Meet Justin & Cheslie Smithey: Master Breeders of Pinnacle Whippets

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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