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