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 ThoughtsThis 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/#PurebredDogs #BetterBreederChronicles #PreservationBreeder #ConservationBreeder #AKCDogShows #Westminster #WestminsterDogShow #WestminsterDogShowWinner #BestInShow #SylviaHammarstrom #Skansen #SkansenGiantSchnauzers #GiantSchnauzers #SchnauzerBreeder #GiantSchnauzerBreedStandard #GiantSchnauzerBloodlines #GiantSchnauzerBreeding