Show Notes
In this two-part conversation, Jess Sedivy Gunderson sits down with Jane Lindquist to revisit and expand on one of the Functional Breeding Podcast’s most downloaded episodes. Together, they explore what has evolved in puppy raising over the past several years, including socialization, resilience, developmental periods, breeder observation skills, and how the pandemic shaped conversations around raising puppies. Jess and Jane also discuss what has stayed the same, what has shifted, and why thoughtful puppy raising continues to require flexibility, curiosity, and adaptation as new science emerges. Part 2 of the conversation drops a few weeks later and will focus on Jane’s newer work around weaning and the puppy microbiome. Support the podcast and the work of the Functional Dog Collaborative on Patreon: Functional Breeding Patreon A transcript for the show is available here: Jane Lindquist Part 1: Puppy Culture Revisit - Functional Dog Collaborative To learn more about Jane and her courses, visit puppyculture.com or madcapuniversity.com
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We revisit our conversation with Dr. Danika Bannasch about chondrodystrophy (CDDY), the genetic mutation associated with it, and its relationship to intervertebral disc disease. Danika explores what genetic testing can—and cannot—tell breeders, and how to think about genetic risk while making thoughtful decisions for both individual dogs and the broader population. Support the podcast and the work of the Functional Dog Collaborative on Patreon: Functional Breeding Patreon
In this Breeder Spotlight, Ezri Silverberg of Apsara Windsprites & Lurchers, joins interim host Jess to talk their Windsprites, lurchers, and the realities of breeding within—and beyond—a small gene pool. They explore intentional outcrossing, genetic diversity, health, temperament, puppy raising and evaluation, and creating accessible pathways for puppy homes. Support the podcast and the work of the Functional Dog Collaborative on Patreon: Functional Breeding Patreon
In this Breeder Spotlight, interim host Jess Sedivy Gunderson talks with breeder Tara Doherty of Figment Vulpine Spitz and the Vulpine Spitz Project, and her goal of producing easy-to-live-with companion dogs with strong temperaments, health, and plenty of personality. Tara shares how her service dog experience has shaped her approach to evaluating puppies and breeding dogs, why temperament comes first, and how she balances genetic diversity with thoughtful, purposeful breeding decisions. They also discuss mentorship, the importance of community, and how Tara uses guardian homes as she grows her program. Support the podcast and the work of the Functional Dog Collaborative on Patreon: Functional Breeding Patreon
In this Breeder Spotlight, Jess Sedivy Gunderson welcomes back Dr. Laura Sharkey of the Bosun Dog Project. Building on Laura's previous conversation with Perry about what puppies are capable of, this episode explores how her breeding program has evolved—from lessons learned fostering nearly 25 litters before breeding her own dogs to the role of mentorship, transparency, and continual learning in shaping thoughtful breeding decisions. Together, they discuss what it means to raise puppies with intention and why sharing both successes and challenges helps strengthen the broader breeding community.Support the podcast and the work of the Functional Dog Collaborative on Patreon: patreon.com/c/functionalbreeding/membership