ezwhelp.com/ Take Our Quiz: Build Your Whelping Setup in 60 Seconds With additional support from: Ororo — https://www.ororowear.com/ Cherrybrook Pet Supplies — https://www.cherrybrook.com/ Revival Animal Health — https://www.revivalanimal.com/ #PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #BreedStandard #AKCDogShows #WestminsterDogShow #BestInShow #WestminsterKennelClub #AKCNationalChampionship #SusanGiles #TaSenLhasaApsos #LhasaApsoDogs #LhasaApsoBreeder #JJLhasaApso

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  Episode #55

  Meet Margery Good: Master Breeder of Good Spice Kennel Sealyhams Terriers

  Sep 15, 202658 minS2

  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 shaped Good Spice into an internationally respected program. In this episode, she reveals: Why strong virtues should be bred to strong virtues How pedigrees help her preserve type while avoiding faults The legendary dogs that defined generations of Good Spice Why great companions matter far beyond the show ring The advice she believes every aspiring breeder needs to hear With decades of experience behind her, Margery still approaches breeding with the same principle that has guided her career: keep learning, keep improving, and never lose sight of the dogs themselves. Watch the full episode to discover the breeding philosophy and legacy behind Good Spice Kennel. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (00:34) Meet Margery Good (02:42) How Her Journey in Dogs Began (07:26) The Mentors Who Shaped Her Career (09:02) Breeding Virtues to Virtues (15:06) The Win That Changed Everything (16:24) The Hardest Parts of Breeding (17:49) Building the Good Spice Bloodlines (23:11) How Margery Studies Pedigrees (24:43) Building a Stronger Gene Pool (26:58) Her Vision of the Ideal Sealyham (29:31) The Legendary Dogs of Good Spice (37:56) Chasing the Breed Standard (39:02) Her Most Successful Litter (40:03) Kerry Blues, Airedales & Temperament (42:46) What’s Next for Good Spice (44:02) Protecting the Future of Purebred Dogs (46:16) Supporting Breeders & Puppy Owners (49:30) How Her Breeding Program Evolved (52:03) Don’t Let the Show Ring Decide (53:19) What Breeders Should Focus on Now (54:14) What Matters More Than Winning (55:26) The Legacy of Good Spice (55:54) Margery’s Advice to Breeders (56:46) A Master Breeder to Know (57:31) Finding Good Spice This episode is brought to you by: EZWhelp — https://www.ezwhelp.com/ Take Our Quiz: Build Your Whelping Setup in 60 Seconds With additional support from: Ororo — https://www.ororowear.com/ Cherrybrook Pet Supplies — https://www.cherrybrook.com/ Revival Animal Health — https://www.revivalanimal.com/ #PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #BreedStandard #AKCDogShows #Westminster #WestminsterDogShow #BestInShow #WestminsterKennelClub #NationalDogShow #MargeryGood #GoodspiceKennel #SealyhamTerriers #SealyhamTerrierBreeder #GoodSpiceSealyhams #CharminSealyham

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  Episode #54

  Meet Cherie Hunchak: Master Breeder of Elance Borzoi

  Sep 8, 202653 minS2

  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 program Why pedigrees are a roadmap, and the dog in front of you never tells the whole story How she uses linebreeding and carefully chosen outcrosses to build consistency Why collaboration and sharing quality stud dogs will strengthen an entire breed Why her proudest achievement isn’t ribbons, but seeing other breeders succeed with Elance bloodlines Watch the full episode for an insightful conversation about breeding with purpose, building better pedigrees, and leaving a lasting legacy in the Borzoi breed. Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (02:09) Falling in Love With Borzoi (04:02) Starting as a Borzoi Breeder (07:48) Early Mentors and Lessons (09:55) Understanding Structure and Pedigrees (12:02) Why Front Structure Matters (13:39) Developing the Elance Type (14:49) Reading a Pedigree (15:45) Linebreeding and Outcrossing (18:40) Overcoming Breeding Setbacks (20:07) Sharing Stud Dogs (23:45) The Ideal Borzoi (24:53) Why Movement Matters (26:08) The Dogs That Built Elance (31:14) A Bloodline-Changing Breeding (35:04) The Future of Elance (36:25) Conserving Purebred Dogs (37:29) Collaboration Over Competition (43:40) Mentoring Young Breeders (44:34) Challenges Facing Borzoi (46:50) What Borzoi Breeders Should Improve (47:54) More Than Ribbons (49:17) The Elance Legacy (50:10) Chase Excellence, Don’t Settle (50:34) Breeders Worth Learning From (52:16) Where to Find Elance Borzoi This episode is brought to you by: EZWhelp — https://www.ezwhelp.com/ Take Our Quiz: Build Your Whelping Setup in 60 Seconds With additional support from: Ororo — https://www.ororowear.com/ Cherrybrook Pet Supplies — https://www.cherrybrook.com/ Revival Animal Health — https://www.revivalanimal.com/ #PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #BreedStandard #AKCDogShows #Westminster #WestminsterDogShow #BestInShow #CherieHunchak #ElanceBorzoi #BorzoiDogs #BorzoiBreeder #BorzoiPedigree #BorzoiBloodlines

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  Episode #3

  Elevate Your Mindset

  Sep 1, 20261h 8mS1

  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 heart and head both have to be at the table when planning a breeding. Jamie and Spenser share how their own visions have matured over time, why co-breeding and networking have become essential in an era of smaller kennels, and how to stay grounded in your own vision when the ribbons pull in a different direction. Here's what this conversation covers: - Overcoming the “little speck” mindset when starting out - Approaching experienced breeders and nationals with confidence - Building a long-term vision that stays consistent across generations - Balancing heart and head when evaluating your own dogs - Why the biggest winners aren't always the strongest producers - Reproductive health, temperament, and numbers as part of the plan - Building male lines that truly earn their place in a breeding program - Networking, co-breeding, and elevating the breed by elevating others - The truth about first litters and what makes them worth the effort Whether you're contemplating your first litter, refining your vision, or rethinking the direction of an established program, this episode offers a grounded, honest perspective on the mindset it takes to build something that lasts. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:38 Welcome to the Better Breeder Roundtable 01:25 What Mindset Really Means in Breeding 02:30 You Are Not Just a Speck in the Sport 04:21 How to Approach Your First National 06:17 Getting Hands-On with Dogs and Studying the Standard 07:46 Why Judges' Education Isn't Just for Judges 09:57 Building a Long-Term Vision for Your Kennel 11:42 When Emotion Becomes the Killer of a Program 16:08 Thinking in Generations, Not Litters 18:41 Fixing the Overall Dog Before the Details 21:31 How Long Until You Truly Know Your Genepool 23:52 Making Progress with Small Numbers Through Co-Breeding 27:08 Don't Let Fads Distract from Your Vision 29:28 Measurable Strength vs. Ribbons 31:16 Why Reproductive Health Belongs in the Vision 35:46 Keep the Best Puppy 37:47 Breeding Littermates to Compare What They Produce 42:55 Why First Litters Are Rarely Good Enough 44:44 Building a Male Line With Purpose 49:12 Knowing When You've Found the Right Stud 52:21 Elevating Other Breeders Elevates Your Own Program 59:13 Handling Health Issues With an Open Book 01:02:09 Final Takeaways This episode is brought to you by: EZWhelp — https://www.ezwhelp.com/ Take Our Quiz: Build Your Whelping Setup in 60 Seconds Follow the full Better Breeder Roundtable series here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDjcPjyNN2ik #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows #BetterBreederRoundtable #KathyRust #BreedStandard #BreederMindset #JamieHubbard #SpenserHardin #LongTermVision #BreedingProgram #BreedingDecisions #BreederEducation #ResponsibleBreeding #PurebredDogs

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