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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