Dog Breeds and Dog Intelligence due to Breed Type
Dogs understand human signals better than primates do. In this documentary, National Geographic scientists preform tests to see how a dog processes signals and/or commands from humans, and follow them.
Dog Breeds
How did dogs
impact Human History? - The Evolution of
the Different Breeds of Dogs
Understanding the
changing requirements of man through our history and evolution enables us to put
into perspective the hundreds of different breeds which were developed by man.
The Groups, Classifications and Standards all begin to make perfect sense. The
various 'landmarks' of the history and evolution of dogs is detailed below - for
more details of each particular type of dog please refer to the links at the top
of the page.
The Evolution & History of Dogs - The Sight Hounds
Sighthounds , also known as Gazehounds as their gaze focuses on the
horizon seeking game, specialise in hunting their quarry by sight rather than
scent. Sighthounds have distinctive characteristics, features and traits which
are perfect for their purpose. Sighthounds have extremely good vision. They also
have a long jaw and lengthy neck which assists them in sighting their quarry.
Their lean muscular body, deep chest and long powerful legs essential assets
when following any fast and agile prey.
Dogs History -
The Scent Hounds
Scent Hounds specialise in following the scent or the smell of its
quarry. It was not necessary for Scent Hounds to be as fast and agile as
Sighthounds - they do not need to keep their quarry in sight. Scent hounds are
built for endurance. They can follow a scent for long distances and even across
running water. Scent Hounds have distinctive characteristics, features and
traits which are perfect for their purpose. They have large noses which have
deep, open nostrils and their lips are loose and moist, designed to pick up
scent particles and follow the trail of an animal. Their ears are long which
concentrates the scent on the nose. Their bodies are designed for endurance, an
essential asset when following any scent trail.
Dogs Evolution
& History - The Hound Dog
Breeds
Hound Dogs have been bred to chase (or
hound) a quarry by sight or smell, or a combination of both senses. Sighthounds
have exceptional eyesight, combined with the speed and stamina necessary to
catch the intended prey once seen, typical examples being the Greyhound and the
Whippet. Hounds which rely strongly on the sense of smell to follow the trail of
a prey, such as the Bloodhound, quite literally follow their noses, speed and
eyesight is of less importance.
The Evolution
& History of Dogs - Working Dog
Breeds
Dogs in the Working group, were developed to
perform a wide variety of tasks, such as herding, droving, pulling, hauling,
herding, hunting, rescuing and guarding. The very nature of many of these tasks
require a big, strong dog. Working dogs have always been viewed as real assets
to their owners and have worked with man replacing larger animals such as horses
when none such animals were available.
Dogs Evolution and History - Sporting Dog Breeds - Retrievers, Pointers and
Setters
Sporting Dogs hunt by air scent, as opposed
to ground scent. The Retriever, Pointer and Setter dogs were bred selectively
which resulted in them fulfilling the needs of man. Retriever dogs find and
return killed game to the hunter. Some Retrievers are especially equipped, for
instance with a water-repellent coat and webbed feet, for retrieving downed
waterfowl. Pointer dogs stand in front of their quarry, with their nose and body
rigidly still , thus directing (or pointing) the hunter to its location. Setter
dogs were originally trained to set, or crouch, in front of game preventing the
escape of the quarry. The hunter would make the capture with a net. Man's own
evolution and development in technology moved the traditional hunting methods
away from primitive tools and nets - the Sporting Dogs were then called the
Gundogs.
Dogs History
and Evolution - The Terrier Dog
Breeds
Dogs in the Terrier group were developed to
hunt and kill vermin. The vermin included control rats, mice and other predatory
animals such as foxes that might raided a farmer's produce and livestock. The
very nature of these tasks required an energetic, tenacious, brave and
determined dog.
The History of Dogs - The
Non-Sporting Breeds
The characteristics and
features of Non-Sporting Dogs cannot be generalised. Each breed would have
originally have been introduced and strengthened by breeding with animals who
already demonstrated the desired traits. As times, fashions and societies
changed man established the need for breeds to assist in what was once
considered entertainment such as bull or bear baiting or performing in a
circus.
The Evolution & History of Dogs - Toy Dog
Breeds
The Toy dogs were initially owned by the
wealthy and were viewed by others as status symbols - a luxury item with little
apparent purpose. The trend continue to this day. The references to Toy and
miniature dogs are slowly being exchanged with references to Teacup dogs - a
cute and descriptive name which is ideal for marketing this diminutive type of
dog.
http://www.mans-best-friend.org.uk/history-evolution-dogs.htm (Direct Quote)