This is a topic I have seen many times and it is too broad of a statement to narrow it down to 1 or just even a few. It's all matter of facts and opinion and depends on what timeline in these great dogs history you would like to give the men credit. Here are some facts: from the beginning you have to credit gents like Colby(JP & Lou), Heinzl(who is often over looked), and Tudor for their stamp on the game. Then follow suit with Boudreaux, Patrick, Crenshaw, Carver because their dogs are the foundation for a lot of the dogs of today. Now I will credit Boyles and the dogs based off his breedings. In my short time in the dogs 10yrs, I have seen many fads come and go but those Boyles and crosses are still on the scene and are consistently being sought after IMO. But if just one I say Colby, from JP in the beginning to Lou who had a run longer than anyone, the Colby family has stood the test of time.