Prioritizing Physical & Behavioral Health in Dog Breeding ft. Dr. Jessica @functionalbreeding

In this conversation, Carly welcomes Dr. Jessica Hekman, the creator of The Functional Dog Collaborative, to the podcast.   The FDC was founded to support the breeding and raising of purebred, outcrossed, and mixed-breed dogs while prioritizing the physical and behavioral health. The FDC considers these functional goals more important than strict breed standard or closed studbook.

Topics covered:

• The Functional Dog Collaborative (FDC) and it's aim to support responsible breeding practices and improve genetics and socialization in dogs. 
• Functional breeding means breeding dogs that are physically and behaviorally healthy and resilient.
• Common genetic problems in dog breeds can be seen in extreme morphologies, (like brachycephalic faces) or traits that were not intentionally bred for (like epilepsy and shortened lifespans).
• Different approaches to breeding like outcrossing and creating new breeds, can address health issues.
•  The current dog culture faces challenges in accepting new breeding practices and changing ideologies.
• Education and resources are needed to guide puppy seekers in finding responsible breeders. 
• How the Functional Dog Collaborative aims to change the incentive structure in dog breeding through initiatives like the Data Canis platform.

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