Meet Patti Strand: Master Breeder of Merry-Go-Round Dalmatians

How did Patti Strand and Merry-Go-Round Dalmatians build one of the most influential Dalmatian breeding programs of the past half-century?

In this episode, Matt Stelter sits down with Patti Strand to uncover the dogs, decisions, and breeding philosophy that helped shape a lasting legacy in the Dalmatian. Patti also shares her deep involvement with the National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA). Patti encourages conservation breeders to take pride in their role as valuable members of society and to take back the narrative by educating people about the different types of breeders.

You'll learn:

• The principles behind some of the most successful Dalmatians in modern history
• Why temperament, balance, and movement matter more than winning in the show ring
• How linebreeding was used to preserve health, longevity, and breed type
• The importance of selection in a breeding program’s success
• Understanding the difference between the “game of dogs” and the “sport of dogs.”
• Why conservation breeders need to take an active role in reshaping the public’s understanding of the difference between dog rescue and dog trafficking.

Drawing on more than 50 years of experience, Patti shares hard-earned lessons on breeding better dogs, preserving breed integrity, and staying focused on what truly matters.

🎧 Watch now to discover what separates great breeders from the rest.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction to Patti Strand

(02:59) How Patti Got Started with Dalmatians

(06:27) First Steps Into Showing and Breeding

(11:21) Early Mentors and Foundation Bloodlines

(16:41) The Dalmatian as a Trotting Breed

(21:39) Patti’s Most Successful Litter

(24:07) Linebreeding and Health Priorities

(25:48) Managing a Breeding Program

(27:36) Hardest Traits to Breed in Dalmatians

(31:23) The Merry-Go-Round Dalmatian

(33:55) The National Animal Interest Alliance

(36:07) Why Breeders Need Better Public Outreach

(40:26) Telling the Breeder Story

(43:20) Public Perception of Purebred Dogs

(45:53) Dog Trafficking vs Dog Rescue

(53:44) The Future of Purebred Dogs

(55:28) What Breeders Should Focus On

(57:19) Patti’s Proudest Accomplishments

(58:59) How History Should Remember Merry-Go-Round

(1:00:22) Advice for New Breeders

(1:03:21) Breeders Patti Respects

(1:05:10) How to Learn More About Merry-Go-Round Dalmatians

(1:06:42) Healthy Dog Importation Act

(1:10:30) Final Thoughts and Closing

This episode is brought to you by:

EZWhelp — https://www.ezwhelp.com/

With additional support from:

Ororo — https://www.ororowear.com/

Cherrybrook Pet Supplies — https://www.cherrybrook.com/

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