The Breed Files

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 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. https://frenchbulldogclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Questions-for-page.pdf.Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. “Cystinuria.” Accessed March 21, 2026. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-topics/cystinuria.French Bull Dog Club of America. “Breeders.” Accessed March 21, 2026. https://frenchbulldogclub.org/breeders/.

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! 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).

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 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.”

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/

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!