Better Breeder Chronicles

3d ago

What does it really take to rebuild a dog breeding program and recapture your breed type? In this episode, Paul and Kelley Catterson share the inside story of their work with Brussels Griffons and Australian Shepherds, from early mentorship to reviving breeding programs. You’ll learn: - Why linebreeding creates true consistency and why it’s becoming a lost art. - How one legendary Griffon, Ch. Cilleine Masquerade, “Lincoln,” transformed the breed and still influences pedigrees today. - How genetics, health testing, and temperament shape their modern breeding decisions. - Why mentorship matters more than ever in a sport that’s struggling to retain knowledgeable breeders. 👉 Watch now to hear how these two dog experts rebuilt their bloodlines and their vision for the breeds they love. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:27 Meet Paul & Kelley Catterson 01:47 Paul’s early start in purebred dogs 03:11 Kelley’s journey into Australian Shepherds 04:00 Falling back in love with dogs and handling 05:22 Key mentors and breed foundations 07:49 Restarting the Bobcat breeding program 09:04 Linebreeding and pedigree strategy 11:31 Challenges and rebuilding Australian Shepherd lines 15:08 Kennel size and co-breeding partnerships 16:10 Ideal Brussels Griffon traits 17:55 Ideal Australian Shepherd traits 18:58 Notable Bobcat dogs and legacy bloodlines 24:12 Influential Alnair Australian Shepherds 26:58 Breeding setbacks and heartbreaks 28:18 Supporting puppy buyers and mentorship 30:55 Evolving breeding goals 32:09 Redefining success in breeding 33:13 Current challenges in pedigrees and genetics 34:23 Optimism for the future of the breeds 35:27 Preserving breed type and temperament 36:31 The most notable accomplishments 38:19 Advice for aspiring breeders 39:24 Where to learn more about their programs #PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCdogshows #PaulAndKelleyCatterson #BobcatAndAlnair #BrusselsGriffons #AustralianShepherds

Dec 9

Behind some of the most influential Dobermans in history are two breeders who spent a lifetime advancing the breed. In this episode, Jim and Ann White of Cambria Dobermans open up about how their program started, what they learned the hard way, and how one dog, Ch. Cambria’s Cactus Cash, ended up influencing the breed for nearly 20 years. They talk honestly about selecting dogs, building consistency, dealing with setbacks, and what really matters when you’re trying to do things the right way. It's a candid look at two breeders whose lifelong commitment has shaped not just their dogs, but the very standard the breed stands on today. Watch now! Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:02 Jim and Ann White of Cambria Dobermans 02:25 How they began with Dobermans 04:40 How they met and started Cambria 08:48 Key influences and early mentors 11:10 Key moments in their breeding journey 12:24 Establishing the Cambria vision 15:21 Breeding strategy and genetic principles 16:42 Outcrossing philosophy 18:06 Dog numbers and co-ownerships 19:08 Challenges in maintaining quality 20:48 The “ruthless” selection process 22:51 What a Cambria Doberman looks like 26:46 How Cambria type evolved over decades 29:15 The dogs that made Cambria 34:15 The rise of Cactus Cash 39:40 Ch. Cambria’s Out for Justice 42:14 Prominent Cambria brood bitches 49:36 Jim’s medical crisis and its impact 56:50 What are they most proud of 59:56 Advice to aspiring breeders 1:02:30 Legacy and hopes for the breed 1:04:43 Where to find Cambria Dobermans online #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCdogshows #PurebredDogs #JimAndAnnWhite #CambriaDobermans #CactusCash #TopProducingSire

Dec 2

What does it really take to breed a Siberian Husky that’s both beautiful and built to work? In this episode, master breeder Tim Terella shares the real foundations of great breeding: balance, correct movement, functional structure, and honest evaluation. Tim explains how he took his parents’ breeding program and built Snoebear Siberians into a consistent, respected bloodline. He shares the story behind Gin, one of today’s top-winning dogs all-breeds. Finally, he breaks down the challenges facing modern breeders and why collaboration with others matters more than ever. ⏯️ Perfect for anyone curious about how great breeders actually build and protect their lines. Tune in now. Timestamps : 00:00 Intro 01:02 Meet Tim Terella of Snoebear Siberians 02:12 Early years and family background 05:01 Influence of Tim’s parents 06:27 Key mentors and early guidance 09:31 Taking over the Snoebear program 11:38 Developing his breeding vision 14:02 Meeting Megan and their partnership 17:23 Breeding strategies and theories 20:36 Step-by-step progression 23:23 How Tim evaluates dogs 25:16 What defines a Snoebear Siberians 27:20 Differences from current ring trends 30:52 Dogs that shaped the Snoebear 37:05 The Story of Gin 37:16 Gin’s standout year 42:25 Biggest breeding challenges 46:29 Public perception of purebred breeders 50:07 Need for breeder collaboration 55:25 How his goals evolved 55:54 What success means today 56:52 What makes him optimistic 58:06 A breeder he would like on the show 58:47 Tim’s proudest achievement 1:02:34 Advice for aspiring breeders 1:04:41 Snoebear Huskies’ legacy 1:05:28 Where to find Tim #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCdogshows #PurebredDogs #DogBreeding #TimTerella #SiberianHuskies #SnoebearSiberians

Nov 25

From his first Rough Collie to building the world-renowned Random Wire Fox Terriers, Bill McFadden has spent a lifetime shaping excellence, one breeding at a time. In this episode, he shares how Random Wire Fox Terriers began, the mentors who shaped him, the dogs that defined his legacy. He also explains how careful selection and vision turned his passion into a program known for sound temperaments, type, and timeless quality. 🎧Listen now for an inside look at how true master breeders think, plan, and build a legacy. Timestamps : 00:00 Intro 00:27 Meet Bill McFadden of Random Wire Fox Terriers 01:20 How Bill Entered Purebred Dogs 08:21 Early Mentors & Foundational Influences 10:16 Building a Vision for Random Wires 10:25 The Dogs That Shaped His Breeding Eye 12:56 Type-to-Type vs. Physical Compensation 14:28 Bill’s Early Breeding Strategies 15:51 Role of Pedigree in Today’s Program 17:32 Finding the Right Outcross 20:06 Bill’s Dog Evaluation Process 22:39 The Random Wirefox Terrier “Look” 24:32 Comparing to Today’s Breed Type 26:39 Most Notable Dogs & Their Impact 39:46 Sharing Top Dogs With Other Handlers 40:02 Achieving an English Championship 46:35 Setbacks & Lessons Learned 49:32 Bringing New People Into the Sport 56:21 Breeders as Partners, Not Rivals 58:07 How His Vision Has Evolved 1:02:47 Optimism for Future 1:07:31 What Breeders Should Focus on 1:10:56 Master Breeders Bill Respects 1:13:02 What Bill Is Most Proud Of 1:14:23 Advice to Aspiring Breeders 1:15:41 How Bill Hopes to Be Remembered 1:16:54 How to Find Bill Online #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCdogshows #PurebredDogs #DogBreeding #BillMcFadden #RandomWireFoxTerriers #WireFoxTerriers

Nov 18

A LIFE Magazine cover changed everything for Grace Fritz , inspiring a journey that would redefine the Shar-Pei breed in America. From her early National Specialty wins to producing the top-winning Shar-Pei in breed history, Grace shares how careful selection, sound structure, and genetic insight built her Good Fortune line into one of the most admired Shar-Pei programs in the world. She opens up about the heartbreaks behind the ribbons, the health challenges that shaped her breeding philosophy, and why preserving purebred dogs is more important than ever. ▶️ Watch now to discover the story, strategy, and heart behind Good Fortune Shar-Pei and what every breeder can learn from Grace’s journey. Timestamps : 00:00 Intro 00:33 Meet Grace Fritz 02:12 How Grace discovered the Shar-Pei breed 02:56 First shows and early wins 03:43 Mentors who shaped her breeding journey 07:23 Foundational bloodlines and breeding approach 08:32 Balancing outcrossing and linebreeding 10:57 How Grace evaluates puppies 12:15 Defining the Good Fortune Shar-Pei type 14:30 Notable dogs that built her legacy 21:03 Recent successes and upcoming litters 22:50 Health challenges in the breed 25:00 Promoting purebred awareness 28:35 Using science and genetic tools 29:50 The value of judges' decisions today 30:27 Most significant challenge of the breed 29:10 Mentorship and bringing new breeders in 31:11 Optimism for the future 32:57 Advice for aspiring breeders 34:01 Legacy of Good Fortune Shar-Peis 34:46 Closing thoughts and contact info #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCdogshows #PurebredDogs #GraceFritz #GoodFortune #SharPei

Nov 11

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 #BetterBreederChronicles #PurebredDogs #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows #MeghenRiese-Basse #Renascent #WelshSpringerSpaniels

Nov 4

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 heels to breaking records in the ring, Jere shares hard-won lessons on mentorship, breeding ethics, and keeping the soul of the breed alive for future generations. 👉 Watch the full conversation to hear the Lambluv story in Jere's own words. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:38 Jere Marder of Lambluv Old English Sheepdogs 02:12 What sparked her lifelong passion 03:28 The key moments of her breeding journey 05:16 Early mentors who shaped her breeding 06:37 Key bloodlines & careful selection 08:23 The role of pedigree & hands-on evaluation 11:19 Jere's selection process & maintaining the Standard 12:21 Evaluating puppies & preserving structure 13:06 The Lambluv Old English Sheepdogs look 14:19 The dogs that made Lambluv 22:22 Westminster triumph & show career highlights 25:02 Diva, Desdemona, and continuing the Lambluv line 27:02 Blue Thunder "Elvis" and his records 30:38 Using frozen semen to preserve bloodlines 31:28 Challenges, setbacks, and breeding ethics 33:55 Mentoring the next generation of breeders 36:51 Staying true to her vision and standard 37:17 Today's judges' decisions vs. past 38:08 Her optimism about the breed 38:19 What should breeders focus on 38:44 A breeder Jere respects 40:27 Advice for aspiring breeders 40:48 How Jere wants Lambluv to be remembered 42:40 How to connect with Jere #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows #JereMarder #Lambluv #OldEnglishSheepdogs

Oct 28

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 what it takes to build a true legacy in purebred dogs. 👉 Watch now to hear the story behind one of America’s most inspiring breeder success stories. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:20 Meet Kristi Libertore 01:29 First Dog and the Show Ring 03:11 Mentorship and Early Lessons 04:52 Mentors Who Influenced Her 08:29 Key Lessons from Her Mentor 09:43 Additional Mentors and Role Models 13:20 Building the Whiskeytown Vision 16:07 What Defines a Whiskeytown Griffon 19:02 The Dogs That Made Whiskeytown 22:23 AKC Sporting Group Breeder of the Year 23:27 Entering a New Breed: The Bracco Italiano 28:10 Developing Broncos with Her Husband 30:55 Breeding Challenges in a Limited Gene Pool 33:44 What Defines a Whiskey Hills Bracco 36:53 The Dogs That Made Whiskey Hills 40:43 The Role of Pedigree 42:14 Breeding Strategies and Linebreeding 44:47 Overcoming Challenges and Heartbreaks 47:09 Advice for Better Kennel Management 49:21 Breeders as Collaborators, Not Competitors 53:32 How Her Vision Has Evolved 54:18 Redefining Success 55:12 Thoughts on Judging and the Show World 56:19 Challenges Facing the Sport 57:44 Optimism for the Future 59:50 What Breeders Should Focus On 1:00:58 Breeders She Admires 1:02:59 Her Greatest Accomplishment 1:03:50 Advice for Aspiring Breeders 1:04:29 Legacy and Vision for the Future 1:05:11 Where to Learn More #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows #KristiLibertore #WhiskeyHillsandWhiskeytown #BracchiItaliani #WirehairedPointingGriffons