Better Breeder Chronicles

How did Patti Strand and Merry-Go-Round Dalmatians build one of the most influential Dalmatian breeding programs of the past half-century?In this episode, Matt Stelter sits down with Patti Strand to uncover the dogs, decisions, and breeding philosophy that helped shape a lasting legacy in the Dalmatian. Patti also shares her deep involvement with the National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA). Patti encourages conservation breeders to take pride in their role as valuable members of society and to take back the narrative by educating people about the different types of breeders.You'll learn:The principles behind some of the most successful Dalmatians in modern historyWhy temperament, balance, and movement matter more than winning in the show ringHow linebreeding was used to preserve health, longevity, and breed typeThe importance of selection in a breeding program’s successUnderstanding the difference between the “game of dogs” and the “sport of dogs.”Why conservation breeders need to take an active role in reshaping the public’s understanding of the difference between dog rescue and dog trafficking.Drawing on more than 50 years of experience, Patti shares hard-earned lessons on breeding better dogs, preserving breed integrity, and staying focused on what truly matters.🎧 Watch now to discover what separates great breeders from the rest.Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction to Patti Strand(02:59) How Patti Got Started with Dalmatians(06:27) First Steps Into Showing and Breeding(11:21) Early Mentors and Foundation Bloodlines(16:41) The Dalmatian as a Trotting Breed(21:39) Patti’s Most Successful Litter(24:07) Linebreeding and Health Priorities(25:48) Managing a Breeding Program(27:36) Hardest Traits to Breed in Dalmatians(31:23) The Merry-Go-Round Dalmatian(33:55) The National Animal Interest Alliance(36:07) Why Breeders Need Better Public Outreach(40:26) Telling the Breeder Story(43:20) Public Perception of Purebred Dogs(45:53) Dog Trafficking vs Dog Rescue(53:44) The Future of Purebred Dogs(55:28) What Breeders Should Focus On(57:19) Patti’s Proudest Accomplishments(58:59) How History Should Remember Merry-Go-Round(1:00:22) Advice for New Breeders(1:03:21) Breeders Patti Respects(1:05:10) How to Learn More About Merry-Go-Round Dalmatians(1:06:42) Healthy Dog Importation Act(1:10:30) Final Thoughts and ClosingThis episode is brought to you by: EZWhelp — https://www.ezwhelp.com/With additional support from: Ororo — https://www.ororowear.com/Cherrybrook Pet Supplies — https://www.cherrybrook.com/#PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows #Westminster #WestminsterDogShow #WestminsterDogShowWinner #BestInShow #PattiStrand #MerryGoRoundDalmatians #DalmatianBreeder #DalmatianDogs #DalmatianBreederInterview #DalmatianBreedingProgram

From an early import to the AKC National Championship stage, Stacy Able of Ginkgo Barbets shares how she helped build the Barbet breed in the United States from the ground up.With over 20 years in the breed, Stacy walks us through the journey from Foundation Stock Service to full AKC recognition and what it takes to develop a bloodline in a small, growing genepool.In this episode, you’ll learn:The biggest challenges of breeding a rare breedHow mentorship shaped her eye for structure and movementWhat she focuses on to improve each generationHow her dogs rose to national level successIf you’re passionate about preservation breeding, long-term vision, and breeding better dogs, watch now and discover the Ginkgo Story.Timestamps:00:29 Stacy Able of Ginkgo Barbets01:54 Discovering the Barbet Breed03:38 Early Mentors and Influences05:40 Challenges of a Small Genepool06:51 The AKC Recognition Journey08:50 Building the Ginkgo Bloodline10:08 Breeding Strategy and Line Development11:05 Evaluating Pedigree and Structure12:03 Defining the Ginkgo Barbet Type12:49 Hardest Trait to Achieve13:42 Notable Dogs: Cinna, Harper & Epee20:43 Future Goals for the Breeding Program21:13 Supporting and Educating Puppy Buyers22:46 Evolving Goals After AKC Recognition23:28 Marketing Through Social Media25:26 Health Challenges in the Breed27:24 Optimism for the Future of Barbet29:16 Most Notable Accomplishments29:50 Advice for Aspiring Breeders30:28 Legacy of Ginkgo Barbets#PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #PurebredDogs #AKCDogShows #StacyAble #BarbetDogs #GinkgoBarbets #BarbetBreeder #AKCBarbet #AmericanBarbet

Lori Pelletier of Avalon Norfolk Terriers didn’t just build a successful breeding program. She shaped an entire breed’s future.In this conversation, Lori shares the real story behind Avalon Norfolk Terriers: the patience, setbacks, mentors, and hard decisions that turned early dreams into a lasting legacy.You’ll discover:- How Lori went from a first-time owner to one of the most influential Norfolk Terrier breeders in the world- Why mentorship, not competition, is the backbone of a sustainable breeding program- The truth about linebreeding, outcrossing, and preserving genetic health in a small breed- How to evaluate puppies, pedigrees, and littermates beyond surface-level wins- What today’s breeders must do to protect purebred dogs for future generations👉 Watch now to learn how vision, discipline, and collaboration create a legacy that lasts.Timestamps:01:57 Lori’s Early Journey With Dogs06:59 Early Mentorship Influence07:56 First Major Setbacks and Breakthroughs10:32 Defining the Avalon Look12:18 Foundation Bloodlines13:53 Linebreeding Philosophy16:48 Pedigree Research Approach20:01 Stud Dogs and Litter Evaluation21:02 Outcrossing Challenges22:33 Managing a Breeding Program24:36 Puppy Selection Process28:10 Hardest Breed Virtues to Maintain28:56 Notable Avalon Dogs Overview30:41 Zack’s Impact on the Breed34:48 Elton and Major Wins39:05 Little’s Career and Versatility42:27 Future of Avalon Kennels45:35 Breeding Challenges and Losses48:28 Mentorship Philosophy52:02 Supporting Breeders and the Breed54:27 Collaboration Over Competition57:46 Role of the Parent Clubs1:00:52 Evolving Breeding Vision1:01:32 Reaching Pet Puppy Buyers1:02:16 Optimism for the Breed1:03:07 Breeder Priorities Today1:03:49 What Lori Is Most Proud Of1:04:41 Breeders She Admires1:06:44 Final Advice: Don’t Give Up1:07:40 Legacy of Avalon Norfolk Terriers#PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #PurebredDogs #AKCDogShows #LoriPelletier #NorfolkTerrier #AvalonNorfolkTerriers #NorfolkTerrierBreeder #NorfolkTerrierBloodlines #AKCTerrierBreeds

Behind every great Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is a keen eye, endless patience, and a breeding plan.Janice Hayes of Stellar PBGVs shares the hard-earned lessons behind her journey from junior handler to handling assistant to Westminster Best In Show-winning handler, and now a world-class breeder.You’ll learn:- Why patience is non-negotiable in a successful PBGV breeding program- How important the professional handler-breeder relationship is- What pedigree knowledge really means in practice- Why timing can matter more than talent- How trust and collaboration shape lasting breeding legaciesThis is a rare, honest look at the mindset behind world-class breeder — from the ring to the whelping box.👉 Watch the full episode to hear the Stellar Story firsthand.Timestamps:00:30 Introduction to Janice Hayes01:45 First inspiration and junior handling years08:13 From handler to breeder mindset17:53 Choosing the PBGV as her breed24:10 Building the foundation breeding lines33:56 Small breed challenges and pedigree depth39:33 Creating distance within a small breed45:11 Learning pedigrees by hands-on experience52:46 Buddy Holly and the Westminster win57:43 Incorporating Buddy Holly into breeding1:01:16 How pedigree guides breeding decisions1:08:39 Defining the ideal PBGV type1:11:42 The hardest breed traits to attain1:15:10 Future direction of the breeding program1:19:14 Handler and breeder relationship1:23:50 Why breeders must focus on the next generation1:27:54 Educating the public and using social media1:31:01 The most significant challenge in the breed1:32:44 What should breeders focus on today1:41:47 Breeders who shaped her philosophy1:44:00 What is Janice most proud of1:58:02 Advice for aspiring breeders2:02:01 Legacy of Stellar PBGVs2:03:38 Where to find Janice#PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows #JaniceHayes #StellarPBGVs #PetitBassetGriffonVendeen #PBGVDogs #WestminsterDogShow #WestminsterKennelClub #WKCDogShow #WestminsterWinner

What does it really take to build a legendary bloodline and sustain it for decades?In this episode of Better Breeder Chronicles, Matt Stelter sits down with Bill Shelton and Steve Leyerly of Coventry Pembroke Welsh Corgis. Bill is one of the most respected thought-leader/breeders in the sport. With generations of National Specialty, Westminster, and Best in Show winners, Bill & Steve share the real story behind Coventry’s success beyond trophies and accolades. In this conversation we cover:- How Coventry began and the mentors who shaped their path- Why breeding is more art than science- What breeders often get wrong about linebreeding and outcrossing- The importance of health, temperament, and reproduction, not just wins- Why collaboration is critical for the future of purebred dogsThis is a grounded, experience-driven conversation packed with wisdom and some lessons you likely have never heard before.👉 Watch now to hear the full Coventry story and take away insights that can elevate any breeding program.Timestamps:00:20 Bill Shelton of Coventry Pembroke Welsh Corgis02:00 Early life and first dogs05:30 Mentors and handling career08:45 Transition to Pembroke Welsh Corgis10:42 First Coventry litter and foundation bitch13:10 Origin of the Coventry kennel name14:24 Building the early breeding program19:41 Breeding philosophy and linebreeding24:44 Size of the breeding program29:56 Defining the Coventry type37:53 Structure, movement, and anatomy42:42 Achievements and breed impact52:32 Key Coventry dogs and bloodlines1:01:41 Health, reproduction, and setbacks1:11:04 Stud dogs and genetic families1:20:06 Mentors, handlers, and collaborators1:27:28 Partner breeders and satellite programs1:33:39 Challenges facing purebred dogs1:44:57 What Bill is most proud of1:50:45 Advice for aspiring breeders1:54:49 Coventry’s legacy and final thoughts#PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCdogshows #BillSheltonAndSteveLeyerly #PembrokeWelshCorgi #CoventryCorgis #WestminsterDogShow