Meet Justin & Cheslie Smithey: Master Breeders of Pinnacle Whippets
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At Pinnacle Whippets, Justin and Cheslie Smithey have bred two of the most successful Whippets in modern history, and they’re sharing exactly how it happened.
The powerhouse duo behind Whiskey and Bourbon reveals the mentorship, strategy, and selfless collaboration with fellow breeders that built their program from a teenage Whippet purchase to National & Westminster wins and record-breaking Best in Show careers.
You’ll learn:
- How legendary mentors shaped their eye and ambition
- The calculated breeding behind Ringo, Whiskey, Bourbon, and Ivy
- Why the Whippet National is the breed’s ultimate proving ground
- The importance of collaboration and an open stud culture
- Their blunt advice: never breed for convenience
This is a masterclass in vision, patience, and building a legacy kennel the right way.
👉 Watch now to hear the full story behind Pinnacle Whippets’ rise to glory.
Timestamps:
00:46 Meet Justin and Cheslie Smithey
02:11 Justin’s First Whippet at 16
02:57 Cheslie’s background breeding Papillons with her mother
04:17 Early mentors and influences
07:24 Developing the mental picture of a Whippet
08:48 Foundation bloodlines behind Pinnacle
09:55 What defines a Pinnacle Whippet
10:28 Hardest traits to achieve in the breed
12:56 Ringo: The early foundation sire
17:14 The breeding that changed everything
20:48 Whiskey’s National triumph
22:05 Bourbon’s historic show career
25:00 Breeding Bourbon and building the next generation
27:23 Ivy and continued show ring success
29:48 Future goals for Pinnacle Whippets
30:36 Winning the Whippet National Specialty
32:49 Setbacks and heartbreaks in breeding
34:31 Community collaboration among breeders
37:49 Evolving goals and maintaining quality
41:00 Advice for aspiring breeders
43:34 Legacy and generosity in the breed
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