The Breed Files

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 May 3, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bronze_Age.“Dog.” Global Egyptian Museum. Accessed May 3, 2026. https://www.globalegyptianmuseum.org/glossary.aspx?id=204.King, Arienne. “Pets in Ancient Egypt: Life Was Hard. Really Easy.” JSTOR Daily, February 7, 2018. Accessed May 3, 2026. https://daily.jstor.org/pets-ancient-egypt-life-hard-really-easy/.Dogs in Ancient Egypt [video]. YouTube. Accessed May 3, 2026. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ibBmhux2HI.

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 history, standout traits, and what everyday life with a Pharaoh Hound is really like. Thinking about a dog that can sprint like an athlete, lounge like royalty, and occasionally act like a mischievous comedian? Don’t mind a companion that’s affectionate but definitely has a mind of its own? This might just be the breed for you!Sources:Pharaoh Hound Club. “Pharaoh Hound Club.” Accessed May 10, 2026. https://ph-club.org/.American Kennel Club. “Pharaoh Hound.” Accessed May 10, 2026. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/pharaoh-hound/.United Kennel Club. “Pharaoh Hound.” Accessed May 10, 2026. https://www.ukcdogs.com/pharaoh-hound.American Kennel Club. “Epic Rescue of 25 Pharaoh Hounds.” Accessed May 10, 2026. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/family-dog/epic-rescue-of-25-pharaoh-hounds/?utm_source=chatgpt.com.Wisdom Panel. “Pharaoh Hound.” Accessed May 10, 2026. https://www.wisdompanel.com/en-us/dog-breeds/pharaoh-hound.

Welcome back! This week, Seaira travels back in time to meet Lump (pronounced "loomp"), a dachshund whose life helped define the breed and earn their place in history.Sources:Pablo Picasso. “Pablo Picasso.” In Encyclopaedia Britannica. Accessed May 1, 2026. Britannica.Milmo, Cahal. “How Picasso Fell for a Dachshund.” The Independent, February 14, 2006. Accessed May 1, 2026. The Independent.Picasso and Lump. New York: Thames & Hudson, 2006. Accessed May 1, 2026. Google Books.“Picasso & Lump.” Wikipedia. Accessed May 1, 2026. Wikipedia article on Picasso & Lump.“Lump (Dog).” Wikipedia. Accessed May 1, 2026. Wikipedia article on Lump the dog.David Douglas Duncan. “David Douglas Duncan.” In Encyclopaedia Britannica. Accessed May 1, 2026. Britannica biography of David Douglas Duncan.

Welcome back to The Breed Files Podcast! In this episode, we’re digging into everything you need to know about the Dachshund! Famous for their long bodies, short legs, and larger-than-life personalities, these little hounds were built to be fearless hunters, but today they’re just as likely to burrow under your blankets as they are to chase down a scent trail. Stubborn, clever, and incredibly devoted to their people, we explore their bold badger-hunting origins, signature traits, and what everyday life with a Dachshund is really like. Thinking about a small dog with a huge personality? Don’t mind a companion that’s equal parts snuggle expert, comedian, and determined troublemaker? This might just be the breed for you!Sources:American Kennel Club. “Dachshund.” Accessed May 13, 2026. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/dachshund/.American Kennel Club. “Is a Dachshund Right for You?” Accessed May 13, 2026. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/dachshund-right-for-you/.Dachshund Club of America. “Breed Standard.” Accessed May 13, 2026. https://www.dachshundclubofamerica.org/breed-standard/.Dachshund Club of America. “Dachshund History.” Accessed May 13, 2026. https://www.dachshundclubofamerica.org/dachshund-history/.Dachshund Dude Ranch. “Silky Wirehair Dachshunds.” Accessed May 13, 2026. https://dachshundduderanch.com/silkys.html.American Kennel Club. “Hound Group.” Accessed May 13, 2026. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/hound/.Dachshund Club of America. “Dachshund FAQs.” PDF document. Accessed May 13, 2026. <a href="https://www.dachshundclubofamerica.org/wp-content/u

Welcome back! This week, McKay travels back in time to meet Smoky, a Yorkshire Terrier whose life helped define the breed and earn their place in history.Sources:“Papua New Guinea.” Wikipedia. Accessed April 5, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papua_New_Guinea.“Smoky (War Dog).” Wikipedia. Accessed April 5, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoky_(war_dog).“War Dogs Come in Different Sizes: The WWII Story of a Yorkshire Terrier Named Smoky.” WW2 History. Accessed April 5, 2026. https://ww2history.org/war-in-the-pacific/war-dogs-come-in-different-sizes-the-wwii-story-of-a-yorkshire-terrier-named-smoky/.Stilwell, Blake. “The World’s First Therapy Dog Was a World War II Pacific Veteran.” Military.com. Accessed April 5, 2026. https://www.military.com/history/worlds-first-therapy-dog-was-world-war-ii-pacific-veteran.html. Frankel, Rebecca. “Dogs at War: Smoky, a Healing Presence for Wounded WWII Soldiers.” National Geographic. Published May 22, 2014. Accessed April 5, 2026. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/140520-dogs-war-canines-soldiers-military-healing-yorkshire-terrier-smoky

Welcome back to The Breed Files Podcast! In this episode, we’re diving into everything you need to know about the Yorkshire Terrier! Known for their silky coats, tiny frames, and surprisingly bold personalities, these little dogs pack a whole lot of attitude into a small package. But there’s more to them than just their glamorous looks. Brave, loyal, and full of terrier tenacity, we explore their working-class origins, standout traits, and what everyday life with a Yorkie is really like. Thinking about a pint-sized companion with big energy? Don’t mind a dog that’s equal parts cuddle bug and sassy tyrant? This might just be the breed for you!Sources: American Kennel Club. “Yorkshire Terrier.” Accessed April 18, 2026. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/yorkshire-terrier/ Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Yorkshire Terrier.” Last modified February 20, 2026. Accessed April 18, 2026. https://www.britannica.com/animal/Yorkshire-Terrier-dog Guinness World Records. “Smallest Dog Ever.” Accessed April 18, 2026. https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/70527-smallest-dog-ever Yorkshire Terrier Club of America. “About YTCA.” Accessed April 18, 2026. https://www.yorkshireterrierclubofamerica.org/

Welcome back! This week, Seaira travels back in time to meet Gamin de Pycombe, a French Bulldog whose life helped define the breed and earn their place in history.Sources:“Dogs of the Titanic.” Loades of History. Accessed March 28, 2026. https://loadesofhistory.substack.com/p/dogs-of-the-titanic.“The Frenchie and the Titanic.” National Purebred Dog Day. Accessed March 28, 2026. https://nationalpurebreddogday.com/the-frenchie-and-the-titanic/.

Welcome back to The Breed Files Podcast! In this episode, we’re diving into everything you need to know about the French Bulldog! Known for their bat-like ears, squishy faces, and big personalities, these charming little dogs have taken the world by storm. But there’s more to them than just their adorable looks. Affectionate, playful, and sometimes a little stubborn, we explore their origins, unique traits, and what everyday life with a Frenchie is really like. Thinking about a low-energy companion who loves to be by your side? Don’t mind a dog with a bit of attitude and a lot of love to give? This might just be the breed for you!Sources:American Kennel Club. “French Bulldog History: A Complicated Past From Brothels to Royals.” Accessed March 21, 2026. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/breed-history-french-bulldog/. French Bull Dog Club of America. “FBDCA History.” Accessed March 21, 2026. https://frenchbulldogclub.org/fbdcahistory/. French Bull Dog Club of America. “A Look Back – FBDCA Article.” PDF. Accessed March 21, 2026. https://frenchbulldogclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/A-look-back-FBDCA-article.pdf.Wikipedia contributors. “French Bulldog.” Wikipedia. Accessed March 21, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Bulldog.French Bull Dog Club of America. “Breed Standard.” Accessed March 21, 2026. https://frenchbulldogclub.org/breedstandard/.French Bull Dog Club of America. “History of Color – FBDCA Standard.” PDF. Accessed March 21, 2026. https://frenchbulldogclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/History-of-Color-FBDCA-Standard.pdf.French Bull Dog Club of America. “Color.” Accessed March 21, 2026. https://frenchbulldogclub.org/color/.French Bull Dog Club of America. “Health.” Accessed March 21, 2026. https://frenchbulldogclub.org/health/.French Bull Dog Club of America. “Questions for Page.” PDF. Accessed March 21, 2026. <a href="https://frenchbulldogclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Questions-for-page.pdf" target="

Welcome back! This week, McKay travels back in time to meet Sparky the Fire Dog, a Dalmatian whose life helped define the breed and earn their place in history.

Welcome back! In this episode, we’re talking all about the Dalmatian! Famous for their iconic spots and ties to firehouses and popular movies, these eye-catching dogs are much more than their pop culture reputation. Energetic, intelligent, and sometimes a bit stubborn, we dive into their history, purpose, and what it’s really like to live with one. Looking for a running partner with endless stamina? Don’t mind a dog that keeps you on your toes? This might just be the breed for you!American Kennel Club. 2026a. “Dalmatian.” Accessed March 21, 2026. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/dalmatian/.———. 2026b. “Dalmatian History: The Ancient Spotted Dog.” Accessed March 21, 2026. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/dalmatian-history-ancient-spotted-dog/."Ancient Egypt" by Semion Krivenko-Adamov. Free Music Archive. licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.Fédération Cynologique Internationale. 2026. “Dalmatian (Standard No. 153).” Accessed March 21, 2026. https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/DALMATIAN-153.html.Croatian History. 2026. “Dogs in Croatian History.” Accessed March 21, 2026. http://www.croatianhistory.net/etf/dogs.html.World Association of For Dalmatian. 2026. “History.” Accessed March 21, 2026. https://wafdal.org/history/.Kulta. 2026. “The Dalmatian.” Accessed March 21, 2026. https://kulta.hr/en/the-dalmatian/

Welcome back! In this episode, we dive into the world of designer mix dogs—think doodles, puggles, pomskis, and more. With eye-catching marketing and big promises about temperament, health, and appearance, do these trendy hybrids really live up to the hype? We break it all down, exploring the realities behind the buzz and what potential owners should know before bringing one home. Tune in for an honest, insightful conversation you won’t want to miss.Ackerman, L., Milne, E.G., Bell, J.S., Oberbauer, A.M., Nicholas, J.C., Boss, N., Englar, R.E., Grubb, T., Dowling, P., Burns, K.M. and Haeussler, D.J., Jr. (2021). Hereditary Considerations. In Pet-Specific Care for the Veterinary Team, L. Ackerman (Ed.). https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119540687.ch3American Kennel Club. “Hypoallergenic Dogs.” Accessed February 21, 2026.https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/hypoallergenic-dogs/American Veterinary Medical Association. “Dog Bite Prevention.” Accessed February 21, 2026.https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/dog-bite-preventionAmerican Veterinary Medical Association. “Why Breed-Specific Legislation Is Not the Answer.” Accessed February 21, 2026.https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/dog-bite-prevention/why-breed-specific-legislation-not-answerCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. “Preventing Dog Bites.” Accessed February 21, 2026.https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/about/dogs.htmlDiesel, G., J. Pfeiffer, and D. Brodbelt. “Characteristics of Relinquished Dogs and Their Owners at 14 Rehoming Centers in the United Kingdom.” Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science 13, no. 1 (2010): 15–30.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20017043/Evans, Howard E., and Alexander de Lahunta. Miller’s Anatomy of the Dog. 4th ed. St. Louis: Elsevier Saunders, 2013.https://www.elsevier.com/books/millers-anatomy-of-the-dog/evans/9780323266239Ilska, Joanna, et al. “Genetic Characterization of Dog Personality Traits.” Genetics 206, no. 2 (2017): 1101–1111.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5487251/#s13Knowler, S. P., et al. “Inheritance of Chiari-Like Malformation in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.” The Veterinary Journal 223 (2017): 1–5.https://doi.org/

Welcome back! This week, Seaira travels back in time to meet the Moustache, a Barbet whose life helped define the breed and earn their place in history.Cooper, Jilly. Animals in War. London: Corgi Books, 1983.Kistler, John M. Animals in the Military: From Hannibal’s Elephants to the Dolphins of the U.S. Navy. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, 2011.Winegard, Timothy C. The Mosquito: A Human History of Our Deadliest Predator. New York: Dutton, 2019.Service Historique de la Défense. French Army historical archives and regimental records. Vincennes, France.Société Centrale Canine. Historical breed documentation and canine heritage publications relating to French dog breeds including the Barbet.French regimental memoir collections from the nineteenth century.Post-Napoleonic French military anecdote compilations.Articles in French historical journals discussing regimental mascots and military animals.French canine history texts discussing early water dog breeds and their historical roles.“Monsters of the Past” by Paweł Feszczuk. Free Music Archive. Licensed under CC BY 4.0 (Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International).“Run With a Power of a Thousand Soldiers” by Paweł Feszczuk. Free Music Archive. Licensed under CC BY 4.0 (Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International).“Peace Within” by Peter Rudenko. Free Music Archive. Licensed under CC BY 4.0 (Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International).“In Search of Lost Lover” by Livio Amato. Free Music Archive. Licensed under CC BY 4.0 (Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International).

Welcome back! In this episode, we are talking about the Barbet! Never heard of it? You're not alone! Though uncommon, these affectionate water dogs deserve their recognition. Goofy, loving, and excellent companions, we dive deep into their purpose, history, and the reality of living with one. Do you love brushing your dog? Do you hate going to the bathroom alone? This may be the perfect breed for you!Barbet Club of America. “Barbet.” Accessed February 18, 2026. https://www.barbetclubofamerica.com/barbetAmerican Kennel Club. “Meet the Newest AKC-Recognized Breed: Barbet.” Accessed February 18, 2026. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/barbet-2020-new-akc-recognized-breed/American Kennel Club. Official Standard for the Barbet. Accessed February 18, 2026. https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Official_Standard_for_the_Barbet.pdfAmerican Kennel Club. “Barbet.” Accessed February 18, 2026. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/barbet/“French Toast” by Johnathon M. Horner (Beat Mekanik). Free Music Archive. Licensed under CC BY 4.0 (Creative Commons 4.0 International).Olsen Veterinary Clinic. “Dr. Olsen’s Breed Spotlight: Barbet.” March 7, 2018. Accessed February 18, 2026. https://olsenvet.com/2018/03/07/dr-olsens-breed-spotlight-barbet/Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. “CHIC Program: Barbet.” Accessed February 18, 2026. https://ofa.org/chic-programs/browse-by-breed/?breed=BANational Purebred Dog Day. “Barbet: Ancestor of Other Breeds We Love.” Accessed February 18, 2026. https://nationalpurebreddogday.com/barbet-ancestor-of-other-breeds-we-love/

What's actually going on inside your dog's head? In this episode, we break down the basic structure of the canine brain, how it compares to the human brain, and why your dog experiences the world so differently than you do. From instinct and emotion to scent processing and decision-making, we explain the science behind canine behavior. Find out why your dog isn't thinking the way you think they are. Sources:Andics, Attila, et al. “Voice-Sensitive Regions in Dog and Human Brains.” Current Biology (2014). Reported in ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/07/200720112216.htmAndics, Attila, et al. “Dogs and Humans Use the Same Brain Areas for Emotion Processing.” LiveScience, 2014.Barton, S. A., et al. “Brain–Behavior Differences in Premodern and Modern Lineages of Domestic Dogs.” Journal of Neuroscience, 2025. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40404355/Boch, M., C. Lamm, and L. Huber. “Functionally Analogous Body-Responsive Areas in Dogs and Humans.” Communications Biology, 2023.Cleveland Clinic. “Brainstem.” Accessed February 21, 2026. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21598-brainstem———. “Cerebellum.” Accessed February 21, 2026. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23418-cerebellum———. “Cerebrum.” Accessed February 21, 2026. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23083-cerebrum———. “Limbic System.” Accessed February 21, 2026. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/limbic-systemHecht, Erin E., et al. “Significant Neuroanatomical Variation among Domestic Dog Breeds.” Journal of Neuroscience 39, no. 39 (2019): 7748–7758. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31477568/Hecht, Erin E., et al. “Functional MRI in Awake Dogs Shows Limbic System Variation across Breeds.” Science Advances 4, no. 5 (2018): eaap9898. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29662132/Piras, Federica, et al. “Brain Structure Differences across Dog Breeds Measured by MRI.” Brain Structure and Function 219 (2014): 201–212. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23996299/Ravignani, Andrea, et al. “Study Finds the Brains of Modern Dog Breeds Are Larger than Those of Ancient Breeds.” Phys.org, May 2023. https://phys.org/news/2023-05-brains-modern-dog-larger-ancient.htmlSaetre, Pål, et al. “From Wild Wolf to Domestic Dog: Gene Expression Changes in the Brain.” Molecular Brain Research 126, no. 2 (2004): 198–206. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169328X04001986Schoenfeld, et al. “Comparison of Regional Gene Expression in Dog and Human Brains.” PubMed, 1999.“Dogs and Humans Process Social Cues Similarly — University of Vienna MRI Study.” ScienceDaily, 2023.Berns, Gregory

Welcome back! This week, McKay travels back in time to meet two Australian Cattle Dogs whose lives helped define the breed and earn their place in history.Sources:Australian Cattle Dog Club of America. “Coat Color.” Accessed February 21, 2026. https://www.acdca.org/coat-color/ABC News. “Bluey, Rochester Dog, Reclaims Guinness World Record as Oldest Dog.” March 3, 2024. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-03-03/bluey-rochester-dog-reclaims-guinness-world-record-as-oldest-dog/103513372Guinness World Records. “World’s Oldest Animals — Cats, Dogs, Deep Sea Creatures and More.” October 2021. https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2021/10/worlds-oldest-animals-cats-dogs-deep-sea-creatures-and-more-678003National Purebred Dog Day. “The Glow of Moonlight on an ACD.” Accessed February 21, 2026. https://nationalpurebreddogday.com/the-glow-of-moonlight-on-an-acd/No Dramas. “History of the Australian Cattle Dog.” Accessed February 21, 2026. https://www.nodramas.eu/english/acd/history.htmlWikipedia. “Australian Cattle Dog.” Last modified February 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Cattle_DogWikipedia. “Bluey (Long-Lived Dog).” Accessed February 21, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluey_(long-lived_dog)

Welcome back! In this episode, we’re diving into the Australian Cattle Dog. This breed is one of the most intelligent, intense, and misunderstood out there. Known for their loyalty and work ethic, these dogs are often labeled as “great family pets”… but that label comes with a lot of fine print. We’re breaking down what living with a cattle dog actually looks like, who they thrive with, and why this breed is incredible for the right person. And a total nightmare for the wrong one.Sources:Australian Cattle Dog Club of America. “Breed History.” Accessed February 21, 2026. https://www.acdca.org/breed-history/Australian Cattle Dog Club of America. “Illustrated Standard.” Accessed February 21, 2026. https://www.acdca.org/illustrated-standard/American Kennel Club. “Australian Cattle Dog.” Accessed February 21, 2026. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/australian-cattle-dog/Petfinder. “Australian Cattle Dog.” Accessed February 21, 2026. https://www.petfinder.com/dog-breeds/australian-cattle-dog/Australian Broadcasting Corporation. “The History of the Australian Cattle Dog.” October 25, 2018. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-10-25/history-of-the-australian-cattle-dog/10390626Hajeski, Nancy. Every Dog: A Book of Over 450 Breeds. [Publisher], [Year].Vetstreet. “Australian Cattle Dog.” Accessed February 21, 2026. http://www.vetstreet.com/dogs/australian-cattle-dogWagWalking. “Australian Cattle Dog.” Accessed February 21, 2026. https://wagwalking.com/breed/australian-cattle-dogThe History Junkie. “Australian Cattle Dog Facts.” Accessed February 21, 2026. https://thehistoryjunkie.com/australian-cattle-dog-facts/CattleDogWorld. “Is the Australian Cattle Dog a Good Family Dog?” Accessed February 21, 2026. https://cattledogworld.com/australian-cattle-dog-a-good-family-dog/BMC Veterinary Research. “Genetic and Health Study on Australian Cattle Dogs.” Accessed February 21, 2026. https://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1746-6148-8-202Espree. “Australian Cattle Dog Grooming, Bathing, and Care.” Accessed February 21, 2026. https://www.espree.com/BreedProfiler/australian-cattle-dog-grooming-bathing-and-careAustralian Dictionary of Biography. “Hall, Thomas Simpson (1808–1870).” Accessed February 21, 2026. https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/hall-thomas-simpson-3696Dog Breeds Expert. “Blue Heeler Dog.” Accessed February 21, 2026. http://www.dog-breeds-expert.com/blue-heeler-dog.htmlBarkHow. “Australian Cattle Dog Origins.” Accessed February 21, 2026. https://barkhow.com/australian-cattle-dog-origins/

Not every breeder with cute photos and a waitlist is doing things right. In this episode, McKay and Seaira walk you through how to vet a breeder properly, and what ethical breeders do and don't do. If you're thinking about buying a puppy, this episode might change your mind about where to look. Why? Because your future dog deserves better.

Hi! Welcome back to The Breed Files podcast! This is Seaira and McKay, here to talk about how to pick a breed of dog (without ruining your life). We give you the reality of what picking a breed that fits your lifestyle looks like- and the questions you should be asking yourself before you do. We hope this episode helps guide you to your perfect fit!

Welcome to The Breed Files podcast! In this episode, we meet our hosts, Seaira and McKay. We're two friends who are obsessed with dogs, and a little tired of the misinformation around them. We're breaking down all things dog, including what they're really like, what they need, and who they're actually a good fit for. We hope you enjoy and join us for future episodes!