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The Functional Breeding Podcast

The Functional Dog Collaborative
Dog Breeding
Animal Welfare
Dog Training
Genetic Diversity
Dog Breeding Practices
Brachycephalic Dogs
Functional Dog Collaborative
Dog Aging Project
Dalmatian
Veterinary Medicine
Temperament
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome
Bladder Stones
Companion Dogs
Disorder Testing
Health Issues In Dogs
Copper Toxicosis
English Shepherd
Uric Acid Metabolism
Canine Health

The Functional Breeding Podcast is about how to breed dogs for function and for health, behavioral and physical. It is brought to you by the Functional Dog Collaborative, a non-profit organization founded to support the ethical breeding of healthy, behaviorally sound dogs. The FDC’s goals include providing educational, social, and technical resources to breeders of both purebred and mixed breed do... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes79Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Life SciencesHobbiesLeisureScience

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Artwork for The Functional Breeding Podcast

Latest Episodes

In this Breeder Spotlight, Ezri Silverberg of Apsara Windsprites & Lurchers, joins interim host Jess to talk their Windsprites, lurchers, and the realities of breeding within—and beyond—a small gene pool. They explore intentional outcrossing, genetic... more

In this Breeder Spotlight, interim host Jess Sedivy Gunderson talks with breeder Tara Doherty of Figment Vulpine Spitz and the Vulpine Spitz Project, and her goal of producing easy-to-live-with companion dogs with strong temperaments, health, and ple... more

In this Breeder Spotlight, Jess Sedivy Gunderson welcomes back Dr. Laura Sharkey of the Bosun Dog Project. Building on Laura's previous conversation with Perry about what puppies are capable of, this episode explores how her breeding program has evol... more

We're revisiting one of our favorite conversations with Dr. Mary Peaslee, exploring what functional, sustainable breeding looks like in practice. Drawing on the English Shepherd community's approach to genetic diversity, open registries, and function... more

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Recent Guests

Tara Doherty
Breeder behind the Vulpine Spitz Project
Vulpine Spitz Project
Episode: Breeder Spotlight: Tara Doherty and Figment Vulpine Spitz
Laura Sharkey
Trainer, breeder and founder of the Bosun Dog Project
Bosun Dog Project
Episode: Breeder Spotlight: Dr. Laura Sharkey and the Bosun Dog Project
Mary Peaslee
Public health professional and English Shepherd breeder
English Shepherd Club Conservancy / MBARC database contributors
Episode: REPLAY: Mary Peaslee, MD, MPH: Breeding for Population Health
Jane Ladlow
Veterinary surgeon and researcher featured in the episode
Independent researcher/clinician
Episode: REPLAY: Dr. Jane Ladlow and BOAS
Jess Sedivy Gunderson
Flat-Coated Retriever breeder, cytologist, and FDC treasurer/board member
The Functional Dog Collaborative / Flat Coat Conservation Project
Episode: The Flatcoat Conservation Project - with Jess Sedivy Gunderson and Xan Latta
Xan Latta
Co-founder of the Flat Coat Conservation Project
Flat Coat Conservation Project
Episode: The Flatcoat Conservation Project - with Jess Sedivy Gunderson and Xan Latta
Micah Halpern
Geneticist with experience in various species, including zoo animal population health, and Principal Scientist at GenSol Diagnostics.
GenSol Diagnostics
Episode: Micah Halpern, PhD: Canine Genetic Testing
Dr. Hille Fieten
Veterinary researcher specializing in internal medicine and genetics at Utrecht University
Utrecht University, Center for Expertise in Genetics and Veterinary Medicine
Episode: Dr. Hille Fieten, Copper Toxicity
Dr. Paula Boyden
Veterinary Director of Dogs Trust UK
Dogs Trust UK
Episode: Dr. Paula Boyden: Puppy Smuggling in the UK

Host

Jessica Perry-Hekman
Host of the Functional Breeding Podcast, introducing the topic and guiding the interview

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 155 ratings
  • Such a great show

    I really appreciate the perspective Perry and her guests provide on breeding dogs for function AND health. Nice to have something rooted in evidence and science to help cut through everything else that’s out there.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Charmaine.swanny
    United States4 months ago
  • Sane, compassionate thinking. Essential listening

    This is one of the sanest, most balanced veterinary/ canine podcast you can imagine. It’s revolutionised my sense of what’s possible with the breeds we love, and how to breed sanely. Totally essential listening if you care about evidence-based, compassionate thinking.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    EceniRising
    United Kingdom2 years ago
  • Fascinating

    The episode on Dalmatian uric acid issues was mind blowing. Now I finally understand what the controversy is about. So in-depth! I’m waiting for an episode on my hairless Xolo dog’s genetics. The encouragement to emphasize health and function rather than “purity” is SPOT on! 🐾 thanks for the great podcast.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    bug🍀
    United States2 years ago
  • I love all the unbiased information. The information is scientifically factual. The guests are well educated on the subject matter and the host explains more complicated subjects in layman's terms.

    Audible
    5
    DogMom
    United States2 years ago
  • A dog breeders best resourse

    I love all the unbiased information. The information is scientifically factual. The guests are well educated on the subject matter and the host explains more complicated subjects in layman's terms.

    Audible
    5
    DogMom
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Breathes evidence-based, compassionate dog science.
Listeners praise deep, thorough discussions and practical guidance for breeders.
What's possible with health-focused breeding is explained clearly.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Breeder Spotlight: Dr. Laura Sharkey and the Bosun Dog Project
Q: How do you balance safety with giving puppies space to explore?
By providing the environment and opportunities early, rather than relying on heavy training, allowing puppies to naturally discover and practice behaviors within safe boundaries.
REPLAY: Mary Peaslee, MD, MPH: Breeding for Population Health
Q: Why is the English Shepherd standard described as a framework rather than a strict rulebook?
Because it aims to describe functional characteristics and a broad range of acceptable types to encourage collaboration among breeders and provide a shared reference, rather than dictating exact matings or creating competition.
How Puppy Purchasing Shapes Lifelong Health -- with Rowena Packer, PhD
Q: Can you tell our listeners what Lucy's Law changed for who can sell puppies and how this ties into the data you collected?
Lucy's Law tightened the selling chain by requiring direct from-breeder sales with the dam present, which aligns with the study's finding that presence of the mother at sale and origin matter for healthier outcomes; it also highlights ongoing gaps in enforcement and compliance.
The Flatcoat Conservation Project - with Jess Sedivy Gunderson and Xan Latta
Q: Why did you decide to pursue an out-cross approach for Flat Coated Retrievers?
Because the breed faced a high cancer burden, limited genetic diversity, and a closed breeding system that threatened long-term health and viability, so out-crossing offered a path to introduce beneficial genetic variation while aiming to preserve breed characteristics.
Dr. Hille Fieten, Copper Toxicity
Q: How should a dog breeder approach genetic testing for copper toxicosis?
Breeders should test for mutations in ATP7B and ATP7A genes to assess the risk of copper toxicosis and adjust dietary recommendations accordingly.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Functional Breeding Podcast

What is The Functional Breeding Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The series centers on breeding dogs for health, function, and behavioral welfare, featuring science-based discussions with breeders, veterinarians, and researchers. Episodes cover topics like puppy gut health and weaning, brachycephalic breed health, genetic diversity and out-crossing, and practical strategies for humane, evidence-driven breeding. A notable strength is a clear emphasis on rigorous science, transparent methods, and real-world applicability for breeders and owners alike. The show tends to attract professionals and enthusiasts who value data-driven approaches to health, welfare, and performance in dogs, offering actionable insights and nuanced perspectives beyond simple checklists.

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Which podcasts are similar to The Functional Breeding Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Functional Breeding Podcast:

1. The Bitey End of the Dog
2. Cog-Dog Radio
3. Fenzi Food For Thought
4. Fenzi Dog Sports Podcast
5. Madcap Radio

How many episodes of The Functional Breeding Podcast are there?

The Functional Breeding Podcast launched 6 years ago and published 79 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Functional Breeding Podcast?

Recent guests on The Functional Breeding Podcast include:

1. Tara Doherty
2. Laura Sharkey
3. Mary Peaslee
4. Jane Ladlow
5. Jess Sedivy Gunderson
6. Xan Latta
7. Micah Halpern
8. Dr. Hille Fieten

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