Podcasts · Better Breeder Chronicles
Meet Susan Giles: Master Breeder of Ta Sen Lhasa Apsos
· 49 min · S2 E56
Episode Meet Susan Giles: Master Breeder of Ta Sen Lhasa Apsos
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
Links in the notes 5
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