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The Functional Breeding Podcast

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

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 monthlyEpisodes75Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
HobbiesLife SciencesLeisureScience

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Artwork for The Functional Breeding Podcast

Latest Episodes

In this episode, interim host Jess Sedivy Gunderson welcomes back Dr. Rowena Packer to discuss new research examining how puppies' earliest experiences—including age at sale, seeing the mother, and sourcing decisions—can impact health outcomes later ... more

In part two of this conversation, Jess Sedivy Gunderson continues her discussion with Jane Lindquist, diving into Jane’s newer work around weaning, early nutrition, and the puppy gut microbiome.

The episode explores how breeders are beginning to thin... more

In this two-part conversation, Jess Sedivy Gunderson sits down with Jane Lindquist to revisit and expand on one of the Functional Breeding Podcast’s most downloaded episodes.

Together, they explore what has evolved in puppy raising over the past sev... more

In this episode from our archive, we revisit an important conversation between Perry and Dr. Jane Ladlow, VetMB, DipECVS, MRCVS, on brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), functional health, and the future of brachycephalic breeds. Their d... more

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Recent Guests

Jess Sedivy Gunderson
Flat-Coated Retriever breeder, cytologist, and FDC treasurer/board member
The Functional Dog Collaborative / Flat Coat Conservation Project
Episode: Jess Sedivy Gunderson and Xan Latta: The Flat Coat Conservation Project
Xan Latta
Co-founder of the Flat Coat Conservation Project
Flat Coat Conservation Project
Episode: Jess Sedivy Gunderson and Xan Latta: The Flat Coat Conservation Project
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
Sara Reusche
Owner of Paws Abilities Dog Training, LLC, and an expert in dog behavior and training.
Paws Abilities Dog Training, LLC
Episode: Sara Reusche: Breeding Sports Lite Dogs
Carm Aufderheide
Dog behavior consultant with a master's degree in conflict and dispute resolution
Episode: Carm Aufderheide, CSAT, MS-CRES: How we change minds
Rowena Packer
Senior lecturer in companion animal behavior and welfare science at the Royal Veterinary College
Royal Veterinary College
Episode: Rowena Packer, PhD: How people think about brachycephalic dogs
Kim Kavin
Award-winning freelance writer passionate about dog welfare and author of 'The Dog Merchants.'
Author
Episode: Kim Kavin: The Dog Merchants

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 154 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 States3 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.

Jess Sedivy Gunderson and Xan Latta: The Flat Coat Conservation Project
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.
Dr. Hille Fieten, Copper Toxicity
Q: What are the treatment options available for dogs diagnosed with copper toxicosis?
Treatment involves anti-inflammatory medication, copper chelators to remove copper from the liver, and dietary management to prevent copper absorption.
Dr. Hille Fieten, Copper Toxicity
Q: What is copper toxicosis?
Copper toxicosis is a condition where copper accumulates in the liver, causing inflammation, chronic hepatitis, and potentially cirrhosis in dogs.
Kim Kavin: The Dog Merchants
Q: What are the ramifications of rescues who work with high-volume breeders?
There are two camps—those who believe acquiring dogs from these breeders is saving them from an evil system, and those who think it perpetuates bad practices.

Audience Metrics

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

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Gender Skew
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Social Media Reach

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. Cog-Dog Radio
2. Fenzi Dog Sports Podcast
3. Pure Dog Talk
4. Madcap Radio
5. The Good Dog Pod

How many episodes of The Functional Breeding Podcast are there?

The Functional Breeding Podcast launched 6 years ago and published 75 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. Jess Sedivy Gunderson
2. Xan Latta
3. Micah Halpern
4. Dr. Hille Fieten
5. Dr. Paula Boyden
6. Sara Reusche
7. Carm Aufderheide
8. Rowena Packer

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