An Introduction to Man's Oldest Friend
The dog as we know it today is the evolved and domesticated descendant of the Grey Wolf. Although we are still not sure as to how and who originally domesticated the dog, they have been with us for over 15,000 years. Evidence of the long relationship of man and dog can be seen when emigrants from Siberia crossed the Bering Strait and helped pull sleds and cross North America over 12,000 years ago.
The term "man's best friend" was derived from the fact that dogs have helped man by taking on various roles to help ease some of the burdens of farm life. The earliest dogs were used to herd livestock, guarding, helping fishermen with their nets, hunting, rodent control and as companions. And even today, we have seeing-eye-dogs, hearing dogs, bomb sniffing dogs and other sorts of jobs for our four legged friend in addition to their original roles.
Dog Breeds
There are a lot of dog breeds today. Some of them are officially recognized by organizations, while the others are a mixture of breeds. Some of the more popular dog breeds in the United States are: the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Yorkshire Terrier, German Shepherd and the Beagle.
It is interesting to note that dogs are genetically very similar and yet natural selection and selective breeding has made certain characteristics more apparent hence the number of dog breeds today. Dog breeds are not a scientific classification. They are standards and characteristics set by organizations and kennel clubs that deem a dog unique. For example, while both the Maltese and Great Danes are dogs, they have very distinct and specific characteristics that set them apart.
Over the years, man has created numerous dog breeds. There are dogs for hunting, herding, sport and companionship.
Small dog breeds like the Chihuahua are so small, they have been called Teacup Dogs. Indeed, new born pups are so tiny they can fit into the palm of your hand. Selective breeding has made unique dogs such as the Catalburun, a
rare dog breed native to Turkey with a "split nose" prized for its searching abilities.
Training
Dogs just like humans have individual characteristics and temperament. Some breeds are suitable for children, while others tend to be snappish around young kids. Almost all dog owners go through
puppy training and seek the advice and tips of other experienced owners. All owners want their dogs potty trained, obedient and well behaved so most of them either send their pets to obedience school, or train their dogs by themselves.
There are different approaches to dog training. Owners who never tire of talking about their pets love to swap
dog training tips and advice. Others like being by-the-book, while some prefer the laid back style. Dogs are pack animals and know by instinct who the pack leader is. And since they consider their families their packs, they know when to submit, obey and get along with the rest of the pack. Training them reinforces and makes clear who the Alpha Dog is. But regardless of how a dog is trained, consistency and dedication seem to be the constant elements to make for a successful formula.
Health and Nutrition
Just like us, they are also vulnerable to diseases and illnesses. Fleas, ticks, worm infestations and arthritis are some of the common
dog health problems that plague dogs and dog owners worldwide. They can also become obese. Of all of these, perhaps Rabies is the disease most closely associated with dogs. Rabies is present in most mammals even man. Rabies is transmitted from an animal bite like bats and raccoons. And even though rabies has been eliminated in the United States through vaccinations, dogs are still considered as the main repository of the disease.
Thanks to its close relationships with humans, dog health is one of the most extensively studied subjects in veterinary medicine. Proper nutrition goes hand in hand with health. Some people think that dogs are carnivores or meat eaters, but they are in fact omnivores able to eat meat, fruits, vegetables and other types of food. A dog's diet during the olden days when they hunted for their food typically consists of raw meat, organs and bones of their prey. They would also probably ingest some grass through their prey. Dogs today are fed a variety of foods. Lots of dogs can be seen eating dry dog food or kibbles fortified with vitamins and minerals. Other owners feed their dogs raw or home made dog food, cooked dog food or even the tinned variety.
Because of this close relationship between man and dog have, owners tend to treat their dogs as members of the family. Whether the dog is a working dog or a companion, most dog lovers are kind and compassionate to their four legged friend. However, others tend to spoil their charges, resulting in obesity which is harmful to the dog's health. This is why exercise is also important to dogs. Smaller dogs are alright in small apartment type homes with a small yard. But their bigger cousins, will need bigger spaces to play or to exercise. However, most dogs will need to be walked not only to burn excess energy but also to take care of their primal instincts as hunters.
Dogs regardless of breed are always groomed. Some of them sport cuts unique to their breed, like the Toy Poodle. It's distinctive bouffant haircut, thick hair on the lower legs and at the tip of the tail is probably one of the most recognized dog "hair dos" in the world. Owners of long haired dogs will need to brush their dog's coat in order to stop the hairs from clumping together or getting matted. Dog salons and spas which specialize in grooming are very popular nowadays. Dog owners bring their dogs to these sorts of shops for pampering, clipping and other doggie business.
Working Dogs Today
But not all dogs are just for companionship, working dogs still work for their keep even in today's automatic world. Sheep herding dogs like the Australian Cattle Dog, the Border Collie and the Old English Sheepdog still drive cattle and sheep around the world.
Aside from this, dogs are now helping humans in other ways. The seeing-eye-dogs and hearing dogs are assistance dogs that help humans who are either blind or hearing impaired. These dogs are trained to navigate obstacles or alert their owners for doorbells or fire alarms.
Dogs either bred for hunting, herding or just as friends are special. They are good loyal animals that have proven their worth to men for centuries. Their value during the olden days and today has not changed. They not only make life easier for humans, they also make it more fun and enjoyable.
