Podcasts · Better Breeder Chronicles

Meet Janice Hayes: Master Breeder of Stellar Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen (PBGVs)

27 Jan 2026 · 2 h 07 min · S1 E25

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 legacies

This 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 Hayes

01:45 First inspiration and junior handling years

08:13 From handler to breeder mindset

17:53 Choosing the PBGV as her breed

24:10 Building the foundation breeding lines

33:56 Small breed challenges and pedigree depth

39:33 Creating distance within a small breed

45:11 Learning pedigrees by hands-on experience

52:46 Buddy Holly and the Westminster win

57:43 Incorporating Buddy Holly into breeding

1:01:16 How pedigree guides breeding decisions

1:08:39 Defining the ideal PBGV type

1:11:42 The hardest breed traits to attain

1:15:10 Future direction of the breeding program

1:19:14 Handler and breeder relationship

1:23:50 Why breeders must focus on the next generation

1:27:54 Educating the public and using social media

1:31:01 The most significant challenge in the breed

1:32:44 What should breeders focus on today

1:41:47 Breeders who shaped her philosophy

1:44:00 What is Janice most proud of

1:58:02 Advice for aspiring breeders

2:02:01 Legacy of Stellar PBGVs

2:03:38 Where to find Janice

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The episode on the publisher’s site ↗ (opens in a new tab)