Two friends. Too many dog opinions.
Breed facts, hot takes & good dogs only 🐶
Educational podcast for dog lovers.
🎙️Episodes on Wednesday at 5 pm EST weekly
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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.
Dalmatian: The Equine ESA
Wednesday, April 1, 2026 • Duration 47:47
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!
The Humans at the End of the Leash: An Introduction to Us
Episode 1
Wednesday, February 4, 2026 • Duration 21:11
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!
Designer Breeds: Dream Dogs or Designer Disasters?
Wednesday, March 25, 2026 • Duration 51:56
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.ch3
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).
Barbet: Better than a doodle?
Wednesday, March 11, 2026 • Duration 37:25
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/barbet
American 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.pdf
American 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=BA
National Purebred Dog Day. “Barbet: Ancestor of Other Breeds We Love.” Accessed February 18, 2026. https://nationalpurebreddogday.com/barbet-ancestor-of-other-breeds-we-love/
Brain Talk: Canine Edition Part. 1
Episode 6
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 • Duration 22:38
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.htm
Andics, 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
Legendary Tails: Australian Cattle Dog
Episode 5
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 • Duration 07:37
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/103513372
Guinness 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-678003
National 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.html
Wikipedia. “Australian Cattle Dog.” Last modified February 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Cattle_Dog
Australian Cattle Dog: The Post Apocalyptic Companion
Episode 4
Thursday, February 19, 2026 • Duration 24:59
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/10390626
How to Pick a Dog Breeder: Your Puppy Came from Where?
Episode 3
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 • Duration 34:01
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.
Diesel, 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/9780323266239
Knowler, S. P., et al. “Inheritance of Chiari-Like Malformation in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.” The Veterinary Journal 223 (2017): 1–5.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2009.10.022
Kwan, Jessica Y., and Melissa J. Bain. “Owner Attachment and Problem Behaviors Related to Relinquishment and Training Techniques of Dogs.” Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science 16, no. 2 (2013): 168–183.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23544756/
Nap, R. C., et al. “Growth and Skeletal Development in Great Dane Pups Fed Different Levels of Protein Intake.” The Journal of Nutrition 123, no. 6 (1993): 1076–1084.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022316622179848?via%3Dihub
O’Neill, Daniel G., et al. “Epidemiology of Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease in Dogs Attending Primary-Care Veterinary Practices in England.” Canine Medicine and Genetics 9, no. 1 (2022).https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/vsu.12349
Salman, M. D., et al. “Behavioral Reasons for Relinquishment of Dogs and Cats to 12 Shelters.” Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science 1, no. 3 (1998): 207–226.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1207/S15327604JAWS0302_2
“In Search of Lost Lover” by Livio Amato. Free Music Archive. Licensed under CC BY 4.0 (Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International).
———. “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-system
Hecht, 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.html
Saetre, 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/S0169328X04001986
Schoenfeld, 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 S., et al. “Functional MRI in Awake Dogs Reveals Neural Correlates of Social Reward.” Emory University Dog Project, Emory University.
Czeibert, Katalin, and the Senior Family Dog Project. “Comparative 3D Endocast Study of Small vs. Large Dog Breeds.” ELTE Biology Article.
Haug, H. “Brain Size and Body Weight in Dogs: Allometric Relationships.” Journal of Comparative Neurology 264, no. 2 (1987): 180–185.
Hecht, Erin E., et al. “Significant Neuroanatomical Variation among Domestic Dog Breeds.” Journal of Neuroscience 39, no. 39 (2019): 7748–7758.
McGreevy, Paul, et al. “Dog Breed Differences in Brain Size and Behavioral Correlates.” 2004. Reported in LiveScience.
“Domestic Dogs as a Comparative Model for Social Neuroscience.” Summary of dog/human fMRI and neuroanatomy research.
“Occipito-Temporal Similarity in Social Perception Areas across Dogs and Humans.”
“Comparison of Regional Gene Expression Differences in Dog and Human Brains (Cortex vs. Cerebellum).”
“Cerebellum Comparative Anatomy across Mammals.”
“Dog Olfactory System and Sensory Emphasis Differences.”
Wikipedia. “Bluey (Long-Lived Dog).” Accessed February 21, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluey_(long-lived_dog)
Hajeski, 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-dog
WagWalking. “Australian Cattle Dog.” Accessed February 21, 2026. https://wagwalking.com/breed/australian-cattle-dog
The 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/10.1186/1746-6148-8-202
Espree. “Australian Cattle Dog Grooming, Bathing, and Care.” Accessed February 21, 2026. https://www.espree.com/BreedProfiler/australian-cattle-dog-grooming-bathing-and-care
Australian Dictionary of Biography. “Hall, Thomas Simpson (1808–1870).” Accessed February 21, 2026. https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/hall-thomas-simpson-3696
Dog Breeds Expert. “Blue Heeler Dog.” Accessed February 21, 2026. http://www.dog-breeds-expert.com/blue-heeler-dog.html
BarkHow. “Australian Cattle Dog Origins.” Accessed February 21, 2026. https://barkhow.com/australian-cattle-dog-origins/
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