Dogs - Wonderful Companions
Wendy Yeager
Dogs Are Man's Best Friend
Dogs are believed to be descendants of wild wolves. They were the first wild animal to be tamed. Ancient man probably brought home cub wolves to raise as pets. The pet wolves were also useful in driving away bears and other wild animals. One of the oldest known breed of dogs is the Salukis, which were bred by Egyptians thousands of years ago as hunting dogs. Greyhounds and Dalmatians are also among the oldest breeds documented.
Over the centuries, people have found many ways for dogs to be useful. Dogs helped to pull loads, herd cattle and sheep, and guard their master and the master’s property. The Ancient Greeks developed tiny lap dogs, which were meant to be held in a lady’s lap to help keep her stomach warm. Bulldogs with huge jaws and short noses were developed so they could hang onto the throat of a bull and still be able to breathe. In more recent years, dogs have been trained as seeing eye dogs for the blind. Dogs have also been recruited to work with law enforcement to detect drugs and explosives.
Today many dogs, such as the Poodle or Chihuahua, no longer resemble the wolf. Other dogs, such as the Siberian Husky and the German Shepherd still show a strong resemblance to the wolf. There are many different breeds in existence today, from the short haired Beagle and Boston Terrier to the long haired Cockers and Scotties. The Beagle may be better suited to live in the city, while Setters or Collies may be more comfortable in the country. The tallest dogs are Great Danes and the Irish Wolfhound. They would probably be more comfortable in a place where they had a lot of room to run and play.
In the United States, one out of three families owns one or more dogs. Most dogs live anywhere from eight to fifteen years. When dogs are one year old, they are as physically mature as a 15 year old human. Dogs can see some color but not as vividly as humans, thus they are considered color blind. Yet, dogs can see much better in dim light than us. Dogs have us beat in the category of smell, also. Their sense of smell is up to one million times greater than humans!
Regardless of which kind of dog you choose- big, little, smooth haired, shaggy, fast, slow, playful or dignified, dogs make wonderful companions. Enjoy their companionship and remember they need plenty of love, attention, and petting to be happy!
http://www.marwencorp.com/dogs-go2/
About the author: Copyright © 2005 marwencorp.com/dogs-go2 All rights reserved.
The latest information and news on Dog Care Advice :
The Prince George's County Sheriff's Office has concluded in an internal review that its deputies were justified when they shot and killed two dogs belonging to the mayor of Berwyn Heights during a July drug raid, Sheriff Michael Jackson said yesterday.
Dogs kill beloved pet (WPTV West Palm Beach)
Two dogs in Lake Worth break free of their yard and kill a neighbor's cat.
Vick's Dogs Playful After Pit Bull Rehab (ABC News)
At Utah animal sanctuary, Michael Vick's dogs get a second chance.
Protecting Kids As Well As Dogs (KOLD News 13 Tuscon)
There are laws in Tucson to protect dogs and cats which are left in hot cars, but there is no law to protect children. That may change.
National Geographic rescues Vick's dogs (14 WFIE Evansville)
"Despite the horrors they've experienced, these dogs have made astounding progress, proof that every dog deserves a second chance," says Dogtown producer Darcy Dennett.
Pets' Corner: I don't have time for my dogs (Independent)
I have two beautiful dogs that I've owned for about five years. But I am struggling with work commitments, which are taking me away from home a lot. I walk them in the morning and evening, and I have a dog walker who pops in twice a week, but I don't know how much longer I can afford this. Am I being cruel by leaving them for so long? Is it time for me to say goodbye to them? Lindsey, via ...
Where are the dogs? (Paris Beacon)
?What happened to my dogs?? that is the question Paris resident Deanna Kennedy has been asking for almost two weeks now. Kennedy was greeted at her door by members of the Edgar County Sheriff?s Department Aug. 23 for complaints on her two large dogs running loose.
Berks kennel raided; eight dogs are removed (The Philadelphia Inquirer)
Humane agents raided a commercial dog-breeding kennel in Berks County yesterday and removed eight dogs with severe health problems, officials said.
Television | Abused dogs get fresh chance (The Columbus Dispatch)
Michael Vick achieved an approval rating even lower than the president's when his dogfighting ring was exposed last year. In the aftermath, many pundits suggested that Vick's dogs needed to be euthanized. The premiere episode of DogTown offers some rare good news from the heart-wrenching story.
Officers learn first aid for police dogs (Tahoe Daily Tribune)
Police dogs face a variety of dangers while performing their duties, including some that human officers don't.