Complete encyclopedia of dogs: description of breeds, names and photos. Dog breeds Children's encyclopedia dogs and puppies read

The day when a pet appears in the house is like a real holiday. The dog is a devoted friend, a cheerful companion and a reliable protector. However, it happens that after a while a pet turns from a source of joy into a real burden. This is often due to the wrong choice of breed. Things to consider before getting a pet:

additional expenses– any breed of dog requires proper nutrition, care products, a visit to the veterinarian, buying toys and more. Evaluate your strengths sensibly - whether you can provide your pet with everything necessary;
time for the dog– any animal requires attention, this includes games with the dog, walks in the park, and time to care for its fur. Without the necessary attention, the dog's health will begin to deteriorate;
purpose of purchase– this parameter is perhaps the key when choosing a breed. Decide whether you just need a companion or a security guard, for example. If you plan to breed dogs, then you should choose a purebred pet with documents. If you are looking for a reliable friend, then it is not at all necessary to buy an expensive breed;
potential pranks– all dogs, to one degree or another, can cause trouble for the owner. Be it chewed shoes, damage to furniture or loud barking. Assess your self-control and poise;
changing your daily routine– buying a puppy will inevitably lead to adjustments to your usual lifestyle. After all, you will have to walk the chosen breed of dog, train it, and care for it;
living area– when looking at dog breeds with photographs and names, pay attention to the size of your home. After all, the dimensions of the pet should be commensurate with the square meters of the apartment;
Plan b– think in advance whether you can leave your pet with someone if you go on vacation or a business trip.

What will help you choose the right breed?

Do we have similar personalities?

The breed of the dog must match the temperament of its owner. If a lazy homebody gets an active pet, then no one will receive joy from such a union. The same applies to the situation when an active athlete gets a decorative dog that needs only minimal physical activity. And there are also breeds that only experienced owners with a strong-willed character can handle.

Dog breeds for different types of people:

For calm and balanced people, dog breeds such as pugs and retrievers are suitable;
Shepherds, Rottweilers and Dobermans are well suited for business people;
if you are a sensual person who wants to give your love and attention in huge quantities, then you should pay attention to;
for people of an analytical mindset who require order everywhere and in everything, poodles, collies, spaniels, and schnauzers are well suited;
For active people who devote a significant amount of time to walks and sports, huskies, setters, and greyhounds are well suited.

Breeds for home or apartment

Please note that they even require the same amount of attention from the owner as large representatives. When getting a Pekingese, for example, you will also have to walk him and take care of his fur. The option of purchasing a large breed puppy for an apartment is possible, but only if the area of the house allows it. Getting a shepherd dog in a one-room apartment where a family with a child already lives is an extremely irrational decision.

Apartment maintenance has several important nuances. First of all, you should not let your pet go for a walk on its own, especially if we are talking about a large breed. You should always be nearby and supervise the dog. Training and socialization are also a necessity for a four-legged city dweller, because he will come into contact with other animals and people.

Provided that all maintenance rules are followed, you can safely start and. An excellent option in this case are shepherd dogs, poodles, Labradors, spaniels, and boxers. These breeds have developed intelligence, a good level of socialization, a good disposition and a tendency to be obedient.

Of course, the most acceptable option is miniature dogs. Take a closer look at pugs, Scotch terriers, toy terriers and Pekingese. These pets are extremely unpretentious in their choice of food and level of care. As a rule, they are not too intrusive, and some representatives are even quite independent.

When purchasing a puppy for your home, you have virtually no restrictions on your choice. Both large and small pets are suitable for you. The only question is the temperament of the breed and its compliance with your requirements.

What type of coat does the breed have?

An important factor is also the length of the pet's fur. Smooth-haired breeds are the preferred option in most cases. They do not require careful grooming and will not cause any particular trouble during the molting period.

Long-haired dogs have a very attractive appearance, but to maintain their condition you will have to regularly brush their coat, brush it, bathe your pet, use shampoos and conditioners, and visit a hairdresser.

The choice of breed is significantly limited if potential owners are allergic to wool. In this case, you need to pay attention to hypoallergenic breeds. The optimal candidate would be a poodle.

It is also important to make the right choice regarding the age of the puppy. The older he gets, the more difficult it will be to accustom him to your order in the house, teach him commands, and adjust him “to you.” Dogs in adolescence already have a formed character, and it will be difficult to influence them.

However, you can’t take a very small puppy either. In this case, you can seriously harm the health of your future pet. His immunity will be weak if he is taken away from his mother's milk too early. This will also entail psychological trauma.

What gender should I get a pet?

Having decided on the breed of the dog, a new question becomes on the agenda - what gender should you buy a puppy. Let's look at the characteristics of females and males. Bitches:

become attached to people more quickly;
are more amenable to education and training;
can be used for breeding puppies;
need more attention than males;
can cause inconvenience to the owner during heat, so if you do not plan to breed puppies, you should think about sterilization.

Males are emotionally more assertive and active. They are more consistent with dog breed standards and participate more often in exhibitions and competitions. Males have innate leadership abilities, so a strong character is needed to subordinate them. Also, “men” tend to show constant interest in the opposite sex, while females experience attraction only a few times a year.

The Encyclopedia of Dogs is the most complete and comprehensive publication dedicated to these, perhaps, the most faithful pets in our lives. Now in the world there are already hundreds of breeds that differ in appearance and character. In this article we will talk about the most popular and unusual dogs that you can have at home.

From the encyclopedia of dogs you can find out quite complete and comprehensive information about these animals. In recent years, German Shepherds remain one of the most popular and widespread breeds in Russia.

These dogs are famous for their high performance and unpretentiousness; they are very obedient and loyal to humans. In the encyclopedia of dog breeds you can find information that German shepherds have been helping people in war for many decades. For example, it is known for certain that these dogs helped our army, starting with the Russian-Japanese War.

In ancient times they were used as herding dogs. Today they often serve as guide dogs for blind people, help in finding victims during rescue operations, and are considered the most popular breed for police service. From any encyclopedia of dogs you can find out that German shepherds have gained enormous popularity thanks to their roles in films: Semyon Tumanov’s “Come to me, Mukhtar!”, the American family series of the 50s “The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin”, the German detective serial film “Commissioner Rex” .

Today, German shepherds remain the most in demand when guarding private homes and industrial facilities. At the same time, dogs really love long walks with their owner, active games, they willingly follow commands, and playing tug is the best reward for them.

The encyclopedia about dogs for children states that the German Shepherd is an ideal dog for protecting the home and family with small children. Of course, young animals need time to learn all the intricacies, so it is recommended that they be sent to courses for a while where they will learn the basics of training.

Rottweiler

Every encyclopedia of dog breeds talks about such popular representatives as Rottweilers. Most likely, they descended from Italian mastiffs, which in ancient times protected herds of livestock. In the Middle Ages they were used by shepherds, for whom they were excellent guards.

In addition, dogs of this breed carried loads, delivered messages, and worked as law enforcement officers. Rottweiler dogs bred in the German city almost became extinct at the beginning of the 19th century. Breeders were able to revive them only a century later. Currently, the Dog Encyclopedia notes that these pets are very popular among people who are looking for a friend and family protector.

Rottweilers are very powerful, brave, calm and well-trained dogs, loyal to their owner. It is worth noting that without appropriate upbringing they become dangerous both for strangers and for family members.

The encyclopedia about dogs for children emphasizes that the popularity of Rottweilers is explained by their strength and beauty. These are the owners of some of the most powerful jaws among canines.

In old and new encyclopedias about dogs, a lot of attention is always paid to the Labrador Retriever breed. These are the most popular dogs in America and in Russia in recent years there have been more and more of them. Labradors are very cheerful, energetic, friendly and affectionate animals that can make almost any person they meet fall in love with them.

Initially, the breed was bred to be used for hunting, accompanying blind people, and participating in rescue operations. Today, despite their very versatile “education,” they are most often brought up as a full-fledged member of the family.

In the most complete encyclopedia about dogs you can find information that they have an easy-going and obedient character, the main thing for them always and in everything is to please their owner. Labradors are very helpful animals, and their inclusion in the ranking of the smartest dogs suggests that they are easy to train

This is an ideal dog for a family with small children; they get along well not only with kids, but also with cats. Fishermen and hunters will also be satisfied, as this is an excellent companion on all trips, a companion for morning jogging and cycling.

In the book "Encyclopedia of Dogs" they always note that when getting Labradors, you need to remember that these animals are prone to obesity, so they always need to be given stable physical activity, regularly walk and run with the Labrador. You can be sure that this dog will never miss an opportunity to play with you at any age.

Chow chow

In the large encyclopedia of dogs, from which you can learn everything about pets, you will find information about the Chow Chow breed. These are one of the most mysterious dogs, because there are a lot of theories about their origin, but no one still knows the truth.

There is even an opinion that this breed appeared in Siberia about two thousand years ago. From there she migrated to China and Mongolia. Some believe that the Chow Chow is a cross between a Samoyed and a Tibetan Mastiff, while others are convinced that the Samoyed itself is descended from the Chow Chow. They are thought to have a lot in common with the Shar Pei, mainly due to the fact that they have blue-purple tongues and traces of origin back to China. In general, no matter where these dogs come from, only one thing can be said with confidence: their fans are becoming more and more every year.

This is a valuable breed of dog, which in Asia has long been used in transporting sleds and carts, guarding houses, and hunting. It appeared in the West relatively recently, only in the 19th century. It was brought by English merchants, who initially called chow tea “Chinese wild dog.” Members of the royal family became interested in the breed, after which it quickly began to gain popularity.

In Russia, Chow Chows are popular and beloved pets by many. They get along even in a small city apartment. By the way, these animals are quite lazy, so they won’t be happy if you take them for a morning walk. From the illustrated encyclopedia about dogs, you can understand why many people fall in love with the Chow Chow at first sight. They are very cute and in reality are not as big as they seem due to their thick and abundant fur, which, by the way, requires careful care.

Pekingese

Fans of small dogs often prefer Pekingese. In the encyclopedia about dogs you can find complete and comprehensive information about them. Once upon a time, representatives of this breed were so expensive that only high-ranking people could afford them. Now the situation has changed radically. Pekingese have become very popular and relatively inexpensive.

Those who have at least once encountered a Pekingese in person claim that these dogs have a charm that captivates everyone around them. At the same time, they have a fairly high opinion of themselves, but they are very sensitive and gentle. And if you don’t pay enough attention to them, they become nervous and irritable. In addition, they are very jealous of their owners, preferring to be the only pet in the house. Pekingese will certainly compete for attention with other dogs.

These dogs are very undemanding to long walks; the Pekingese is very happy to run and play without leaving the apartment. So representatives of this breed get along well in big cities, where they often have to be content with a small living space.

Komondor

The complete encyclopedia of dog breeds also contains comprehensive information about rare breeds that are not so easy to meet on the street. A classic example is the Komondor. They are shepherd's helpers, also known as the Hungarian Shepherd.

This dog's appearance is truly extravagant. The wool consists of a huge number of braids, which look more like twisted cords. When Komondors worked with shepherds, watching over herds of sheep, such wool helped them escape the sun and cold, and also protected them from minor injuries in fights with bears and wolves.

Among all long-haired dogs, Komondors are famous for having the heaviest hair in the world. The “fur coat” of an adult individual consists of approximately two thousand laces and weighs about six kilograms.

Komondors are famous not only for their amazing hair, but also for their high intelligence and efficiency. They developed these qualities over the centuries, because they sometimes had to guard animals alone for several months while grazing.

Levchen

In the complete encyclopedia of dogs you will definitely find information about the Lewchen breed. Back in the Renaissance, she received the nickname “lion dog” because of the haircut specially invented for her. Among the ancestors of the Löwchen are the poodle and the small barbet; they were originally bred in France.

Moreover, the character of these dogs is not at all lion-like, but soft and pliable. Levchens are friendly and affectionate, besides, they are easy to train, good companions and friends, they know how to find a common language not only with their immediate owner, but also with all members of the household, and they love to play with children.

Representatives of this breed are often included in the list of the kindest dogs in the world.

This is a native American breed, related to the hounds. It got its name for two reasons - in honor of the surroundings of Lake Cathoula, which is located in Louisiana, and for its spotted color.

They say that in these places, back in the 16th century, mastiffs, bloodhounds and greyhounds were crossed with local red wolves. As a result, this truly unique dog appeared. Over time, it has become indispensable to all Louisiana farmers. At first it was used exclusively for looking after livestock, and then they began to take it to hunt raccoons, wild boars and squirrels. Here she showed herself in all her glory.

Today, the Catahoula Leopard Dog is still used in herding and by rescuers in search operations. The animal does not tolerate loneliness well and loves to communicate with humans. At the same time, it is very unpretentious in food and has good health.

Among representatives of this breed, individuals with turquoise-blue eyes are especially valued. No other dogs have these.

Another fairly rare breed is the Tibetan Mastiff. These animals were bred by monks in Tibetan monasteries, presumably about five thousand years ago. First of all, they impress everyone around them with their size. The dogs have a powerful and resilient physique, a broad chest, a massive head, a dense mane and a strong neck.

The weight of an adult is comparable to that of a human, reaching 60-80 kg, while the height rarely exceeds 70 centimeters. In addition to its gigantic size for a dog, the Tibetan Mastiff captivates many with its coarse, thick coat, which is not afraid of any frost. He can live in the snow, in the open air, without a kennel, without fear of harming his health.

Tibetan Mastiffs can have very different colors - they can be black, chestnut, gray and even golden. Despite their truly terrifying appearance, mastiffs are distinguished by their calm and reserved character, independence and high intelligence. They are very friendly towards other pets, including cats. At the same time, they are able to adequately respond to aggression towards them or towards their owners.

It is noteworthy that mastiffs even have teaching abilities. Therefore, they are often trusted by children, for whom they turn into interesting friends. Another important distinguishing feature of mastiffs is their cleanliness and exceptional neatness.

Azawakh

The Azawakh or South African Greyhound is a very unusual dog. It was bred in Southern Sahara specifically for hunting antelopes and gazelles. In Europe, the first representatives of this breed appeared only in the 70s of the 20th century.

French dog handlers were captivated by the beauty of the Azawakhs, and they decided to engage in targeted breeding. These dogs are often considered unique due to their outstanding anatomical features that make them unlike any other dog.

Azawakhs are very elegant, graceful and harmonious, the dog is brilliantly built - it has a slender and lean body, an elongated, narrow head. Thanks to her high legs, as well as her graceful exterior, she reminds many of purebred Arabian horses. These horses, by the way, also come from desert oases. The Azawakh's resemblance to horses is also due to its smooth and short coat, which tightly fits the entire body. As a rule, they are sandy in color.

Azawakhs have a hunting specialization, but at the same time they have amazing attentiveness and vigilance, and are considered excellent guard dogs. Therefore, they can be safely purchased to protect a private country house.

It is worth noting that this dog has a very cool temperament, as well as a proud and independent character, she knows how to stand up for herself. Azawakhs never tolerate dogs of another breed being nearby, much less cats. Therefore, if you already have pets, think again about whether you should get an Azawakh.

For all their independence, these dogs are very affectionate, intelligent and devoted to their owners. Treat them with love and tenderness.

Affenpinscher

Affenpinschers are easily recognized by their unusual short muzzle with a prominent chin. This breed was developed in Germany back in the 17th century. They had a very specific specialization - rat catchers. These animals have a very funny physiognomy, which reminds many of a monkey, and small sizes (height about 25 cm and weight no more than 5 kg). At the same time, the dogs themselves prefer to behave very importantly, having a high opinion of themselves.

Affenpinschers are curious, intelligent and loyal animals that are easy to train. They climb well, love outdoor games, and are endlessly devoted to their owner.

At the same time, they are very unfriendly and suspicious of almost all strangers, and cannot tolerate cats and other people's children. Therefore, you should only go for a walk with your Affenpinscher on a leash. For these character traits in France they are often called “mustachioed little devils.”

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Encyclopedia of dogs

Working dogs

1. GERMAN SHEPHERD

Origin. There are various theories about the origin of the German Shepherd. Supporters of the first theory believe that its appearance was the result of crossing various breeds of German shepherd dogs, the second theory claims that this is a consequence of the accidental crossing of a female shepherd dog with a wolf. The answer to this question is lost in the depths of centuries. It is known, however, that the first (long-haired) German Shepherd was presented at an exhibition in Hanover in 1882, and the first short-haired one in Berlin in 1889.

Description. Ideal height: male - 60–65 cm, female - 55–60 cm. Weight 35–40 kg. These dogs are characterized by a strong, muscular, slightly elongated body with light but strong bones. The head should be proportional to the body; forehead slightly convex; strong scissor bite; the ears are wide at the base, pointed, stand straight and turned forward (in puppies up to 6 months, the ears may droop slightly) Eyes: almond-shaped, never bulging, dark, with a lively, intelligent expression. The bushy tail reaches almost to the hock joint and is carried down when the dog is calm. The front limbs and shoulders of the shepherd are muscular, the hips are large and strong. The Shepherd has round paws with very hard pads. The color is black, steel gray, ash, either solid or evenly marked with brown, yellow or light gray. There are three varieties: wire-haired, long-haired, and long-haired.

Character. Brave, cheerful, obedient, reliable, loyal, affectionate with the owner and children, tolerant of other animals, wary of strangers, easy to train.

Application. Initially, dogs of this breed helped shepherds herd sheep. Due to their intelligence and exceptional character, shepherd dogs are used in the army (leaving reports under fire or through minefields), as a rescue dog (in water, in the mountains and during fires), as a police dog (the shepherd dog is able to sniff out a trail left several days ago). But German Shepherds are also excellent guard dogs. In this capacity, they can demonstrate the excellent reflexes and ability for a lightning-fast attack characteristic of this breed. The Shepherd always willingly follows commands.

2. BELGIAN SHEPHERD (Groenendael)

Origin. Belgian Shepherds have been around for centuries, but the breed as we know it today was defined in 1891 by Royle, a professor at the Belgian Institute of Veterinary Sciences. He identified three main varieties: longhaired, shorthaired and wirehaired. Later, in 1907, it was decided that the longhaired variety should be black, the shorthaired variety should be fawn with charcoal markings, and the wirehaired variety should be ash gray. Groenendael, a long-haired, solid black Belgian Shepherd, was bred by Nicholas Rose, who lived in the town of Groenendael, a few kilometers from Brussels.

Description. The Groenendael has a black, shiny coat that is thicker on the neck. Ideal height: males - 63 cm, females - 58 cm. Average weight is about 28 kg. Ears: Small and erect, triangular in shape. The eyes are brown, slightly almond-shaped. The legs are straight and muscular.

Character. As a result of subsequent selection, it was possible to eradicate the excessive timidity of the Groenendael. Most of these dogs are intelligent and have good memory. They are obedient, brave, and affectionate in the house.

Application. Groenendaels are excellent herding, guard and police dogs. They love the company of children.

3. BELGIAN TERVUREN

Origin. The Tervuren is one of the breeds developed in 1891 by the Belgian Institute of Veterinary Sciences under the leadership of Professor Royle. These dogs are similar to the Groenendael both in appearance and in character. Their relationship is so close that sometimes a Tervuren can be born from two Groenendaels.

Description. The Tervuren differs from the Groenendael in that dogs of this breed have dark fawn, thick, long and straight fur. Average height: male - 63 cm, female - 10% less. Weight should be about 28 kg. The eyes are brown, slightly almond-shaped. The ears are triangular. Body: powerful, but not heavy. Teeth: scissor bite. The Tervuren is the healthiest of all Belgian Shepherds, which is why dog breeders use it to strengthen other related breeds.

Character. Like the Groenendael, the Tervuren is known for its quick intelligence, courage, and the ease with which these dogs are trainable. They are deeply devoted to their owner and have a strong possessive instinct. They need a firm owner.

Application. These dogs were originally used to guard sheep, but the Tervuren can also become a loyal protector of a family or home.

Note. Belgian Shepherds have a terrible appetite. It is necessary to strictly monitor their diet to avoid obesity.

4. BELGIAN MALINOS

Origin. Bred in 1891 by the Belgian veterinary school, which, together with the Heigebert brothers, tried to systematize all the breeds of shepherd dogs known at that time in Belgium. This breed is also known as the Malin Shepherd.

Description. The least graceful of all Belgian Shepherd dogs. They are characterized by a short coat of yellowish-brown color with black tips and a black mask. The Malinois resembles a smaller German Shepherd. Height 60 cm. Weight 24–27 kg. Ears are erect. The eyes are brown and not protruding. The hind legs are completely straight. There is another variety of the Belgian Shepherd - the Laekenois, which is characterized by a hard fawn coat with black spots.

Application. Malinois are hardy dogs. They tolerate bad weather well

The content of the article

DOG(Canis familiaris), a domesticated mammal of the canine family (Canidae) of the carnivorous order, one of the most popular pets. Man probably domesticated the dog at least 14,000 years ago. This is exactly the age that was determined for the fossil teeth and jaws of a domestic dog found in a cave in Iraq. On its walls and in other places, drawings were found depicting dogs resembling some modern breeds; in addition, similar images of dogs, usually hunting dogs, are found on primitive pottery. It is known that the ancient Greeks bred several types of their breeds, differing mainly in their innate behavior (herding, guarding and hunting). The Egyptians also kept several types of them 9,000 years ago, and 4,000 years ago used huge mastiff-like dogs in battle.

The dog's ancestor is the wolf; the differences between it and some breeds are so small that these animals are easily confused. The close relationship is reflected in the scientific classification: we are talking about two species of the same genus ( C. familiaris And C. lupus). As a result of a long series of mutations, the wolf gave rise to all breeds of dogs, the diversity of which is truly amazing. It is not known when the first mutations occurred that attracted human attention, but it happened a long time ago. Probably, wolves stayed close to ancient people and fed on the remains of their hunting trophies. At the same time, it is possible that humans also used the carcasses of ungulates killed by wolves before the predators had time to completely eat them. According to the collected data and hypotheses, people and wolves have gotten along well since ancient times and, to one degree or another, depended on each other.

Although it is not known when domestic dogs became distinct from their wild ancestors, scientists believe that by 3500 BC. In Europe, four main types already existed, giving rise to most modern breeds. Inostrantsev's dog ( C. familiaris inostranzewi) was a large animal resulting from the crossing of early dingo-like dogs and northern wolves. Perhaps she became the ancestor of such powerful breeds as the German Shepherd, Husky and Chow Chow. Bronze dog ( C.f. matris-optimae) was a primitive shepherd dog, from which, for example, collies descended, and the small turf dog ( C.f. palustris) gave rise to terriers and Spitz dogs. Ashy (ashy) dog ( C.f. intermedius) is apparently the ancestor of most hounds, with the exception of greyhounds, which may have descended directly from the original ding-like forms.

STRUCTURE AND BEHAVIOR

There are more than 200 dog breeds. Some of the most interesting similarities and differences between them will be described below.

Size.

The height of dogs at the withers varies from 100 cm for the huge Irish Wolfhound to 15 cm for the tiny Chihuahua. A dog's weight depends on its build and amount of fat reserves. For example, one obese St. Bernard weighed 113 kg, and then lost weight to 72 kg.

With regular training, dogs are surprisingly strong for their size - some are able to carry heavy luggage on their backs, drag sleds, logs and other large loads. These animals are also very hardy. Sled dogs often have six of them to tow sleds weighing one ton for several hours at a time; foxhounds can follow the scent for 48 hours without a break.

Fur.

The Mexican Hairless Dog is almost hairless. In some breeds, the fur can grow up to 45 cm, and only constant cutting and combing provide the animal with a normal life. The breeds even differ in the nature of their hair - some have coarse hair, others have silky hair. Most dogs are smooth-haired, but some have hair that sticks out vertically from the hair follicles, resulting in the so-called. Wire-haired. Typically, the cross-section of the hair is round, but in some breeds it is oval, resulting in curly fur. When the hair is both long and curly, the coat looks like a fleece, i.e. curled into long, tight spirals, like a bullet's.

Some breeds have only one type of hair, but most have a different coat and soft undercoat. The long and thick undercoat of northern dogs protects them from severe frost.

All dogs shed their fur once a year, and the timing of shedding largely depends on the length of daylight hours. Shedding begins when the days become noticeably longer. By mid-summer, old hair falls out, and new hair partially grows back. If the dog is constantly kept at home, where electric lighting maintains approximately the same “length of day” all year round, the shedding will be delayed. In natural light, it is completed in a few months.

Temperature also affects fur growth. If you keep a dog outside, then with the onset of cold weather its fur thickens. If a dog of the same breed lives in a warm place, its fur is always less dense.

Most dog colors are due to the combination of black and yellow hair characteristic of their ancestor, the wolf. However, mutations and other reasons have led to incomparably greater diversity, which is generally typical for domestic animals.

In dogs, like all mammals, the color of their fur is determined by pigment granules contained in the hair. When there are many of them, the color is black. When there are fewer black granules and they are more loosely located, the color becomes dark chestnut. When the black granules are scattered and there are no yellow ones, the so-called result is obtained. blue or gray fur. In the absence of black pigment it is yellow. If there are no pigments at all, the dog turns out to be an albino. Such individuals are very rare; they have white fur and red eyes.

Ears.

Some breeds have ears very different from the pointed, erect ears of the ancestral, wolf type. Sometimes they are much shorter; but the other extreme is the hanging ears of a black and tan foxhound with a “span” (if measured over the head, stretching them to the sides) reaching 100 cm.

Some dogs have ears that are naturally erect and pointed, while others, such as beagles, have ears that flop because of their length and weight. In a number of breeds with naturally hanging ears, they are trimmed (cropped) at an early age to make them erect and pointed. However, in the UK and some other countries this operation is prohibited. Now they are breeding “loop-eared” dogs with shorter ears that can stand up straight without being clipped.

Tail shape and position.

As a result of breeding work, dogs have a huge variety of tail shapes and positions. For example, in some bulldog breeds it is short and curled. In gun breeds that work on game birds, there are two opposite options for its placement. According to US club standards, these dogs must hunt with their tail held high, while the rules adopted in the UK require it to be extended back in the working position. As a result, some gun breeds, such as pointers and setters, are bred in two varieties.

Dogs of this type sometimes damage their long tail in dense bushes, so in a number of these breeds it is customary to chop it off. Tails are also docked on spaniels, poodles, Dobermans, schnauzers and some other breeds. The Old English Sheepdog (Bobtail) and the Schipperke basically do not have a tail. If present in a newborn, it is amputated at an early age.

Paws.

All dogs have four supporting toes on each paw with claws that, unlike cats, do not retract. In addition, on the inside of the front paw there is a fifth toe, called the dewclaw. In some breeds it is located so high on the paw that it is completely useless, in others it grows lower and is well developed. There are also breeds with dewclaws not only on the front but also on the hind legs: they are believed to be useful for swimming.

Teeth.

Like all mammals, dogs have two sets of teeth. Small, sharp baby teeth develop in puppies towards the end of the infancy period, i.e. at 6–8 weeks of age. By 14 weeks, the two middle upper incisors fall out, followed by all the other baby teeth. They are quickly replaced by permanent teeth, and by the age of five months the dog has already developed a full “adult” set of teeth, consisting of 42 teeth.

The dog uses small incisors located in front - six upper and lower - to bite food, and four pointed long fangs on the sides of them - to tear it, and also during fights. The remaining teeth - premolars and molars - are needed for gnawing bones and cutting meat.

Despite their typically carnivorous dentition, dogs are not purely carnivorous. In the wild, they devour their prey whole, including a significant amount of partially digested plant contents from its stomach. Most domestic dogs also like to eat a whole rodent on occasion, such as a mouse or a groundhog.

Sweat glands.

Humans and many other mammals get rid of excess heat in part by secreting sweat from a large area of the body. In dogs, sweat glands are located only on the nose and soles, so they are much less involved in thermoregulation. In addition to sweating, their thermoregulation is facilitated by the evaporation of saliva from the surface of the tongue and pharynx. It cools the dog down; The hotter the animal is, the more often it breathes, opening its mouth wide.

Voice.

Dogs can make sounds of varying pitches and intensities. It's not just barking. When lost, they howl, whine in pain, and while eating, they growl, warning: “Don’t come near.” Females, being near the puppies, often become agitated and purr when they squeal restlessly.

Representatives of all breeds are capable of “singing” on their own initiative. Many dogs react to the sound of certain notes and howl at them. Some dogs, especially northern ones, seem to like to “sing in chorus”: raising their heads, they howl in unison.

Sense organs.

Dogs have the same senses as humans, only some are more developed, others the same, and others, perhaps, worse. Dogs' hearing is much more subtle. If a person distinguishes sounds with a frequency of up to 20,000 Hz, then most dogs - up to 40,000 Hz (and some - even twice as high tones), i.e. perceives frequencies that are “ultrasonic” to us. This is the basis for the use of a “silent” Galton whistle: they are given signals with a frequency above 20,000 Hz. Dogs perceive them, but people do not.

The sense of smell (sense) greatly depends on the breed, but all dogs are much superior to humans in this regard, and some are able to smell even such faint odors that no device can detect. For example, bloodhounds can distinguish the scent of a specific person among the tracks of hundreds of people.

Although the taste sensitivity of dogs has not been studied enough, some observations suggest that it is also higher than that of humans. However, what was defined as “taste” in the experiments may also include the smell of the object, which is inaccessible to humans.

Dogs are color blind; otherwise their vision is probably close to that of humans. However, some breeds see worse than us, especially in the distance. Dogs' sense of touch appears to be less developed than that of humans.

Mental capacity.

Physiologists consider dogs to be one of the smartest pets. However, in this sense, they are somewhat inferior to some wild species and are much “stupid” than monkeys. Dogs have an excellent memory, especially for smells, and they learn quickly through trial and error. For most of the history of dog breeding, they were trained using coercion and punishment. However, thanks to a better understanding of the physiological nature of the conditioned reflex, training dogs now requires less time and gives the animal pleasure. In addition, this reward-based method produces more lasting results.

Innate behavior.

Some behavioral stereotypes are the same in all breeds. For example, before lying down, the dog usually spins around in the place chosen for this. Several theories have been proposed to explain this behavior. According to one of them, this stereotype was formed due to the fact that a dog needs to trample down grass or snow to make its bed more comfortable. According to another, this behavior is based on the movements of the female around the puppies, when she gathers them into a pile with gentle pushes, so that when she lies down, she does not crush the cubs.

In addition, there are special breed stereotypes that have long been noticed by breeders. Initially, different types of dogs were created based on their temperament and characteristic working abilities. Although physical traits were simultaneously selected for, they were considered less essential. As a result, breeds of the same direction differ markedly in appearance, however, for example, all shepherd dogs have an innate herding instinct.

Another specialization of behavior is associated with pugnacity and the way of fighting. Fighting breed dogs are especially aggressive. In a fight, they cling their jaws to the enemy, shaking their heads from side to side so that the fangs sink deeper into his body.

Crossing breeds with different behavioral stereotypes shows that some of them dominate in the offspring. For example, if you cross a gun dog that hunts with its head up with a ground-sniffing hound, the offspring will develop a tendency to hold its head up and an interest in hunting birds.

Mating and reproduction.

A female dog is called a bitch, and a male dog is called a male. When a female gives birth, she is said to be whelping, and puppies born together are considered to be part of the same litter. In dogs, the age of puberty is more or less proportional to size. In females of small breeds, the first sexual cycle occurs at the age of 7 to 9 months, and in the largest breeds - no earlier than the 14th or even 16th month of life.

A female dog's sexual cycle is called the estrous cycle, or colloquially called "estrus." During this time, the dog's behavior reflects the development of its ovaries. When follicles with eggs enlarge on their surface, the bitch becomes restless and wanders around, leaving small urine marks everywhere that attract males. She allows the male dog to mate for several days before the follicles rupture and the eggs are released into the reproductive tract. This usually lasts from the 12th to the 16th day of the cycle: the best time for “mating” dogs. After successful mating, birth occurs after approximately 61 days.

The number of eggs released ranges from one to 25 and is generally proportional to the size of the dog. The largest litters have up to 25 puppies; One Foxhound bitch gave birth to and nursed 22 puppies.

If the litter consists of 7 puppies, labor usually lasts from 45 minutes to 2 hours. However, some breeds give birth longer; sometimes it takes them a whole day for this, and the last puppies, as a rule, are born stillborn. The next estrus usually occurs 4–5 months after birth.

Lifespan.

Depending on the breed, dogs live from 9 to 15 years, but individuals are known that lived up to 20 years and, apparently, maintained normal physical shape until 15 years. The mortality rate of dogs from disease has decreased significantly due to vaccines and improved veterinary care, but this has not led to a significant increase in average life expectancy, since many dogs die as a result of accidents. It is estimated that, taking into account the mortality of puppies, the average life expectancy of dogs does not exceed five years.

CLASSIFICATION

There are two main ways to classify the numerous dog breeds. Natural classification comes from how the breed is used or what it was bred for. The exhibition classification is based on traditions established in different countries.

Natural classification.

This system distinguishes nine classes: gun dogs, hounds, greyhounds, shepherd dogs, guard dogs, terriers, fighting dogs, sled dogs and lap dogs.

Gun breeds, such as the English setter, spaniel and pointer, are used primarily for bird hunting. They are very attentive and obedient; many are endowed with the instinct to find and bring prey, not only on land, but also in water.

Hounds are hunting dogs that follow the scent (scent) of animals with their nose down to the ground. They are often used to hunt bear, fox, deer, possum and cougar, and sometimes to search for criminals, escaped prisoners and missing people. Some breeds of hounds are created specifically for tracking animals in trees (squirrels, martens, etc.).

Greyhounds are also hunting dogs, but unlike hounds, they chase animals using their keen eyesight. These are one of the fastest dogs. Some of their common breeds include the Greyhound, Irish Wolfhound, Whippet, Saluki and Afghan Hound.

Shepherd dogs, such as Puli and Bobtail dogs, are usually kept on sheep and cattle farms. As a rule, they work without a team, preventing the herd from scattering.

Guard dogs protect human life and property. Widely known among them are the German Shepherd, which is often used as a guide for the blind, and the Doberman Pinscher. Although guard dogs seem angry, they are quite friendly with their owners. In addition, they are alert, reactive and obedient.

Terriers were originally bred to hunt marmots, badgers and other small burrowing animals. These dogs have powerful jaws for pulling prey out of burrows, as well as strong paws and strong claws for digging. Large terriers, such as the Airedale, are used to hunt large animals, in particular pumas.

Fighting dogs, such as the bulldog and bull terrier, are bred primarily for bull baiting and dog fighting. Although these "sports" are now banned in most countries, they still thrive in some areas of South America, Japan and the United States.

Sled dogs, such as Malamutes, are typically used to pull carts, sleds, or other heavy loads. These are large, hardy and very strong animals. In addition, northern sled dogs are able to withstand very low temperatures - down to - 46 ° C.

Indoor and decorative dogs, such as Pomeranians, Chihuahuas and Pekingese, due to their miniature size, have long been popular as a kind of living toys. However, they are always on the alert and with their barking they are able to warn their owners of serious danger.

Exhibition classification.

In some kennel clubs and among hobbyists, the division of breeds into seven classes is sometimes used: terriers, lap dogs, hounds and greyhounds, working dogs, gundogs, non-hunting dogs and herding dogs.