The Breed Files

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 dog-related legends in Mesoamerica. From ancient Maya and Mexica traditions to stories and beliefs that continue into the modern era. So grab a candle, keep an eye on the shadows, and join us for a journey into the darker side of Mesoamerican history and folklore.

Because in Mesoamerica, a dog may be the one creature you want beside you when you cross into the other world.

Sources:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dogs_in_Mesoamerican_folklore_and_myth#cite_ref-13
• https://www.marc.ucsb.edu/research/maya/ancient-maya-civilization/classic-period
• https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/ancient-maya-dogs-culture-trade
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xolotl
• https://www.britannica.com/topic/Postclassic-Period
• https://kids.kiddle.co/Dogs_in_Mesoamerican_folklore_and_myth
• Music: Creeping Scary Atmosphere for Night Scenes, Alex Morgan, Free Music Archive CC BY

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 dig into the history, folklore, and downright creepy stories behind the Church Grim. Just remember… if you see a black dog watching you from the churchyard this Halloween, maybe don’t assume it’s just someone's pet.

Sources:

• Briggs, Katharine M. An Encyclopedia of Fairies. New York: Pantheon Books, 1976. Accessed September 11, 2026. Internet Archive
• Brinkmann, Susan. “The Legend of the Church Grim.” Women of Grace, April 11, 2019. Accessed September 11, 2026.
• “Church Grim.” European Folktales. Accessed September 11, 2026. European Folktales
• “Church Grim.” Wikipedia. Last modified as indicated on the page. Accessed September 11, 2026.
• “Creepin’ It Real: The Church Grim.” Sandy River Review, February 20, 2019. Accessed September 11, 2026. Sandy River Review
• Thorpe, Benjamin. Northern Mythology: Comprising the Principal Popular Traditions and Superstitions of Scandinavia, North Germany, and the Netherlands. 3 vols. London: Edward Lumley, 1851–1852. Accessed September 11, 2026. Internet Archive
• [https://www.instagram.com/p/DQfor6VkZt0/]. Instagram. Accessed September 11, 2026. Instagram

• Cinematic Halloween, PulseBox, Free Music Archive CC BY-ND 4.0

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 contains discussions of animal cruelty, dog fighting, and potentially graphic subject matter. If you would prefer to skip anything graphic or related to animal cruelty, please skip ahead to 37:37. At that point, we shift our focus to the most important part of the conversation: what we can do as individuals and as a community to help end dog fighting. We’ll discuss ways to recognize suspected cruelty, support animal welfare organizations, and help create a culture where this kind of abuse has no place. It’s a difficult subject, but understanding the problem is one of the first steps toward helping stop it.

Sources:

• American Kennel Club. “American Staffordshire Terrier History: AmStaff.” *American Kennel Club*. Accessed August 1, 2026. [https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/american-staffordshire-terrier-history-amstaff/]

• ASPCA. “A Closer Look at Dogfighting.” *ASPCA*. Accessed August 1, 2026. [https://www.aspca.org/investigations-rescue/dogfighting/closer-look-dogfighting]

• HowStuffWorks. “Dogfighting.” *HowStuffWorks*. Accessed August 1, 2026. [https://people.howstuffworks.com/dogfighting4.htm]

• Humane World for Animals. “Dogfighting.” *Humane World for Animals*. Accessed August 1, 2026. [https://www.humaneworld.org/en/issue/dogfighting]

• Kennedy, John, and Cory Booker. “Kennedy, Booker Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Combat Animal Fighting and Trafficking.” *U.S. Senator John Kennedy*, April 2025. [https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2025/4/kennedy-booker-reintroduce-bipartisan-bill-to-combat-animal-fighting-and-trafficking]

• “History of Dog Fighting in the World.” *ResearchGate*. Accessed August 1, 2026. [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/276299811_History_of_Dog_Fighting_In_The_World]

• Love-A-Bull. “The History of Pit Bulls.” *Love-A-Bull*. Accessed August 1, 2026. [https://love-a-bull.org/resources/the-history-of-pit-bulls/]

• New Bern Sun Journal. “Dog Fighting: An Informant’s Story.” *New Bern Sun Journal*. Accessed August 1, 2026. [https://www.newbernsj.com/features/dog-fighting-an-informants-story/article_c795698f-4268-52cc-b637-a8d3fb15b1b6.html]

• New York Post. “Dogfight Capital of the World.” *New York Post*, October 14, 2007. [https://nypost.com/2007/10/14/dogfight-capital-of-the-world/]

• NPR. “A History of Dogfighting.” *NPR*, July 19, 2007. [https://www.npr.org/2007/07/19/12108421/a-history-of-dogfighting]

• Philadelphia Encyclopedia. “Dogfighting.” *The Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia*. Accessed August 1, 2026. [https://philadelphiaencyclopedia.org/essays/dogfighting/]

• “Dogfighting.” *Medium*, “Lessons from History.” Accessed August 1, 2026. [https://medium.com/lessons-from-history/a-brief-history-of-dogfighting-56a1c0af0da5]

• Wounded Paw Project. “Signs of Dogfighting.” *Wounded Paw Project*. Accessed August 1, 2026. [https://woundedpawproject.org/dogfighting/signs-of-dogfighting/]

• YouTube. “SbQlaQ6V3i4.” *YouTube*. Accessed August 1, 2026. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbQlaQ6V3i4]

• Facebook. “Facebook Group Post.” *Facebook*. Accessed August 1, 2026. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/653721228158059/posts/653722891491226/]

• Music: Dark Awakening, malictusmusic, Free Music Archive CC BY

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 mysterious Okuri-inu. Are these spectral dogs omens of death, supernatural guardians, or something a little more complicated?

Sources:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellhound
• https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Hound-of-the-Baskervilles
• https://www.greekmythology.com/Myths/Creatures/Cerberus/cerberus.html
• https://norse-mythology.org/garm/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_dog_(folklore)
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%C3%B9-s%C3%ACth
• https://folklorescotland.com/cu-sith-%EF%BF%BC/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Compa%C3%B1a
• https://mythus.fandom.com/wiki/Urco
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wild_Hunt
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%C5%B5n_Annwn
• https://yokai.com/okuriinu/?srsltid=AfmBOorGigpLtTlaQq2WUbG8xhRGntEkOi4vZSynLUpT0DLipLVGjgIK
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Y%C5%8Dkai
• https://yokai.com/yosuzume/?srsltid=AU7gw4W-Bc2YayiFHyFfZjdVxks9ylNiZ4KZjvuYhhrNdqCbqmZAHE5c

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 BOAS (the breathing disorder that has become one of the biggest concerns surrounding flat-faced dogs). But we're also tackling a complicated question: Can brachycephalic dogs be ethically bred?

Tune in for a deeper look at the dogs behind the controversy and the future of responsible brachycephalic breeding.

Sources:

Accessed 7/11/2026

7/11/2026

• https://evolution.berkeley.edu/lines-of-evidence/artificial-selection/
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1558787814000616
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7380493/
• https://www.humanevma.org/brachycephalic
• https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Craniofacial-ratio-CFR-of-the-dog-which-is-obtained-by-dividing-the-muzzle-length-by_fig1_378707023
• https://melbournebulldogclinic.com.au/important-info/cranio-facial-ratio/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nasal_concha
• https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/frontal-sinus
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frontal_sinus
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/frontal-sinus
• https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/noisy-breathing-stridor
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499965/
• https://www.youtube.com/shorts/0u-44Z0rm14
• https://crest.com/en-us/oral-care-tips/pregnancy/what-is-ptyalism?srsltid=AfmBOoqNZbcMs4LbyIgeDzb4wn6Hgn-28fMJorvX4ZbVwi9yi3eXihth
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22376-nasopharynx
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24278-epiglottis
• https://archaeology.org/news/2023/04/18/230419-brachycephalic-dog/
• https://www.nationalgeographic.com/premium/article/flat-faced-brachycephalic-roman-dog-frenchie-pug-bulldog
• https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/no-simple-way-of-predicting-breathing-difficulties-in-pugs-french-bulldogs-and-bulldogs-from
• https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0181928
• https://ofa.org/diseases/rfgs/
• https://ofa.org/diseases/rfgs/
• https://www.vet.cam.ac.uk/boas/about-boas/recognition-diagnosis
• https://www.royalkennelclub.com/health-and-dog-care/health-dog-care/health/getting-started-with-health-testing-and-screening/respiratory-function-grading-scheme/
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11264736/
• https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0340604
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S000334729690370X
• https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/ajvr/79/2/ajvr.79.2.170.xml

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-and-scientists-couldnt-explain-how/.

• Figley, Marty Rhodes. The True Story of Jim the Wonder Dog. Oklahoma City, OK: The RoadRunner Press, 2017. Accessed July 25, 2026. https://www.amazon.com/True-Story-Jim-Wonder-Dog/dp/1937054411.

• Jim the Wonder Dog. “About.” Accessed July 25, 2026. https://www.jimthewonderdog.org/about.

• “Jim the Wonder Dog.” Wikipedia. Accessed July 25, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_the_Wonder_Dog.

• Missouri Secretary of State. “Missouri State Wonder Dog: Jim the Wonder Dog.” Accessed July 25, 2026. https://www.sos.mo.gov/symbol/wonderdog.

• Reddit. “Unresolved Cryptid: Jim the Wonder Dog (Statewide).” Reddit, September 2018. Accessed July 25, 2026. https://www.reddit.com/r/UnresolvedMysteries/comments/9bgw0g/unresolvedcryptid_jim_the_wonder_dog_statewide/.

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 purpose, temperament, trainability, exercise needs, and what it’s really like to live with one. Are you looking for a beautiful, easygoing companion, or does this athletic bird dog need more than you’re ready to give? Tune in to find out!

Sources:

• American Kennel Club. “English Setter.” American Kennel Club. Accessed July 9, 2026. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/english-setter/

• American Kennel Club. “English Setter Breed Standard.” American Kennel Club. Accessed July 9, 2026. English Setter Breed Standard

• American Kennel Club. “English Setter History: Where the Breed Originated.” American Kennel Club. Accessed July 9, 2026. English Setter History

• American Kennel Club. “English Setter Study Guide.” American Kennel Club. Accessed July 9, 2026. English Setter Study Guide

• Audubon Animal Clinic. “English Setter.” Audubon Animal Clinic. Accessed July 9, 2026. English Setter Breed Information

• British Small Animal Veterinary Association. “New DNA Testing Schemes for the English Setter.” BSAVA, August 15, 2019. Accessed July 9, 2026. New DNA Testing Schemes for the English Setter

• Embark Veterinary, Inc. “English Setters: Dog Breed Info, Photos, Common Names, and More.” Embark. Accessed July 9, 2026. English Setter Breed Information

• English Setter Association of America. “English Setter Association of America.” Accessed July 9, 2026. English Setter Association of America

• Gundog Journal. “English Setters.” Gundog Journal. Accessed July 9, 2026. English Setters

• Mayo Clinic. “Hashimoto’s Disease: Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic. Accessed July 9, 2026. Hashimoto’s Disease

• Orvis. “English Setter.” Orvis. Accessed July 9, 2026. English Setter

• Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. “Thyroid.” Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. Accessed July 9, 2026. OFA Thyroid Information

• PetMD. “English Setter Dog Breed Health and Care.” PetMD. Updated August 28, 2023. Accessed July 9, 2026. English Setter Health and Care

• Ryman Setters. “What Is a Ryman-Type Setter?” Ryman Setters. Accessed July 9, 2026. What Is a Ryman-Type Setter?

• University of California, Davis, Veterinary Genetics Laboratory. “English Setter.” Veterinary Genetics Laboratory. Accessed July 9, 2026. English Setter Genetic Information

• Westminster Kennel Club. “English Setter.” The Westminster Kennel Club. Accessed July 9, 2026. English Setter

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 purpose, temperament, trainability, exercise needs, and what it’s really like to live with one. Are you looking for a beautiful, easygoing companion, or does this athletic bird dog need more than you’re ready to give? Tune in to find out!

Sources:

• American Kennel Club. “English Setter.” American Kennel Club. Accessed July 9, 2026. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/english-setter/

• American Kennel Club. “English Setter Breed Standard.” American Kennel Club. Accessed July 9, 2026. English Setter Breed Standard

• American Kennel Club. “English Setter History: Where the Breed Originated.” American Kennel Club. Accessed July 9, 2026. English Setter History

• American Kennel Club. “English Setter Study Guide.” American Kennel Club. Accessed July 9, 2026. English Setter Study Guide

• Audubon Animal Clinic. “English Setter.” Audubon Animal Clinic. Accessed July 9, 2026. English Setter Breed Information

• British Small Animal Veterinary Association. “New DNA Testing Schemes for the English Setter.” BSAVA, August 15, 2019. Accessed July 9, 2026. New DNA Testing Schemes for the English Setter

• Embark Veterinary, Inc. “English Setters: Dog Breed Info, Photos, Common Names, and More.” Embark. Accessed July 9, 2026. English Setter Breed Information

• English Setter Association of America. “English Setter Association of America.” Accessed July 9, 2026. English Setter Association of America

• Gundog Journal. “English Setters.” Gundog Journal. Accessed July 9, 2026. English Setters

• Mayo Clinic. “Hashimoto’s Disease: Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic. Accessed July 9, 2026. Hashimoto’s Disease

• Orvis. “English Setter.” Orvis. Accessed July 9, 2026. English Setter

• Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. “Thyroid.” Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. Accessed July 9, 2026. OFA Thyroid Information

• PetMD. “English Setter Dog Breed Health and Care.” PetMD. Updated August 28, 2023. Accessed July 9, 2026. English Setter Health and Care

• Ryman Setters. “What Is a Ryman-Type Setter?” Ryman Setters. Accessed July 9, 2026. What Is a Ryman-Type Setter?

• University of California, Davis, Veterinary Genetics Laboratory. “English Setter.” Veterinary Genetics Laboratory. Accessed July 9, 2026. English Setter Genetic Information

• Westminster Kennel Club. “English Setter.” The Westminster Kennel Club. Accessed July 9, 2026. English Setter

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 exploring how our relationship with our pets, and with food, may be shaping the way we see their bodies. When does a well-fed pet become an overweight pet? Why can it be so difficult to recognize obesity in our own animals? And why do we sometimes celebrate or laugh about a pet being “chonky” instead of recognizing that something may be wrong?

Sources:

• Eastland-Jones, Rebekah C., Alexander J. German, Shelley L. Holden, Vincent Biourge, and Lucy C. Pickavance. “Owner Misperception of Canine Body Condition Persists Despite Use of a Body Condition Score Chart.” *Journal of Nutritional Science* 3 (2014): e45. https://doi.org/10.1017/jns.2014.25. Accessed June 27, 2026.

• Kluess, Heidi A., and Rebecca L. Jones. “A Comparison of Owner Perceived and Measured Body Condition, Feeding and Exercise in Sport and Pet Dogs.” *Frontiers in Veterinary Science* 10 (2023): 1211996. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1211996. Accessed June 27, 2026.

• Muñoz-Prieto, Alberto, Liza Rosenbaum Nielsen, Roman Dąbrowski, Charlotte Reinhard Bjørnvad, Josefin Söder, Elsa Lamy, Ingrida Monkeviciene, et al. “European Dog Owner Perceptions of Obesity and Factors Associated with Human and Canine Obesity.” *Scientific Reports* 8 (2018): 13353. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-31532-0. Accessed June 27, 2026.

• White, G. A., P. Hobson-West, K. Cobb, J. Craigon, R. Hammond, and K. M. Millar. “Canine Obesity: Is There a Difference between Veterinarian and Owner Perception?” *Journal of Small Animal Practice* 52, no. 12 (2011): 622–626. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-5827.2011.01138.x. Accessed June 27, 2026.

• Gille, Sanna, Hanna Fischer, Sanna Lindåse, Linda Palmqvist, Julia Lärka, Sara Wolf, Johanna Penell, and Josefin Söder. “Dog Owners’ Perceptions of Canine Body Composition and Effect of Standardized Education for Dog Owners on Body Condition Assessment of Their Own Dogs.” *Veterinary Sciences* 10, no. 7 (2023): 447. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10070447. Accessed June 27, 2026.

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 find a dog they can live with? Let’s uncover the truth!

Sources:

Cleveland Clinic. “Allergies.” Cleveland Clinic. Accessed June 19, 2026.

Food and Drug Administration. “Hypoallergenic Cosmetics.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed June 19, 2026.

Mayo Clinic. “Pet Allergy: Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic. Accessed June 19, 2026.

Merriam-Webster. “Allergen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary. Accessed June 19, 2026.

Merriam-Webster. “Hypoallergenic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary. Accessed June 19, 2026.

Thermo Fisher Scientific. “Can Allergies Change over Time?” Thermo Fisher Scientific. Accessed June 19, 2026.

Chan, Sanny K., and Donald Y. M. Leung. “Dog and Cat Allergies: Current State of Diagnostic Approaches and Challenges.” Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research 10, no. 2 (2018): 97–105. Accessed June 19, 2026.

Nicholas, Charlotte E., Ganesa R. Wegienka, Suzanne L. Havstad, Edward M. Zoratti, Dennis R. Ownby, and Christine Cole Johnson. “Dog Allergen Levels in Homes with Hypoallergenic Compared with Nonhypoallergenic Dogs.” American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy 25, no. 4 (2011): 252–256. Accessed June 19, 2026.

Ownby, Dennis, and Christine Cole Johnson. “Recent Understandings of Pet Allergies.” F1000Research 5 (2016): F1000 Faculty Rev-108. Accessed June 19, 2026.

Schoos, Ann-Marie M., Bright I. Nwaru, and Magnus P. Borres. “Component-Resolved Diagnostics in Pet Allergy: Current Perspectives and Future Directions.” Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 147, no. 4 (2021): 1164–1173. Accessed June 19, 2026.

Vredegoor, Doris W., Ton Willemse, Martin D. Chapman, Dick J. J. Heederik, and Esmeralda J. M. Krop. “Can f 1 Levels in Hair and Homes of Different Dog Breeds: Lack of Evidence to Describe Any Dog Breed as Hypoallergenic.” Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 130, no. 4 (2012): 904–909.e7. Accessed June 19, 2026.

Hilger, Christiane, Bente Janssen-Weets, and Kyra Swiontek. “Hypoallergenic Animals: A Promise of Hope for Allergic Patients?” Allergologie Select 8 (2024): 64–69. Accessed June 19, 2026.

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/seamans-creek/.
• Lewis and Clark in Kentucky. “Seaman’s Fate.” Accessed June 26, 2026. https://lewisandclarkinkentucky.org/kentucky-connections/seamans-fate/.
• National Park Service. “Seaman.” Accessed June 26, 2026. https://www.nps.gov/jeff/learn/historyculture/seaman.html.
• National Park Service. “Seaman.” Accessed June 26, 2026. https://www.nps.gov/people/seaman.htm.
• National Park Service. “Seaman’s Contributions to the Lewis and Clark Expedition.” Accessed June 26, 2026. https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/seaman-s-contributions-to-the-lewis-and-clark-expedition.htm.
• Wikipedia contributors. “Lewis and Clark Expedition.” Wikipedia. Accessed June 26, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis_and_Clark_Expedition.
• Wikipedia contributors. “Newfoundland Dog.” Wikipedia. Accessed June 26, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newfoundland_dog#Famous_Newfoundlands.
• Wikipedia contributors. “Seaman (Dog).” Wikipedia. Accessed June 26, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seaman_(dog).

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 special. We’ll dive into the breed’s temperament, trainability, versatility, and what it’s really like to live with a dog this big. Is the Newfoundland the gentle giant you’ve been looking for, or is this larger-than-life breed not the right fit for you? Tune in to find out!

Sources:

American Kennel Club. “How to Train a Newfoundland Puppy: Timeline & Schedule.” American Kennel Club. Accessed June 26, 2026.

American Kennel Club. “Newfoundland.” American Kennel Club. Accessed June 26, 2026.

American Kennel Club. “Newfoundland Breed History: From Fishermen’s Helpers to Loyal Guardians.” American Kennel Club. Accessed June 26, 2026.

Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Newfoundland.” Encyclopaedia Britannica. Accessed June 26, 2026.

Heritage Newfoundland and Labrador. “Indigenous Peoples.” Heritage Newfoundland and Labrador. Accessed June 26, 2026.

Heritage Newfoundland and Labrador. “Newfoundland and Labrador Animals.” Heritage Newfoundland and Labrador. Accessed June 26, 2026.

Love Newfoundlands. “Common Health Issues in Newfoundland Dogs.” Love Newfoundlands. Accessed June 26, 2026.

Modern Dog. “The Newfoundland.” Modern Dog Magazine. Accessed June 26, 2026.

My Brown Newfies. “10 Common Behavior Issues Seen With the Newfoundland Dog.” My Brown Newfies. August 16, 2018. Accessed June 26, 2026.

Newfoundland Club of America. “Newfoundland Club of America.” Newfoundland Club of America. Accessed June 26, 2026.

Nylabone. “Newfoundland Dog Breed.” Nylabone. Accessed June 26, 2026.

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, how common they really are, and the emotional challenges that can come with them.

Whether you're currently experiencing pet aversion, expecting a baby, or simply want to be prepared, this episode offers practical tips to help you set yourself up for success before and after your little one arrives. Most importantly, we hope to remind you that you're not alone, and that these feelings don't make you a bad pet owner or parent.

Sources:

• Brubaker, Lauren, et al. "Pet Ownership During Pregnancy and Mental Health." Social Science & Medicine 318 (2023): 115624. Accessed June 6, 2026. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0277953622005226.
• Gidron, Yael, et al. "Disgust Sensitivity During Pregnancy and Postpartum." Scientific Reports 13 (2023). Accessed June 6, 2026. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-31060-6.
• Reddit. "Postpartum Pet Aversion." r/beyondthebump. Accessed June 6, 2026. https://www.reddit.com/r/beyondthebump/comments/1se1lj0/postpartum_pet_aversion/.
• PopSugar. "I Hated My Dog After Having a Baby—and I Never Saw It Coming." Accessed June 6, 2026. https://www.popsugar.com/family/hate-dog-after-having-baby-49339540.
• Parents. "Why New Parents Sometimes Resent Their Pets." Accessed June 6, 2026. https://www.parents.com/why-new-parents-sometimes-resent-their-pets-11760331.
• Applebaum, Judith W., et al. "The Relationship Between Pet Ownership During the Perinatal Period and Perceived Stress, Anxiety, and Depression: A Systematic Review." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 19 (2021): 10114. Accessed June 6, 2026. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/19/10114.

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.univ.ox.ac.uk/news/a-white-dogge-called-boye/.
• Historia Magazine. "Good Boye or Devil Dog? Prince Rupert's Poodle." Accessed June 21, 2026. https://historiamag.com/good-boye-or-devil-dog-prince-ruperts-poodle/.
• Encyclopaedia Britannica. "English Civil Wars." Accessed June 21, 2026. https://www.britannica.com/event/English-Civil-Wars

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 whether a Poodle might be the perfect dog for you, including exploring the breed's history, temperament, versatility, and unique qualities. Be sure to catch Part 2 next week, where we continue the conversation!

Sources:

​American Kennel Club. Official Standard of the Poodle. PDF. Accessed June 14, 2026. https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Poodle.pdf.

​American Kennel Club. “Poodle (Standard).” Accessed June 14, 2026. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/poodle-standard/.

​American Kennel Club. “The History of the Poodle.” Accessed June 14, 2026. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/poodle-history/.

​Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. “CHIC Programs: Browse by Breed—Poodle (Miniature).” Accessed June 14, 2026. https://ofa.org/chic-programs/browse-by-breed/?breed=PO/MIN.

​Poodle Club of America. “Poodle Club of America.” Accessed June 14, 2026. https://poodleclubofamerica.org/.

​Wikipedia contributors. “Poodle.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Accessed June 14, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poodle.

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 whether a Poodle might be the perfect dog for you, including exploring the breed's history, temperament, versatility, and unique qualities. Be sure to catch Part 2 next week, where we continue the conversation!

Sources:

• ​American Kennel Club. Official Standard of the Poodle. PDF. Accessed June 14, 2026. https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Poodle.pdf.
• ​American Kennel Club. “Poodle (Standard).” Accessed June 14, 2026. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/poodle-standard/.
• ​American Kennel Club. “The History of the Poodle.” Accessed June 14, 2026. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/poodle-history/.
• ​Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. “CHIC Programs: Browse by Breed—Poodle (Miniature).” Accessed June 14, 2026. https://ofa.org/chic-programs/browse-by-breed/?breed=PO/MIN.
• ​Poodle Club of America. “Poodle Club of America.” Accessed June 14, 2026. https://poodleclubofamerica.org/.
• ​Wikipedia contributors. “Poodle.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Accessed June 14, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poodle.

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.". Accessed July 6, 2026.

Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of American History. "Sergeant Stubby.". Accessed July 6, 2026.

State of Connecticut, Department of Veterans Affairs. "Stubby the Military Dog.". Accessed July 6, 2026.

Wikipedia. "No Man's Land.". Accessed July 6, 2026.

Wikipedia. "Sergeant Stubby.". Accessed July 6, 2026.

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, athleticism, and unwavering loyalty, as well as the challenges it has faced due to misconceptions and breed stereotypes.

Whether you're a longtime AmStaff owner, considering adding one to your family, or simply curious about this remarkable breed, join us as we uncover what makes the American Staffordshire Terrier a confident, affectionate, and deeply devoted canine companion.

Sources:

American Kennel Club. “American Staffordshire Terrier.” Accessed May 30, 2026. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/american-staffordshire-terrier/.

American Kennel Club. “American Staffordshire Terrier History: The AmStaff.” Accessed May 30, 2026. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/american-staffordshire-terrier-history-amstaff/.

Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Pit Bull.” Accessed May 30, 2026. https://www.britannica.com/animal/pit-bull.

Tempest American Staffordshire Terriers. “Home.” Accessed May 30, 2026. https://www.tempestamstaffs.com/.

The Staffordshire Terrier Club of America. “Home.” Accessed May 30, 2026. https://amstaff.org/.

Wikipedia Contributors. “American Staffordshire Terrier.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Accessed May 30, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Staffordshire_Terrier.

YouTube. “American Staffordshire Terrier Video.” Accessed May 30, 2026. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7_CjzH2TiY.

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 speed and with a wagging tail.

Sources:

Club de l'Épagneul Breton of the United States. “Home.” Accessed May 23, 2026. https://www.ceb-us.com/.

Pheasants Forever. “American Brittany or French Brittany?” Accessed May 23, 2026. https://www.pheasantsforever.org/BlogLanding/Blogs/Nancy-Anisfield/American-Brittany-or-French-Brittany.aspx?feed=articles.

United Kennel Club. “Breed Standards: Epagneul Breton.” Accessed May 23, 2026. https://www.ukcdogs.com/epagneul-breton

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/page/louis_a_thebaud.

Wikipedia Contributors. “Louis A. Thebaud.” Wikipedia. Accessed May 23, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_A._Thebaud.

New Jersey State Library. “Louis A. Thebaud Collection” (or the title listed in the repository record). Accessed May 23, 2026. https://dspace.njstatelib.org/items/ef1b6dba-01bb-47ef-bd4a-b7a826a71f24.

American Brittany Club. The American Brittany Magazine, June 1943. Accessed May 23, 2026. https://orig.theamericanbrittanyclub.org/Magazine/Published/1943/June.pdf.

American Brittany Club. The American Brittany Magazine, September 1949. Accessed May 23, 2026. https://orig.theamericanbrittanyclub.org/Magazine/Published/1949/September.pdf.

American Kennel Club. American Kennel Club Stud Book and Register, vol. 54, no. 1 (1937). Accessed May 23, 2026. https://archive.org/stream/sim_american-kennel-club-stud-book-register_1937-01-01_54_1/sim_american-kennel-club-stud-book-register_1937-01-01_54_1_djvu.txt.

Pedigree Online. “Perlic de Pradalan.” Accessed May 23, 2026. https://dogs.pedigreeonline.com/perlic-de-pradalan-raZSqs3r/pedigree.

Pedigree Online. “Antoinette de Bretaine.” Accessed May 23, 2026. https://dogs.pedigreeonline.com/antoinette-de-bretaine-7rBC0tbj/photos.