History of dog breeds

Studies reveal the dogs are descendants of wolves.  The dogs that we know of today have been bred to be slighter version of wolves to cater various roles.  Human intervention in breeding of dogs started thousands of years ago when it was found that animals could be bred specifically for everything.  Pharaoh Hound was the oldest recorded breed of dog found in the tombs of ancient Egyptian pharaohs and those regarded as guarding the flocks and camps in the Middle East were the Canaan Hound.  Those originally bred to hunt gazelles in the Arabian deserts were the descendants of Pharaoh hound which are the sighthounds called Sloughi and Saluki.  Then came the Afghan hound which served as the dog guards in Afghanistan.  If there were those considered as defensive dogs, there were also ones considered offensive ones which were used to attack during wars and some of them were Molossians, the forebears of the Mastiff breed.

In some times and in some continents like those in the cold areas, dogs have different roles.  For instance, Alaskan Malamute hauled sleds in the snow.  Dogs have also been bred to safeguard livestock and they had to be hefty and daring so they would stand up to other fierce animals like bears, lions and even fellow dogs.

A few have been bred to be eaten like the Tibet pug in nearby China and Korea.   Just as some were made to be eaten, some were bred to work in behalf of humans.  Lundehund, for instance were bred to seize puffins from their nest in the northern Norway as the dog’s flexibility and extra toe in each paw made it ideal for holding onto rocks and crevices.  Those acquired for tracking and treeing raccoons and other forest quarry were the Coonhunds while the white tipped tail, Dog Tolling Retriever were used to stir up the curiosity of the waterfowl which were then shot by hunters.

It was not just Paris Hilton who was first known to sport the so-called fashion dogs or toy dogs.  The rulers of India, China and Europe began to breed those kinds and it was not long before the aristocratic women wanted small and cuddly dogs that could serve as companions.  But of course, these dogs were not made just to look pretty in the arms of their masters.  The Dalmatian’s spotted coat is fashionable but they are also used to run alongside carriages to clear the road for ease of passage.  Interestingly, cross breeding has been done to create new purposes: Labradoodle – a combination of the trainability of Labrador Retriever with the low-shedding coat of poodle was bred mainly for the assistance of the blind and those partially-sighted with allergies to fur.  Then we have the Cockerpoo – a combination of the gregarious and demonstrative nature of Cocker Spaniel with the low shedding trait of Poodle.

Mongrels are considered the best family pets.  Mongrel or mixed breed dog is more often than not healthier than pure breed equivalents.

Dogs are classified into seven main groups and each has specific traits, roles and characteristics.

GUNDOGS

These canines were bred to help with shooting and hunting.  These dogs are generally obedient and friendly for the reason they work closely with humans.  Gundogs are generally noisy but they are vigorous, quick and steadfast.  Mostly they are good with children.  The sizes of dogs are just as diverse from the strapping Labrador Retriever to the small Cocker Spaniel.  There is also a little homogeny in coat type, with the curly-coated Irish Water Spaniel, the straight-haired Irish Setter and the short-coated Pointer providing a lot of contrast and differing grooming demands.

HOUNDS

Considered as one of the oldest groups of dogs, Hounds were bred to help chase and catch quarry.  Some of these dogs should not be included with small pets.  A lot of the breeds in the group display a streak of autonomy and even disobedience because their original role requires a large degree of independence.  This is a diverse group because this does not only include the sleek sighthounds – like Greyhounds, Borzois, Basset Hounds and Beagles, but also the tiny Dachshunds.

PASTORAL DOGS

These dogs were bred to work closely with humans generally for protection of livestocks.  Dogs in this category are generally energetic and they tend to form close bond with their owners.  They are easily trainable and affectionate and their main characteristic is their tendency to obey the owner’s commands but at the same time use their own judgement. The best known in this coat types are Collies, Welsh Corgis and German Shepherd Dogs.

TERRIERS

Terries are considered as good watchdogs.  They were first bred to catch and kill animals and they are often voracious and full of life.  Although considered stubborn because they can be aggressive towards other pets both canine and non-canine, their outgoing and friendly nature makes them well – liked.  Most terriers are being either in the short-legged or long-legged breeds.  Bull terriers are go-getting dogs while Cesky Terriers and Scottish Terriers are more good-natured.

TOY DOGS

Toy dogs are ideal for first time owners.  They were bred to be companions and their working tendencies were literally bred out of them.  They are generally docile and friendly however due to their size, they are susceptible to health problems.  Toy dogs are usually accommodating and unflappable and tend to be eager to please.  Although small in size, they are full of personality.  This group is quite diverse from the energetic, wilful and noisy Yorkshire Terriers to the composed and collected Pekingese, and from the sleek Italian Greyhound to the bulkier Bolognese.

UTILITY DOGS

This particular dog category was originally bred to do particular task but as time goes by, these were bred solely for companionship.  These breeds range from distinctive dogs such as the Chow Chow and Schnauzer to family favourites such as Poodle and Dalmatian.  The dogs in this group cannot be included elsewhere and therefore best to judge on its individual merits.

WORKING DOGS

Dogs in this category are dedicated on activity and require encouragement.  They are generally known for their trainability, robust personality and intelligence.  Some of these dogs do not mix well with small children.  They tend to be fiercely loyal dogs especially those with previous experience of handling dogs who are mentally and physically strong and capable of standing up to their pets.  The group ranges from the huge Mastiff and Bernese Mountain Dog to the comparatively small boxer, Dobermann and Pinschers.  They are vigilant and brave and they are formidable in every way.