The History of Dog Breeding

Humans have maintained populations of useful animals around their places of habitat since pre-historic times. Over these millennia, domesticated dogs have developed into distinct types, or groups, such as livestock guardian dogs, hunting dogs, and sighthounds. Artificial selection in dog breeding has influenced behavior, shape, and size of dogs.

Some researchers believe that the evolution of dogs from wolves is an example of neoteny or paedomorphism selection, that results in  aretention of juvenile physical characteristics. Compared to wolves, many adult dog breeds retain such juvenile characteristics as soft fuzzy fur, round torsos, large heads and eyes, ears that hang down rather than stand erect, etc.; characteristics which are shared by most juvenile mammals, and therefore generally elicit some degree of protective and nurturing behavior cross-species from most adult mammals, including humans, who term such characteristics "cute" or "appealing". It has been seen that these traits can even prompt an adult female wolf to act more defensively of dog puppies than of wolf puppies. The example of canine neoteny goes even further, in that the various dog breeds are differently neotenized according to the type of behavior that was selected. Other researchers believe that because this comparison is based on the gray wolf, which is not the ancestor of the dog, that this comparison is invalid. Further research indicates that the concept of neoteny as a means of distinguishing dogs from wolves is baseless.

To maintain these distinctions, humans have intentionally mated dogs with certain characteristics to encourage those characteristics in the offspring. Through this process, hundreds of dog breeds have been developed. Initially, the ownership of working and, later, purebred dogs, was a privilege of the wealthy. Nowadays, many people can afford to buy a dog. Some breeders chose to breed purebred dogs, while some prefer the birth of a litter of puppies to a dog registry. It has been concluded that "findings imply that when selective breeding was done by humans, it squashed the snouts of certain dog breeds, it also morphed their brains" (Scientific American, 2010). Breeders have to abide by the rules of the specific organization to participate in its breed maintenance and development programs. The rules may apply to the health of the dogs, such as joint x-rays, hip certifications, and eye examinations; to working qualities, such as passing a special test or achieving at a trial; to general conformation, such as evaluation of a dog by a breed expert. 

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Canaan dog breed

Canaan dog breed of herding dog developed in Israel in the 20th century from semiwild pariah dogs that were the descendants of animals present in the region since biblical times. Over time they had been utilized as guardians and hunting dogs, but most had reverted to a wild state, living in desert areas. In the 1930s a breeding program was begun to redomesticate these wild dogs to serve as guards for the isolated kibbutzim. In wartime the dogs served as messengers and sentries and proved adept at locating land mines. In 1949 the Institute for Orientation and Mobility of the Blind took over the breeding of the Canaan dog, with about 150 kennel-raised dogs constituting the stock.

The Canaan dogs are hardy, intelligent, and trainable and must be well socialized. They have been put to work for herding, guarding, and tracking and as guide dogs. They are aloof and cautious with strangers and in unfamiliar situations but loyal to their families. They tend to be vocal and playful. Of medium size, they stand 19 to 24 inches (48 to 61 cm) tall and weigh 35 to 55 pounds (16 to 25 kg). They have upright ears, a wedge-shaped head, and a bushy tail that tends to curl over the back. Their short, harsh, double coat may be white with large markings in brown, black, or red and often with a mask or hood of the contrasting colour, or it may be solid with some white markings. Solid-coloured dogs may be black or any shade of brown.

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Borzoi

borzoi breed of hound dog developed in Russia to pursue wolves. It is descended from the Arabian greyhound and a collielike Russian sheepdog. The borzoi, formerly known as the Russian wolfhound is a graceful, strong, and swift dog. Males stand at least 28 inches     (71 cm) and females 26 inches (66 cm); weights range from 60 to 105 pounds (27 to 48 kg). It has a long, narrow head, small ears, a deep but narrow chest, long, muscular hindquarters, and a long, curved tail. The silky coat is flat or slightly curled and usually white with darker markings. The dog is noted for its elegant appearance.

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Briard

briard is a French sheepdog breed mentioned in French records of the 12th century and depicted in medieval French tapestries. It is known in France as berger de Brie (sheepdog of Brie) but is found throughout the French provinces. The briard is a lithe, strongly built dog with bushy brows and a long, more-or-less waterproof coat. It stands 22 to 27 inches (56 to 68.5 cm), weighs about 80 pounds (36 kg), and is usually black, gray, or tawny. Briards are also used for guard, police, and military work.

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Cairn terrier

Cairn terrier, working terrier breed developed in Scotland to rout vermin from cairns (rock piles). The modern breed’s characteristics are carefully patterned on those of the dog’s ancestor, a 17th-century terrier of the Isle of Skye. The cairn terrier is a short-legged dog with a short, broad face fixed in a “keen” expression that is typical of the breed. Its harsh coat is usually bluish gray, tan, or pale yellowish brown. Generally active, hardy, alert, and spirited, the cairn terrier is valued as a pet and watchdog. It stands 9.5 to 10 inches (24 to 25 cm) and weighs about 13 to 14 pounds (6 to 6.5 kg).

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You Can't Socialize Your Dog By Sitting At Home

Many dog breeds seem to be friendly for the most part, but there is not one dog out there that does not benefit from continued socialization. Socialization is a key factor in good mental health for the dog and in making a beloved member of the family. But socialization includes more than just being around other people or dogs. It can include training your dog to be tolerant of being touched on the feet, someone coming close to them when they are eating, or even accepting of loud noises, just to mention a few. If not conducted in a proper manner, you can actually do more harm with your efforts than good. The last thing you want or need is to attempt socialization and have it back fire on you.

Prior to socializing a dog, a person should understand the traits and temperament of the breed of dog they are working with. Often times you can benefit from doing research on your dog's particular breed to learn about character traits. If you are dealing with a mixed breed, you may want to research all of the breeds involved in your dog's genealogy. Understanding what challenges may be present can help determine the best method for handling them.

For this article I am referring mainly to keeping your dog socialized around people and other dogs. The more you socialize your dog, the better he or she will respond when confronted with unfamiliar people or dogs. This can be exceptionally true with some small breeds and children. But again, keep in mind when socializing your pet, keeping them under control may be vital to avoiding a serious conflict that could result in injury to the dog or innocent bystanders. Never force a social issue onto your dog. Some dogs may need more time to slowly acclimate to strangers while others may not feel threatened at all. Your dog may respond aggressively to one person but not the next. And there is nothing wrong with that; not every dog likes every person, just as we humans don't always like everyone we meet. However, as a responsible pet owner you are accountable for making certain no harm comes to anyone at any time, so never force your dog to accept someone.

When working on socialization be sure to offer an escape plan for the dog. Even if it is nothing more than allowing them to jump into your lap or picking them up if they appear nervous, uncomfortable or fearful in a situation. This is important no matter what the age of your dog. He or she must be able to trust that you will protect them or you may end up harming your own relationship in the process.

There are many differences in socializing an adult dog versus a puppy, just as there is with socializing with people versus other dogs. Obviously puppies have the advantage as they are more accepting of new people and situations, especially during the earlier ages of 1 to 4 months. While older dogs may have had some previous bad experiences that have left them anxious, fearful or cautious. When it comes to a rescued adult dog more often than not, you will not have any idea what environment the dog came from. You will not be aware of what things have left negative impressions on him or her as a result of past encounters, so take the process very slow to begin with.

When it comes to socializing with other dogs, never assume the other dog is friendly. Play it safe and be prepared for something to go wrong. Do not allow first time encounters to be unsupervised. Typically if you visit a dog park, most of those dogs are friendly and used to being around other dogs, but that does not negate the fact that any dog can unexpectedly turn aggressive. Until you are familiar with the new dog be vigilant in keeping your dog safe. After all it may not be the other dog that suddenly becomes aggressive, it could be yours!

Some common places you can turn to for socialization besides dog parks are pet stores, pet fairs, walking trails, community events even obedience classes can be useful. The important factor is to match the environment to your dog's social skills. Attempting to socialize a dog for the first time at a community event with a hundreds of people present could be overwhelming. If you don't know what your dog can handle, assume it is very little and start slow. You can progress as quickly as you need if things are going well. It's important to avoid sensory overload with unfamiliar noises and smells as well.

If you plan to put your dog in a car to travel to a location for socialization keep in mind the dog's safety inside your car. This could be the first step in making sure your socializing encounters are positive ones. The last thing you want to do is start the process out by stressing your dog out with a scary car ride. Provide a comfortable and secure seat for your dog. If possible choose a particular seat for your dog to sit in each time he or she gets in the vehicle. For smaller breeds consider using a dog car booster seat, lookout seat or console seat that will elevate them up to a height that allows them to see out the window and get some fresh air if needed. This can go a long way to start the dogs travel experience in a positive manner. Start the training out properly and begin immediately by restraining your dog. Do not wait until they are more comfortable with the car. Get them started right away with understanding that inside the car they stay seated and are not allowed to roam freely.

If you struggle with getting your dog to accept other people and dogs look for a good training book. I don't think there is a pet owner alive who has not heard of Cesar Milan. Your veterinarian can direct you to proper training materials as well. As with any training, always reward your dog after a positive learning experience. Praise and recognition goes a long way especially when accompanied by a small special treat! Make sure he or she knows how happy their behavior has made you. After all, isn't that what most dogs live for?

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A Short Comparison Of Dog Anatomy With Human

A dog may be man's best friend, but anatomically speaking which species is superior?

One obvious difference between dog anatomy and human is the contrast in size (and of course that human's walk on two legs and dogs on four!) An average human height is 180cm, with the tallest dog, the Great Dane, reaching 86cm, and the smallest dog, the Chihuahua being 26 cm max.

This immediately identifies one of the fascinating facts about dog anatomy - the wide range of size within dog breeds. No other species has such a wide spread of size and weight as the dog. Not convinced?

Affenhuahua 2kg

St Bernard 120g (ten times more than the Affenhuahua)

Human 61kg (average)

An Extra Eyelid

Of course you are familiar with your own eyes and having upper and lower eyelids. But did you know dog anatomy is such that dogs have three sets of eyelids? They have the additional of a "third" eyelid, also known as the "nictitating membrane."

The third eyelid is located at the inner corner of the eye, and slides across the cornea to protect it when danger threatens. It is most usefully deployed when a dog pushes through undergrowth or if faced with an angry cat - as it forms a barrier to scratches.

Born to Sniff

The dog has a typically black, leather nose, but did you know this feature of dog anatomy is as unique to each individual as a fingerprint is to people? The folds and creases on a canine nose are unique and can be used as a means of identification. Another striking difference between dog anatomy and human is our sense of smell. A dog devotes over 40% more of his brain power to processing smells than the human brain. Indeed dogs are born to sniff with that wet nose being able to detect which direction a faint smell is coming from. The average human has a generous 5 million scent detecting cells in their nose, but this seems insignificant compared to the king of scent hounds, the Bloodhound, which has a magnificent 300 million scent-detecting cells.

Sounds Superior

Another area where dog anatomy wins is their sense of hearing. Whereas we may struggle to hear a sound 20 feet away, a dog can hear the same noise over 80 feet distant. Not only that but whereas the human ear can't detect sounds above 20 KHz, the dog's ear easily hears up to 60 KHz and a whole studio of sound that is denied to us.

A Tale of Tails

Whilst not all dog breeds have tails, for those that are equipped with this marvelous means of canine communication, a waggy tail has to be the most joyful part of dog anatomy. An average tail is made up of 23 articulated bones. But here's the rub. Did you know that people have a vestigial tail? OK, it's only present for a few days, but the human fetus develops a tail from days 31 - 35 of gestation - a throwback to our simian ancestry.

Life Story

And finally, one of the biggest differences between dog anatomy and our own is the dog's shorter lifespan. The average human life expectancy is 71 years, whereas for our canine companions it's just 10 -13 years. Given the effect dogs have on our hearts and lives, this is one area where it's a hollow victory, to be the superior species.

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The Animal Human Connection - A Brief Overview

The History of the Dog

For thousands of years dogs have provided people with protection, companionship and support. What we today recognize as the domestic dog became a part of human society when nomadic bands of hunter gatherers were roaming the Earth. There is evidence to suggest that these dogs, descended from the Grey Wolf, were viewed as both working animals and as valued partners in surviving the tough environment that characterized the lives of those societies. Today the dog has become part of the fabric of society (how to socialize you dog) and a valued member of families across the globe.

The Value of the Dog

There are very few homes that would not be enriched by the addition of a dog. Our children learn to love these additions to the home as they would a family member. Many people have extremely fond memories of spending time in the outdoors with what would later prove to be not only a faithful companion, but also a staunch friend and ally during the challenging years of childhood.

It seems that the thousands of years that human beings spent sharing their homes with the canine species has forged a bond that is very difficult, if not impossible to break. The truth of the matter is that we need dogs as much as they need us.

The Loss of Your Pet

Sharing our lives with pets brings so many benefits, but sadly, despite an ever-improving standard of veterinary care, every owner will eventually experience the loss of their much-loved friend. Coping with loss and grief can be a lonely and difficult struggle for many of us, and as a veterinary technician with cats and dogs of my own, even I haven't been immune to the storm of emotions that descend after the loss of a favorite friend.

4 Steps of Grieving

Through helping family, friends and clients cope with the loss of their pets over the years, I've learned some helpful ways to help both them (and myself) come to terms with the grief that the passing of a pet can bring.

1. Everyone Grieves Differently: allow yourself the time and space to grieve.

2. Don't Let Others Minimize Your Loss: avoid those who try to downplay your emotions.

3. Ask For Support: empathy goes a long way, and being around like-minded individuals help ease any loneliness you may be feeling.

4. Find Ways to Remember Your Pet: celebrate and honor the special relationship you had with your pet.

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10 Biggest Misconceptions about Dogs

1. When your dog looks grown up, he is.

No matter how big he is, or how mature his behavior, your puppy is still a puppy until he's at least a year old. Large-breed dogs are growing puppies for close to two years.

2. Neutering your dog will negatively affect his personality.

If your dog has always been an outgoing, fun-loving, playful dog, neutering won't change that all. If he is a little reactive with other dogs or roams the neighborhood, neutering may make him a bit gentler and more inclined to stay home.

3. You can't teach an old dog new tricks.

The biggest challenge in training an older dog is helping them unlearn old behaviors. If you combine patience with sound and treat training, you’ll soon have a talented and well-trained little pal.

4. Dogs need variety in the food they eat.

Your dog thrives on routine. Changing diet frequently and rapidly will do him more harm than good.

5. Obedience training is only for problem dogs.

Yes, obedience training can help with some unacceptable behaviors, but wouldn't it be better if those behaviors never had a chance to develop?  In addition, obedience training can strengthen the bond between you and your dog and help you enjoy each other's company even more so!

6. Dogs need supplements in their diets.

If they are eating a high quality, nutritionally balanced diet, they will do fine. If you have questions, ask your veterinarian.

7. Dogs who spend the day in the yard get plenty of exercise.

Dogs are pack animals — they are not good at running or playing when they are alone. Exercise is an important part of your dog's health. It's up to you to be sure he gets it.

8. Dogs do destructive things to get even with you.

Don't project your emotions on your dog. Most behaviors that drive you crazy are normal for a dog and begin when he is bored, tired, sick or lonely.

9. It's natural for your dog to have bad breath.

It isn't. Bad breath is often, an indication of dental or health trouble.

10. It's okay for dogs to be a little plump.

Excess weight in dogs can be associated with heart, respiratory and blood-sugar level problem, skeletal distress and gastrointestinal disorders. Don't feed your dog table scraps, and make sure he gets plenty of exercise.

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