The Breed Files

The Breed Files Podcast

Two friends. Too many dog opinions. Breed facts, hot takes & good dogs only 🐶 Educational podcast for dog lovers. 🎙️Episodes on Wednesday at 5 am EST weekly

  1. 1d ago

    English Setter Part 1: The Gentleman’s Gun Dog

    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 StandardAmerican Kennel Club. “English Setter History: Where the Breed Originated.” American Kennel Club. Accessed July 9, 2026. English Setter HistoryAmerican Kennel Club. “English Setter Study Guide.” American Kennel Club. Accessed July 9, 2026. English Setter Study GuideAudubon Animal Clinic. “English Setter.” Audubon Animal Clinic. Accessed July 9, 2026. English Setter Breed InformationBritish 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 SetterEmbark Veterinary, Inc. “English Setters: Dog Breed Info, Photos, Common Names, and More.” Embark. Accessed July 9, 2026. English Setter Breed InformationEnglish Setter Association of America. “English Setter Association of America.” Accessed July 9, 2026. English Setter Association of AmericaGundog Journal. “English Setters.” Gundog Journal. Accessed July 9, 2026. English SettersMayo Clinic. “Hashimoto’s Disease: Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic. Accessed July 9, 2026. Hashimoto’s DiseaseOrvis. “English Setter.” Orvis. Accessed July 9, 2026. English SetterOrthopedic Foundation for Animals. “Thyroid.” Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. Accessed July 9, 2026. OFA Thyroid InformationPetMD. “English Setter Dog Breed Health and Care.” PetMD. Updated August 28, 2023. Accessed July 9, 2026. English Setter Health and CareRyman 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 InformationWestminster Kennel Club. “English Setter.” The Westminster Kennel Club. Accessed July 9, 2026. English Setter

  2. Sep 2

    Bonus Episode: Pet Obesity

    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.

  3. Aug 26

    Bonus Episode: Hypoallergenic Dogs

    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.

  4. Aug 12

    Newfoundland: The Original Lifeguard

    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.

  5. Aug 5 ·  Bonus

    Bonus Episode: Pet Aversion During the Perinatal and Postpartum Periods

    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.

  6. Jul 22

    Poodle Part 2: Beyond the Pom-Poms

    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.

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Two friends. Too many dog opinions. Breed facts, hot takes & good dogs only 🐶 Educational podcast for dog lovers. 🎙️Episodes on Wednesday at 5 am EST weekly

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