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Dog Breeds
THE PEDIGREE DOG A pedigree is the written record of a dog's genealogy for at least three generations. A purebred is a dog whose parents belong to the same breed and who share unmixed descent since the recognition of the breed. The great advantage of the pedigree animal is that it is much more predictable. If you mate two Labrador Retrievers, you will get Labrador Retriever puppies. The enormous number of different pedigree dogs recognized today are all derived from a few creatures that first associated with human beings many thousands of years ago. When humans discovered how to light fires, the precursor of the dog must have been keen to share the warmth, and to also scavenge for left-over food. Humans soon realized that the dogs not only made great companions, but they could also be put to good use as assistant hunters and guards. These humans also soon realized that some dogs were better at one job than another, so for breeding the best dogs were selected for each task, and this, in a nutshell, describes everything that has happened since. The classic prick-eared hunting hound seen for hundreds of years in the Mediterranean area, from Egypt and Malta to Ibiza and Tenerife, is still with us, virtually unchanged, in tow breeds, the Ibizan Hound and the Pharaoh Hound. Most breeds trace their ancestry by much vaguer routes. The mastiffs of the world, for instance, possibly originated in Tibet and, over the centuries, moved with traders and seafarers through Asia and Europe, but the records of such movements are not clear. What can be stated at best is that most of the breeds that from pedigree dogdom in Britain, Europe and the USA today are of relatively recent origin — 200-550 years old. Some of them can only be traced back to the nineteenth century. The Groups: Allocating breeds to a group is not always easy, and there are many variations between kennel clubs in different countries. As you read through the various groups listed below, you will no doubt notice the differences in organizational styles. The following lists are in alphabetical order.
United kingdom ~ U K C Companion Dog (UKC) Many of these breeds originated in one of the other groups, but have been specially adapted to serve as family companions. With the exception of the English Bulldog and the Dalmatian, the Companion Dogs tend to be "miniaturized" versions of their ancestors. Companion Dogs are lively, intelligent, and affectionate.
Guardian Dog (UKC) This group is divided into two types: Flock Guards: One of the earliest tasks performed by domestic dogs was guarding the flocks for nomadic shepherds. The Flock Guards were selectively bred for natural protectiveness, hardiness, courage and large size. As Neolithic tribes migrated from the high plateaus of Turkey and Iran to Africa, Europe and eastern Asia, their flock guardians traveled with them. The Flock Guard dogs are characterized by heavy bone, a muscular build, ample and weather-resistant coat, and large size. Mastiffs: The Mastiff breeds were probably developed by selectively breeding the largest of the Flock Guard dogs for use as personal guard dogs and war dogs. Unlike the Flock Guards, most Mastiffs have smooth coats. Mastiffs are characterized by substantial bone growth and an overgrowth and thickening of the skin, resulting in wrinkled faces, dewlaps, and drop ears.
Gun Dog (UKC) Many Gun Dog breeds were already in use by hunters before the advent of hunting with firearms. Originally used to hunt a variety of game types, today's Gun Dogs are primarily used to hunt birds. The dogs in this group can be roughly subdivided into four often overlapping categories, based on their primary usage: Retrievers, Pointers, Setters and Flushing Spaniels. The earliest Retrievers were the water dogs, characterized by shaggy, sometimes curly coats, and probably descended from crosses between the shaggy herding dogs of the East and dogs used for hunting. The land retrievers, developed later and primarily of British origin, have heavier bodies, wider heads, and shorter, dense, water-resistant coats. The many breeds of Pointers, developed to identify the location of birds with a distinctive "pointing" stance, are descendants of the scenthounds. Pointers display their ancestors' strong hunting drive and scenting abilities. Early Setters displayed a trait of slightly crouching or "setting" upon locating game. This trait enabled falconers and hunters with nets to get closer to the birds when stalking their prey. Setters are characterized by fringes of hair on the ear, legs, and tail. Flushing Spaniels are the descendants of Setters with the added ability of flushing out the game. The affectionate personality and attractive appearance of the Spaniel breeds led to the development of diminutive Spaniel breeds used exclusively as companions.
Herding Dog (AKC) The Herding Group, created in 1983, is the newest AKC classification; its members were formerly members of the Working Group. All herding breeds share the fabulous ability to control the movement of other animals. A remarkable example is the low-set Corgi, perhaps one foot tall at the shoulders, that can drive a herd of cows many times its size to pasture by leaping and nipping at their heels. The vast majority of Herding dogs are kept as household pets, and thus never cross paths with a farm animal. Nevertheless, pure instinct prompts many of these dogs to gently herd or keep track of their owners, especially the children of the family, which makes them especially nice as guardians. In general, these intelligent dogs make excellent companions and respond beautifully to training exercises.
Herding Dog (UKC) The evolution of herding dogs followed very soon after the domestication of livestock. Early herdsmen quickly learned the value of dogs that could keep large groups of sheep, goats, or cattle tightly bunched, drive them in a desired direction, or cut a single individual out of a flock or herd. Herdsmen developed breeds with different temperaments, coat types and herding styles, based on the type of livestock and the terrain and climate where the livestock was kept. Herding dogs are characterized by great stamina, agility, intelligence, and an affinity for working in partnership with people.
As the name suggests, hounds are the hunting dogs. The so-called sight-hound (Greyhound, Afghan Hound, Borzoi, Irish Wolfhound, Saluki, Whippet, Scottish Deerhound) do their chasing by direct sight, whereas the scent-hounds (Beagles, Bloodhound, Bassets) use their noses on the ground to follow their target. As a general characteristic, hounds tend to concentrate on the chase and not to listen to the entreaties of their owners to come back to base. Because of this, they do not regularly figure in the placings in advanced obedience tests. The scent-hounds typically have loud voices, which they are not averse to using.
Non-sporting Dog (AKC) This cosmopolitan bunch seems to include all the breeds that did not fit comfortably into any of the other groups. Here are a wide range of dogs with vastly different personalities and appearances in size, coat, and visage!
Northern Breed (UKC) The Northern Breeds were essential to the survival of Arctic people. These versatile dogs pulled sleds, herded livestock, hunted, and provided companionship in the harsh climate of the north. All but one of the Northern Breeds are Spitz types, ancient breeds whose small pricked ears, wedge-shaped heads and heavy coats reflect the heritage of their wolf ancestors. Only the Chinook, a breed of more recent origin than the Spitz breeds, is more Mastiff-like in appearance with a broad head and a shorter coat, tawny in color.
Scenthound (UKC) This group is divided into two types: Tree Hounds: Included in this group are the six Coonhound breeds and the five Cur breeds. The Coonhounds are descended from Trailing Hounds brought to the United States shortly after the country was founded. The ancestors of the Coonhound breeds include the English Foxhound, red Irish hounds, the French Bleu de Gascogne hounds, and the German brindle Schweisshunds. Hounds in America were utility dogs whose primary function was to help feed the family, but who also served as guard dogs and family companions. As the Tree Hounds evolved from the earlier Trailing Hound breeds, the dogs developed the ability to drive game up a tree, alert the hunter with an easily recognizable bark, and hold the game in the tree until the hunter arrived. Because of the vast size of American hunting grounds, the Tree Hounds needed superior stamina and a "cold" nose, that is, the ability to smell and track old, cold trails. As more coon hunters became pleasure hunters, rather than competition hunters, the traits of the six individual Coonhound breeds became more distinct. Curs were developed by early settlers in the southern and western United States as all-purpose dogs. Curs are excellent tree dogs, used to hunt squirrel, coon, mountain lion, and bear. They are used in Louisiana and Texas to hunt wild hogs. They also serve as stock dogs Trailing Hounds: The trailing Scenthounds are probably descended from Mastiffs bred by Celtic tribes in Europe and Britain. During the Middle Ages, Belgian monks developed a strain of black and tan hounds called the St. Hubert Hound, which was the basis of many of these breeds. Trailing Hounds are characterized by their strongly developed tracking ability, their hanging ears, their endurance, and their congenial dispositions which predispose them to working in a pack. Many Trailing Hounds are also famous for the baying sounds they make when hunting.
Sighthound & Pariah (UKC) This group is divided into two types: Pariah Dogs: Pariah Dogs comprise some of the oldest breeds known to man. These breeds represent the first stage in the evolution of dogs from wild creatures to domestic animals. Pariah Dogs evolved primarily in the southern hemisphere where a limited food supply drove them to a closer association with people. These breeds lived on the outskirts of human settlements, scavenging and occasionally interacting with humans. In response to the warm climate, the Pariah Dogs developed short, smooth coats and large, erect ears. These breeds are believed to be the ancestors of the Sighthounds. Sighthounds: In the treeless deserts of North Africa, hunting was accomplished by sighting the prey and chasing it on horseback. As hunting evolved from a necessity to a leisure pastime, dogs became an integral part of the sport. The Sighthounds were bred with light bone and deep chests, enabling them to run swiftly for longer periods of time. Long heads evolved to minimize wind resistance and enable the dog to withstand higher temperatures. Early sea traders carried these Sighthounds to all corners of the known world where their remarkable hunting abilities and exceptional beauty made them valuable commodities.
Sporting Dog (AKC) These dogs assist in finding and catching feathered and furry game. The group includes the setters and pointers, which indicate through their body posture where birds are hiding; the retrievers, which fetch fallen birds, hare and rabbits; and spaniels, which do both jobs. Sporting dogs tend to be kindly, gentle creatures, tractable and not noisy. While they are not all suited to living in towns rather than rural areas, the majority are capable of adapting and becoming delightful members of family life.
Terrier (AKC) People familiar with this Group invariably comment on the distinctive terrier personality. These are feisty, energetic dogs whose sizes range from fairly small, as in the Norfolk, Cairn or West Highland White Terrier, to the grand Airedale Terrier. Terriers typically have little tolerance for other animals, including other dogs. Their ancestors were bred to hunt and kill vermin. Many continue to project the attitude that they're always eager for a spirited argument. Most terriers have wiry coats that require special grooming known as stripping in order to maintain a characteristic appearance. In general, they make engaging pets, but require owners with the determination to match their dogs' lively characters. They are generally intelligent dogs, sharp in appearance and character; they are all vocal to a degree; and they make excellent pets as they adapt extremely well to whatever kind of home you inhabit.
Terrier (UKC) Terriers are probably descended from small Spitz-type dogs. The majority of the Terrier breeds were developed in Britain and were bred to assist in controlling vermin. Terriers are characterized by feisty temperaments, weather-resistant coats, muscular bodies, and strongly independent natures. The Feist breeds are descended from the terriers brought over by working class immigrants. These terriers probably included crosses between the Smooth Fox Terrier, the Manchester Terrier and the now extinct white English Terrier. Some of these dogs were crossed with Whippets or Italian Greyhounds (for speed) and Beagles (for hunting ability). Eventually, these tough little terriers evolved into today’s squirrel-hunting Feists.
Toy (AKC) The diminutive size and winsome expressions of Toy dogs illustrate the main function of this Group: to embody "sheer delight". While they are normally kept as pets, they are not to be regarded as just ladies' pets. They are clever and can be trained to perform in obedience tests; the Papillon is a grand example. They are brave, as shown by the Pug and the Pekingese; and they make wonderful companions, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel being a favorite. Toy dogs will always be popular with city dwellers and people without much living space. They make ideal apartment dogs and terrific lap warmers. Incidentally, small breeds may be found in every Group, not just the Toy Group. We advise everyone to seriously consider getting a small breed, when appropriate, if for no other reason than to minimize some of the problems inherent in canines such as shedding, creating messes and cost of care. And training aside, it's still easier to control a ten-pound dog than it is one ten times that size.
Working Dog (AKC) Dogs of the Working Group were bred to perform such jobs as guarding property, pulling sleds and performing water rescues. They have been invaluable assets to man throughout the ages. Quick to learn, these intelligent, capable animals make solid companions. Their considerable dimensions and strength alone, however, make many working dogs unsuitable as pets for average families. And again, by virtue of their size alone, these dogs must be properly trained and supervised around children.
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