Breeder Spotlight: Tara Doherty and Figment Vulpine Spitz

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