Every breed standard was written with a purpose—but understanding why those words matter is what helps breeders make better decisions.
In this episode of the Better Breeder Roundtable, Kathy Rust is joined by Kristi Libertore (Whiskey Hills Bracco Italiano & Whiskeytown Wirehaired Pointing Griffons) and Anne Phillips (Fernhill Brittanys) to explore how breeders can use the Breed Standard as more than a checklist—understanding the purpose behind every word and every trait.
Together, they discuss how form and function shape every part of the Standard, why purpose should guide every breeding decision, and how preserving breed identity begins with understanding why each trait matters.
Whether you're new to breeding or have years of experience, this conversation offers practical insights into evaluating dogs through a functional lens and preserving the qualities that define every breed.
Here's what this conversation covers:
- Reading the Breed Standard as a blueprint, not a wish list
- Understanding the purpose behind every structural trait
- Why form and function must always go hand in hand
- How movement reveals what a stack or photo can't
- Evaluating breeding stock beyond titles and cosmetics
- The importance of mentorship, anatomy, and recognizing structural excellence
- Why seeing dogs perform their original job changes how breeders interpret the Standard
- Building breeding programs that preserve purpose for future generations
Whether you're evaluating your next breeding, mentoring a newcomer, or rethinking how you look at your own dogs, this episode is a masterclass in breeding with clarity, understanding, and functional integrity.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro
(00:44) Welcome to the Better Breeder Roundtable
(01:39) Reading the Breed Standard as a Blueprint
(05:23) Understanding the Purpose Behind the Standard
(07:50) Why Structure and Movement Come First
(10:42) Why the Words in the Standard Matter
(14:30) Applying Form & Function to Breeding Decisions
(18:15) Why Temperament Is Part of Form & Function
(21:36) Looking Beyond the Individual Dog
(23:46) Structural Concepts Every Breeder Should Learn
(26:55) Why Front Assemblies Matter
(30:53) Learning from Professional Handlers and Mentors
(33:55) Breaking the Breed Standard into Functional Sections
(35:06) What Movement Reveals That Structure Can't Hide
(39:53) Why Seeing Dogs in Person Matters
(45:22) Choosing Function Over Cosmetics
(51:13) Planning Three Generations Ahead
(53:33) Advice for New Preservation Breeders
(58:55) The Importance of Honest Feedback
(01:02:34) Final Takeaways
This episode is brought to you by:
EZwhelp — https://www.ezwhelp.com/
Follow the full Better Breeder Roundtable series here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDjcPjyNN2ik
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