The Functional Breeding Podcast

The Dalmatian Outcross Project offers a fascinating look at what purposeful outcrossing can accomplish—and what it takes to make it happen. In this conversation which originally aired in March of 2024, Dr. Danika Bannasch discusses the genetic science behind the project, why the outcross was necessary, and the practical and social challenges of bringing new genetic diversity into a closed population. She also shares what other breeds might learn from the experience.

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We revisit our conversation with Dr. Danika Bannasch about chondrodystrophy (CDDY), the genetic mutation associated with it, and its relationship to intervertebral disc disease. Danika explores what genetic testing can—and cannot—tell breeders, and how to think about genetic risk while making thoughtful decisions for both individual dogs and the broader population.

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 diversity, health, temperament, puppy raising and evaluation, and creating accessible pathways for puppy homes.

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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 plenty of personality. Tara shares how her service dog experience has shaped her approach to evaluating puppies and breeding dogs, why temperament comes first, and how she balances genetic diversity with thoughtful, purposeful breeding decisions. They also discuss mentorship, the importance of community, and how Tara uses guardian homes as she grows her program.

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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 evolved—from lessons learned fostering nearly 25 litters before breeding her own dogs to the role of mentorship, transparency, and continual learning in shaping thoughtful breeding decisions. Together, they discuss what it means to raise puppies with intention and why sharing both successes and challenges helps strengthen the broader breeding community.

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 functional breed standards, Mary shares thoughtful insights into balancing health, predictability, and collaboration. It's a conversation that continues to challenge us to think beyond individual dogs and toward the long-term future of their breeds.

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 in life. Together, they explore what the findings mean for breeders, puppy buyers, and the future of canine welfare. If you'd like to support the podcast and the work of the Functional Dog Collaborative, find us on Patreon: Functional Breeding Patreon

Note: This episode focuses on weaning strategies and the puppy microbiome. However, discussion of diet is closely connected to any discussion of the microbiome. The Functional Dog Collaborative does not endorse a single feeding approach; listeners are encouraged to evaluate options based on current evidence, veterinary guidance, and their individual program goals.

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 several years, including socialization, resilience, developmental periods, breeder observation skills, and how the pandemic shaped conversations around raising puppies. Jess and Jane also discuss what has stayed the same, what has shifted, and why thoughtful puppy raising continues to require flexibility, curiosity, and adaptation as new science emerges.

Part 2 of the conversation drops a few weeks later and will focus on Jane’s newer work around weaning and the puppy microbiome.

Support the podcast and the work of the Functional Dog Collaborative on Patreon: Functional Breeding Patreon

A transcript for the show is available here:  Jane Lindquist Part 1: Puppy Culture Revisit - Functional Dog Collaborative

To learn more about Jane and her courses, visit puppyculture.com or madcapuniversity.com

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 discussion explores the real-world welfare impacts of extreme conformation, the challenges of balancing breed type with health, and what meaningful change could look like moving forward.

Though this episode originally aired in 2024, the conversation remains deeply relevant for breeders, owners, veterinarians, and anyone interested in functional health and ethical dog breeding.

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