Meet Sylvia Hammarstrom: Master Breeder of Skansen Giant Schnauzers

Sylvia Hammarstrom of Skansen Kennels has spent more than 70 years breeding, raising, and learning from Schnauzers. What began as a childhood passion in Sweden grew into a Giant Schnauzer breeding program that has produced close to 2,000 American champions.

In this episode, Sylvia shares the experiences, dogs, and lessons that shaped Skansen, including:

• How working in European kennels shaped her as a breeder.
• What she looks for in the ideal Giant Schnauzer.
• The legendary dogs that shaped Skansen.
• Why health and temperament became more important than winning.
• What more than 70 years of breeding taught her about raising great, healthy dogs.

At 87, Sylvia still spends hours at the kennel every day. Her advice to breeders after a lifetime with dogs is simple: listen to your dogs.

Watch the full episode to discover Sylvia Hammarstrom’s remarkable story and the lessons behind Skansen Kennel.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(02:24) Sylvia’s Early Love of Dogs

(08:02) Learning from European Kennels

(13:12) Lessons from Breeders and Handlers

(15:50) From California Kennels to TWA

(19:20) From Dobermans to Giant Schnauzers

(24:29) Building the Skansen Breeding Program

(26:44) Developing Her Ideal Giant Schnauzer

(31:37) Breeding for the Perfect Family Pet

(32:45) Breeding Strategies and European Bloodlines

(35:08) Health, Exercise, and Conditioning

(40:00) The Importance of Health and Character

(45:06) Gentleman Thief and Other Dogs That Shaped Skansen

(50:27) I Have a Dream and Skansen’s Successes

(57:21) The Dogs Closest to Sylvia’s Ideal

(59:47) Managing a Large Breeding Program

(01:02:00) Sylvia’s Approach to Nutrition

(01:08:02) Advice for Today’s Breeders

(01:09:41) Breeding for Healthy, Happy Families

(01:10:30) Sylvia’s Breeding Legacy

(01:11:45) Listen to Your Dogs

(01:18:01) Sylvia’s Advice and Reflections

(01:19:46) Finding Skansen and Choosing the Right Puppy

(01:21:23) Final Thoughts

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/

Revival Animal Health — https://www.revivalanimal.com/

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