Canine History

Miacis, is described as a weasel sized small carnivore that lived 40 million years back in the Eocene period. This animal is believed to be the oldest ancestor of present day dogs. They were forest dwellers, smaller in size with long tail and short limbs.

Cynidictus was the next to evolve and the evolution of Hesperocyan is thought to be next stage. There are two views on the development of Miocene period was followed by Tomarectus of Pliocene period and then the present day canids. But there is another view that Hesperocyan and then Leptocyan may be the ancestors of dogs or even Tomarectus. The immediate wild ancestors of the dogs are more or less accepted as wolves (Canis lupus). But there are other views like the possibility of mixing of jackal and wolves, which lacks fossil evidence. The production of fertile offspring from the mating of wolf and dogs supports wolfian ancestry for dogs. Moreover the dog breed Alsatian has lot of similarities with wolf. Dogs belong to the class Mammalia, sub class Metatheria, Order Carnivora, Family Canidae, Genus Canis and species familaris.

Yawning Canine!

There is a definite distinction between an animal yawning when he is tired and an animal yawning not through tiredness. Yawning in mammals increases the flow of oxygen to the brain and increases the heart-rate. All mammals can be seen yawning under nearly any circumstance, not just when they are tired or bored. In fact, because of the physiological impact of a yawn, some researchers believe that a yawn is used as a way to prepare the body for impending action. For example, many dogs that compete in agility competitions are seen yawning on the starting line, as if they are excited by the impending start and are giving their body an extra physiological boost prior to start. Similarly, a stressed dog can frequently yawn, as if they are maintaining readiness for unpredictable events - many dogs frequently yawn during obedience classes where they find the environment challenging and perhaps stressful.

Diabetic Doggy

Diabetic dogs usually require insulin on a daily basis. In many cases your dog’s diet does not have to change, and your dog may be fed the same food that it has always eaten. The food, however, has to be the same amount of the same type of food, at the same time every day. Establishing and maintaining a routine is important as this routine is vital to stabilising your dog’s insulin levels. If it is proving really difficult to stabilise your dog’s insulin levels, or if your pooch is overweight, then consult with your vet so that he/she may prescribe a special diet to help avoid any fluctuations in your dog’s blood sugar levels and to ensure that your dog’s weight stays down as to prevent any further serious health issues. A good relationship with your vet is important in this instance as to ensure that your pet is provided with a healthy approach to this disease. Your pet will then still be able to live a full and happy life.

Getting to know your Jack Russell

One of my favourite dogs is the Jack Russell Terrier. They have lots of energy and drive, and can tend to be a bit on the hyperactive side sometimes. They epitomize the idea of dynamite coming in small packages, which can sometimes lead to problems with bigger dogs because Jack Russells never seem to register just how small they actually are! Because they come from a large gene pool, Jack Russells tend to live a long time and are mostly very healthy dogs. The typical lifespan of a Jack Russell is between twelve and nineteen years. In 2007, a Jack Russell named George saved five children from an attack by two pit bulls in New Zealand. The Jack Russell charged at the dogs just long enough for the children to escape. The dog was subsequently killed by the pit bulls but was awarding a gold medal for his bravery.

Getting to know the Borzoi

Finally, there is the Russian Wolfhound, also known as the Borzoi. The Borzoi keeps itself very clean by preening itself constantly. It doesn’t really feel the need to please its master in the same way that so many other dogs do. And although this makes it a harder dog to train, the Borzoi compensates for this by being very affectionate and loyal with the people it knows and trusts. Borzois can suffer from certain stomach ailments, which is why their meals should ideally be divided into two or three portions during day, consisting of plenty of meat. The Borzoi may have a magnificent coat, but this coat requires regular and thorough brushings every day. The average lifespan of a Borzoi is between ten and twelve years. Genetically, the Borzoi can suffer from leg fractures and may require calcium supplements given that they grow so quickly into adulthood.

Gentle Giants: the bulldog

The Bulldog is the third least intelligent dog. Bulldogs are considered one of the most gentle breeds of dogs around - very affectionate and excellent with children. The Bulldog, however, is a classic drooler. Its head is shorter than that of others dogs, and this shortens the passages of their salivary glands. When a Bulldog wants something, it drools very easily. Even though the Bulldog looks menacing, it is in fact a rather ineffective watchdog. It is quite friendly to strangers and other pets, and does not require much exercise. The average lifespan of a Bulldog is between eight and ten years. Genetically, Bulldogs run the risk of developing mitral valve defects, which can create a leakage of blood into the heart. This will cause the Bulldog to tire easily and even faint. Although there is no cure for this condition, it can be managed with a special diet and exercise restrictions.

Basenji: breed profile

The Basenji, as the second most unintelligent dog, is famous for its unique bark, which is said to sound like a human cry or laugh. Basenjis tend to be very active and temperamental, though a lot of human contact as a puppy can help to offset this trait. Basenjis will often groom themselves for hours in a day and just stare out the window. On average, they live between fourteen and sixteen years. Basenji’s tend not to be very friendly with other pets and, because of the “least intelligent” moniker, they are not very trainable at least when it comes to advanced skills. This is not to say that Basenjis are completely un-trainable. Rather, they require a lot of more work from a dedicated owner, one who is prepared to patiently teach the dog whatever he needs to be taught. But if you want your dog to be able to do somersaults and back-flips, you should look elsewhere.

What about the least intelligent?

What about those dogs considered the least intelligent? I earlier mentioned the top five intelligent dogs: Border Collie, Poodle, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever and Doberman Pinscher. Taking first place for the least intelligent dog is the Afghan Hound, followed by the Basenji, then the Bulldog, the Chow Chow, and finally the Russian Wolfhound. I’ll be expanding on these dogs later, but for now let’s start with the Afghan Hound. Afghans are considered to be sweet and sensitive, having a very low dominance level. In this sense, they’re considered to depart from what are traditionally thought of as dog traits. Afghans are thought of as noble, and courageous when called for. They are one of the most ancient breeds of dogs, and some even consider them the “king of dogs”. For this reason, intelligence should not necessarily be the decisive factor in what dog you choose to own.

Doberman Pinscher

Finally, the Doberman Pinscher. Dobermans are utterly loyal dogs to their owners. They are assertive and fearless, and have incredible stamina. Generally, they are quite a dominant breed, though this is not absolutely true, and some Dobermans can even be quite docile. Although they are not vicious, a Doberman will very aggressively protect its master if he or she is threatened. At a young age, Dobermans can be susceptible to a certain skin parasite called demodectic mange, a disease that should be treated by a veterinarian. Dobermans are highly affectionate to their owners and generally quite amiable to other pets and other people. They have moderate exercise requirements. They live on average between nine and fifteen years. The area in which a Doberman shines the most is as a watchdog. It is categorically considered one of the best guard dogs available.

The perfect family pup: Golden Retrievers

After the German Shepherd, comes the Golden Retriever. Golden Retrievers are loyal, loving, perfect with children and very keen to please their masters. Apart from being on the list of the top ten most affectionate dogs, Golden Retrievers are also one of the most intelligent. Initially, they were bred to retrieve waterfowl, and they had a reputation as a superior hunting dog. Golden Retrievers have a highly developed sense of smell. They love carrying and fetching things, which is why they are your classic “throw the ball” dog. Golden Retrievers have an almost infinite patience with children, and will play with them for hours on end. They have a quite generous lifespan of around twelve to fifteen years. They are exceptionally friendly to strangers and other pets, so they are probably not the greatest watchdogs, but what they lack in guarding ability they make up for in a plethora of other ways.

Intelligent pups: The German Shepherd

The German Shepherd ranks just behind the Poodle in terms of intelligence. Considered one of the best guard dogs available, German Shepherds have a range of uses for home protection and in the police service. If raised with a loving but firm hand, they are excellent with children. They are moderately friendly with other pets, but can tend to be rather suspicious of strangers. They have quite high exercise requirements - not as high those of the Border Collie, but high enough to warrant it being exercised every day. Perhaps one of the biggest genetic weaknesses in the German Shepherd is hip dysplasia, which occurs when the hip joint is badly formed and which leads to arthritis. In humans, a total hip replacement with an artificial hip is a very successful procedure, and the same procedure can be used on dogs. However, the results are not as successful as in humans, and it tends to be quite expensive.

Breed Profile: Border Collie

Did you know that the Border Collie is considered the most intelligent breed of dog? Border Collies insist on having some kind purpose or job to do. It’s why they’re so ideal for herding sheep. If you aren’t able to spend a lot of quality time playing with your dog, then a Border Collie is definitely not the dog for you, because without a job to do, or at least a way to exert their enormous superabundance of energy, Border Collies can quickly become destructive. Border Collies have a very good tolerance for cold and rain, but never for too much heat and inactivity. They tend not to be too friendly with other pets, and can quickly become neurotic. But because of their superior cognition and trainability, Border Collies really do set the benchmark for skills such as agility and obedience. In this arena, they leave most other dogs wanting.

Man's Best Friend

There’s something so wonderful about having a pet in your life. The old adage that a dog is man’s best friend, for instance, is a well-deserved cliché. Dogs will not judge you. Dogs are always happy to see you, tails wagging, mouth agape as though they were smiling. And all they ask in return for their affection, for their playfulness, and for their general exuberance, is that you take the time to feed them good quality food, you play with them, you scratch behind their ear every now and then and, when they’re sick, you take care of them and give them the best care possible.Dogs demand so little, yet give so much. So the next time your furry friend does something which irks you like spraying on the carpet, or diving into a food tin that’s not for him, just remember how many good things he brings into your life.

Dogging Around

Have you ever noticed how human and animal behaviour is so similar that sometimes it’s difficult to distinguish between the two? Look at the way a dog tilts his head when curious, and correspond that with the way your daughter tilts her head when she doesn’t want to hear what it is you are saying. When your puppy stares into your eyes dolefully, begging you not to leave him, I’m sure you can see your lover in his eyes, asking you to stay just a little longer. Look at the way your cat purrs when content, and the way she gently rubs her head against your arm and think of your baby, contentedly cooing and cuddling deep in your arms. Thus next time you angrily despair about the flower bed that’s been dug up I’m sure you will understand the small cry for attention that your animal companion displays.

Dogs: man's best friends

Dogs are man’s best friend and right throughout history they have been acknowledged by some of the most influential people, writers and comedians who have captured the nature of our relationships with our pets in some very candid words:

"Heaven goes by favour. If it went by merit,
you would stay out and your dog would go in."
- Mark Twain


"Man is a dog's idea of what God should be."
- Holbrook Jackson


"The average dog is a nicer person than the average person."
- Andrew A. Rooney


"To his dog, every man is King;
hence the constant popularity of dogs."
- Aldous Huxley


"If I have any beliefs about immortality, it is that certain dogs I have known will go to heaven, and very, very few persons."
- James Thurber


"Reverence: the spiritual attitude of a man to a god
and a dog to a man."
- Ambrose Bierce


"Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend:
and inside a dog, it's too dark to read."
- Groucho Marx


"A dog is not "almost human," and I know of no greater insult to the canine race than to describe it as such."
- John Holmes


"If a dog will not come to you after having looked you in the face, you should go home and examine your conscience."
- Woodrow Wilson


"The disposition of noble dogs is to be gentle with people they know and the opposite with those they don't know...How, then, can the dog be anything other than a lover of learning since it defines what's its own and what's alien."
- Plato


"The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make
a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you,
but he will make a fool of himself too."
- Samuel Butler