The Breed Files

Welcome back to The Breed Files! What do you get when you combine a big personality, a fascinating American history, and a dog that was bred to work hard and live life to the fullest? The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier! In this episode, we’re joined by Kirsten Morales Taylor with K&B Menagerie Teddy Roosevelt Terriers and Kristy Rowland with Lupine Teddy Roosevelt Terriers to dive into the history, chara...

Welcome back to The Breed Files! What do you get when you combine a big personality, a fascinating American history, and a dog that was bred to work hard and live life to the fullest? The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier! In this episode, we’re joined by Kirsten Morales Taylor with K&B Menagerie Teddy Roosevelt Terriers and Kristy Rowland with Lupine Teddy Roosevelt Terriers to dive into the history, chara...

Welcome back to The Breed Files! For Halloween, we’re going to the Aztec and Maya underworld, guided by dogs. Across ancient and modern Mesoamerica, dogs have been far more than companions. They have been guides to the dead, guardians of the underworld, supernatural creatures, omens, and figures woven into stories about death. In this special Halloween episode, we explore the fascinating world of...

Welcome to a special Halloween bonus episode of The Breed Files! This time, we’re stepping away from the living and into the world of folklore to meet the dogs that were said to guard the dead. For centuries, stories from Britain and Scandinavia have told of the Church Grim, a mysterious black dog believed to haunt churchyards and protect sacred ground. Light a candle, settle in, and join us as we...

Welcome back to The Breed Files! This Halloween, we’re confronting one of the darkest forms of animal cruelty: dog fighting. In this episode, we explore the history of dog fighting, how this blood sport evolved, and what it looks like today. We’ll examine the realities faced by dogs who are bred, trained, and forced to fight for human entertainment and profit. Content Warning: This episode contain...

Welcome back to The Breed Files! What exactly is a hellhound? In this episode, we dig into the folklore behind these supernatural dogs, exploring what defines a hellhound, where the stories come from, and the common themes that appear across different cultures. Then we meet some fascinating canine creatures from folklore, including the fairy hounds of Celtic tradition, the Cu Sith, and Japan’s mys...

Welcome back to The Breed Files! What exactly does it mean for a dog to be brachycephalic? And does having a flat face automatically mean a dog is unhealthy? This week, we're taking a closer look at brachycephalic dogs and going beyond the stereotypes. We'll break down what “brachycephalic” actually means, hear different perspectives from owners who live with these breeds, and dive into BO...

Welcome back! This week, Seaira travels back in time to meet Jim the Wonder Dog, an English Setter whose life helped define the breed and earn their place in history. Sources: Croft, August. “Jim the Wonder Dog Responded to Morse Code, and Scientists Couldn’t Explain How.” A-Z Animals, May 17, 2026. Accessed July 25, 2026. https://a-z-animals.com/articles/jim-the-wonder-dog-repsonded-to-morse-code...

Welcome back to The Breed Files! Think English Setters are just pretty, feathered dogs? Think again. In this episode, Kelsey Kryszak and Kendall MacKenzie, two people with extensive experience with English Setters, join us to uncover what makes this elegant bird dog so special. From their history as hardworking hunting companions to their affectionate, playful personalities, we explore the breed’s...

Welcome back to The Breed Files! Think English Setters are just pretty, feathered dogs? Think again. In this episode, Kelsey Kryszak and Kendall MacKenzie, two people with extensive experience with English Setters, join us to uncover what makes this elegant bird dog so special. From their history as hardworking hunting companions to their affectionate, playful personalities, we explore the breed’s...

Welcome back to The Breed Files! Today, we’re taking a closer look at pet obesity, not just from a medical perspective, but from a cultural one. We all know that carrying extra weight can lead to serious health problems, but why has it become so common for dogs and cats to be overweight in the first place? From oversized treats and endless snacking to the way we use food to show love, we’re explor...

Welcome back to The Breed Files! Think there’s such a thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog? Think again. In this episode, we’re exposing the truth behind the “hypoallergenic” label and breaking down what actually causes dog allergies. From shedding and dander to saliva, grooming, and individual reactions. Where did the idea of the hypoallergenic dog come from, and can people with allergies really f...

Welcome back! This week, McKay travels back in time to meet Seaman, a Newfoundland whose life helped define the breed and earn their place in history. Sources: Lewis & Clark. “Lewis’s Dog Seaman.” Accessed June 26, 2026. https://lewis-clark.org/people/seaman/lewiss-dog-seaman/ . Lewis & Clark. “Seaman’s Creek.” Accessed June 26, 2026. https://lewis-clark.org/the-trail/road-to-the-buffalo/s...

Welcome back to The Breed Files! Think Newfoundlands are just giant, fluffy couch potatoes? Think again. Chelsey Montgomery-Gusta with Knallhart Academy joins us to uncover the truth about one of the most beloved gentle giants in the dog world. From their fascinating history as hardworking water dogs to their incredible swimming and lifesaving abilities, we explore what makes the Newfoundland so s...

Welcome back! Today we're discussing a topic that many new and expecting parents experience but few people talk about: postpartum and perinatal pet aversion. After hearing from listeners and collecting stories from social media, we dive into the wide range of experiences people have had with their pets during pregnancy and after bringing home a new baby. We explore why these feelings may happen, h...

Welcome back! This week, Seaira travels back in time to meet Boye the Witch Dog, a poodle whose life helped define the breed and earn their place in history. Sources: "Boy (dog)." Wikipedia . Last modified April 12, 2026. Accessed June 21, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boy_(dog) . University College, Oxford. "A White Dogge Called Boye." Accessed June 21, 2026. https://www...

Welcome back to The Breed Files! Think Poodles are just fancy haircuts and dog shows? Think again. Mairin Hershik with Flourish Kennels joins us to uncover the truth about one of the most intelligent and versatile breeds in the world. From their fascinating history to their personalities, trainability, and the origins of their glamorous reputation, we cover everything you need to know to decide wh...

Welcome back to The Breed Files! Think Poodles are just fancy haircuts and dog shows? Think again. Mairin Hershik with Flourish Kennels joins us to uncover the truth about one of the most intelligent and versatile breeds in the world. From their fascinating history to their personalities, trainability, and the origins of their glamorous reputation, we cover everything you need to know to decide wh...

Welcome back! This week, McKay travels back in time to meet Sergeant Stubby, an American Staffordshire Terrier whose life helped define the breed and earn their place in history. Sources: American Kennel Club. "American Staffordshire Terrier.". Accessed July 6, 2026. Connecticut History. "A True Dog of War: Sergeant Stubby.". Accessed July 6, 2026. History. "World War I.&q...

Welcome back to the Breed Files podcast! Joining us today Mary Alverson, a guest with extensive experience with the breed. The American Staffordshire Terrier is one of the most misunderstood dog breeds in the world. In this episode, we explore the history of the AmStaff, from its early origins to its development as a devoted companion. We'll discuss the breed's temperament, intelligence, a...

Welcome back to The Breed Files Podcast! This week, we're taking a closer look at the Epagneul Breton (aka French Brittany). The Epagnuel Breton is a high-energy sporting breed beloved for its intelligence, versatility, and unwavering devotion to its people. Whether they're working a field, competing in dog sports, or tagging along on your latest adventure, Brittanys approach life at full...

Welcome back! This week, Seaira travels back in time to meet Franche du Cosquerou, a Brittany whose life helped define the breed and earn their place in history. Sources: Brittany Field Trial Hall of Fame. “Louis A. Thebaud.” Accessed May 23, 2026. https://www.brittanyfieldtrialhalloffame.com/People/LouisAThebaud.htm. Grokipedia. “Louis A. Thebaud.” Accessed May 23, 2026. https://grokipedia.com/pa...

Welcome back to The Breed Files Podcast! This week, we're taking a closer look at the Brittany. The Brittany is a high-energy sporting breed beloved for its intelligence, versatility, and unwavering devotion to its people. Whether they're working a field, competing in dog sports, or tagging along on your latest adventure, Brittanys approach life at full speed. We're also excited to wel...

Welcome back! This week, McKay travels back in time to meet Abuwtiyuw, a Pharaoh Hound whose life helped define the breed and earn their place in history. Sources: “Abuwtiyuw.” Wikipedia . Accessed May 3, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abuwtiyuw .“Sixth Dynasty of Egypt.” Wikipedia . Accessed May 3, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sixth_Dynasty_of_Egypt .“Bronze Age.” Wikipedia . Accessed...

Welcome back to The Breed Files Podcast! In this episode, we’re diving into everything you need to know about the Pharaoh Hound. Known for their sleek build, oversized ears, and striking amber eyes, these ancient-looking dogs are equal parts elegance and goofball. But there’s more to them than their regal appearance. Athletic, sensitive, and fiercely independent, we explore the breed’s fascinating...