Choosing the perfect dog breed is very important for anyone who wants to enjoy the companionship of a canine. In addition to the many types of dogs, there are also different classifications and behaviors within the various breeds. While there is no one type of dog that is better than another, there are some common traits that can help you determine which one will be right for you.
Origins
Throughout history, dogs have been domesticated by humans. Breeds of dogs developed, and some became well-known throughout the world. These dogs have been used for hunting, guarding, and livestock guarding.
There are four hundred different dog breeds. Each dog is a descendant of wolves. Some dogs are more closely related to their wolf ancestors than others.
The earliest dogs may have lived in Southern and Central Asia. Archaeologists have found bones dating back to 15,000 years in this region. These fossils suggest that five different types of dogs existed by the start of the Bronze Age.
The ancient Eastern dogs migrated west with their human partners during the Bronze Age. They were probably tamed by Paleolithic humans living in Southern China and Southern Europe. The dogs are believed to have been domesticated for thousands of years.
The modern dogs are thought to have emerged from grey wolves domesticated by prehistoric humans in Eastern and Western Eurasia. Genetic evidence indicates that the dogs came to America about 10,000 years ago.
A team led by Peter Savolainen, professor of genetics at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, compared the genomes of 58 wolves and 58 dogs. The results showed that the mitochondrial genomes of the modern dogs are more closely related to those of the canids of Europe.
The team also analyzed a large group of dogs, gathering data from 161 breeds. They found that each group had a different strategy for herding flocks.
Classifications
Historically, dogs were classified into two groups: Sporting and Non-Sporting. Today, humans have created an impressive variety of canine phenotypes. Although some breeds are classified as both, it is best to choose a dog based on its specific breed.
The Sporting Group of dogs was traditionally bred to hunt birds, rodents, and other small game. These dogs are athletic and have high energy levels. They are also intelligent and vocal, and make excellent additions to a family.
These dogs are highly trainable and can be relied on for work in search and rescue. They are also ideal for helping to guard a farm or livestock. They are also known for their scent-tracking abilities. Some breeds, like the Rhodesian Ridgeback, can chase lions.
Terriers are smaller breeds of dogs that are under 20 pounds. Most have dropped ears and prick or prickless coats. These breeds are usually found in the British Isles and are named for the place where they were bred.
These dogs are divided into seven groups, which are detailed below. Each group has its own responsibilities and functions. Some of these jobs include:
The Herding Group of dogs includes many different breeds that perform a wide range of tasks. These include farm and draft animals, guide dogs, security dogs, and police dogs. Some breeds are even used to search for missing people.
The Toy Group of dogs are tiny and small, and are often used for companionship. These dogs come in a variety of colors and sizes. They are often used in small homes or apartments. They are generally hardy and have a lower cost of care.
Variation in behavior within breeds
Across breeds, dogs exhibit complex behavioral phenotypes. This is a result of thousands of years of human interaction with dogs. They have also been selectively bred.
Several studies have focused on the genetic underpinnings of dog behavior. Some have shown that a small number of genes control the major morphologic phenotypes of modern breeds. This may account for some of the variance.
Another study examined brain anatomy in relation to different breeds of dogs. This showed that brain morphology covaries with behavioral specializations. These include regions supporting higher-order olfactory processing and eye movement. They also relate to scent hunting, sight hunting, and companionship.
However, this study also identified the genetic component of behavior. While breed is not a predictive factor, it may improve behavioral predictions for more heritable traits. The study used two dog genotype databases and combined it with survey data. It found that 131 genetic variants are associated with behavioral traits.
One of the newest studies in canine genetics suggests that only a few genes control the major morphologic phenotypes. These include the candidate domestication genes.
Using genome-wide association mapping technologies, Karlsson studied the relationship between modern canine breeds and behavioral characteristics. This was done with more than 2,000 dogs. He and his co-author, Kathryn Lord, paired the technology with pet owner surveys.
Similarly, a recent study by Scott and Fuller examined the interbreed differences in dog behavior. They compared the American cocker spaniel with the wire-haired fox terrier, and the beagle with the Shetland sheepdog. They also looked at the influence of the maternal environment.
Human racial groups differ from dog breeds
Compared to dog breeds, human racial groups are a lot more complex. They represent a blend of different geographical, ethnic and biological characteristics, including black, Asian, Hispanic, European and Middle Eastern. They have also changed throughout history. This is largely due to migration, which prevents genetic isolation of groups.
The human race-dog breed analogy has been a common occurrence for centuries. However, it does not have an academic basis. And its popularity is based on the cultural fancies of the day. It has helped pass anti-miscegenation laws in the U.S. in the early twentieth century.
This is not to say that humans and dogs have no similarities. They are both highly variable, and the same mutation will eventually occur in both of them. They also share some traits, like high levels of heterozygosity, but they don’t have many genetic restrictions, such as inheritance. They can both reproduce, but they cannot reproduce cloned children.
This means that the human race-dog breed comparison has a lot of holes in it. For example, there are no randomized controls, no measures of outbreeding, no genetic markers, no real way to measure how closely related two populations are.
One of the best ways to measure the number of morphologically allometric variations is to do a morphometric association study. This method involves collecting data on several thousand phenotypes and analyzing them in parallel.
Village dogs show significantly more genetic diversity
Compared to European dogs, Kenyan village dogs have a significantly higher level of genetic diversity. This is important for reconstructing dog domestication. They live in three different regions in Northern Kenya, where they are kept by semi-nomadic pastoralists. They are a unique model of canine populations. Their study also helps to understand general mechanisms that govern adaptation and evolution.
In this study, a panel of microsatellite markers was used to analyze overall genetic diversity of African village dogs. A model-based Bayesian clustering method was applied to detect differences in MHC markers. The results showed a trend towards substructure in the MHC loci. There were 27 DLA three-locus class II haplotypes in the group of 135 dogs. There were four to seven maternal haplotypes. These haplotypes shared between breeds. In contrast, Y haplotypes were more breed specific.
The IR gene SNP markers showed mixed contributions from ancestral populations. This is consistent with the assumption that genetic variation is due to pathogen pressure. Inbreeding is another possibility. The observed heterozygosities were lower than expected. The lowest mean heterozygosity was found in the Mt. Ngyiro subpopulation, where the effective alleles per locus were lower than in the other two subpopulations. The observed heterozygosities in the Lake Turkana subpopulation were similar to the Mt. Ngyiro dogs, although they had less effective alleles per locus.
In addition to analyzing the structure and diversity of the African village dogs, the study also analyzed genetic diversity of candidate IR genes. These genetic markers are neutral and measure the extent of genetic variation.
Hypoallergenic dogs are unlikely to cause an allergic reaction
Choosing hypoallergenic dogs is a good way to keep your pup healthy. These dogs have less shedding than other breeds, which may reduce the amount of allergens released.
Hypoallergenic dog breeds come in all shapes and sizes. Some are known for their low shedding, while others are popular for their playful personalities. Choose a dog based on your family’s lifestyle. If you have young children, consider how your dog will interact with them.
The hairy-mouse-related-thing to do is brush your dog at least twice a week. This will help you to remove the allergens from the coat and prevent skin irritation. You may also want to bathe your dog in moisturizing shampoo to avoid dry skin.
Other than brushing your dog, you can also try other ways to reduce the amount of allergens. For example, stopping your dog from doing its business in the yard can reduce the chances of an allergic reaction. Similarly, using a dog crate or a dog bed can also minimize the likelihood of an allergy reaction.
For your dog, you might try a hypoallergenic dog food. Many commercial dog foods claim to be hypoallergenic. However, scientific studies have yet to confirm the benefits of this type of food. Several tests have shown no significant difference in the amount of allergens in households with hypoallergenic dogs compared to non-hypoallergenic homes.
Another thing to consider is if you are allergic to dander. These are the proteins that stick to the fur on a dog. The more dander your dog produces, the more likely you are to have an allergic reaction.
