Breeding Functional Working Dogs with Dr. Jessica Heckman

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Dr. Jessica Heckman from Dog Zombie about Breeding Functional Dogs.

Science Highlight: Advancing Genetic Selection and Behavioral Genomics of Working Dogs Through Collaborative Science

What is functional breeding?

• The population is no more at risk of X disease than the dog population as a whole.


• Also prioritizing behavioral wellness over looks or closed stud books. No elevated risk of separation anxiety, etc.

What are common pitfalls breeding programs can run into?

• Not bringing in dogs from outside of the population


• You aren’t going to get to the goal and sit there - you have to keep working at it while you have it


• “It's not about the first generation, it’s about the population and the direction you are moving the population towards” - Dr. Jessica Heckman

What tests are mission critical?

• It depends on the breed/mix


• The very first step would go to the breed club and see what tests they recommends


• Then start talking to other breeders in the breed and learn about what issues the breed has


• For mixed breeds, you should test for everything each purebred parent should be tested for, but it’s hard to say

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

Pet genomics medicine runs wild

Where Do Good Dogs Come From

Where to find Dr. Jessica Heckman: Website | Functional Dog Collaborative

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