Dog breed

Dog Breed Development and Classification
– Dogs are the most variable mammal on Earth, with over 360 globally recognized breeds.
– Breed development involves purposeful breeding by humans for specific tasks such as herding, hunting, and guarding.
– Breeds possess distinct traits related to morphology, behavior, and personality.
– Most breeds were derived from small numbers of founders within the last 200 years.
– Kennel clubs and breed registries maintain and publish breed standards.
– Different types of dog breeds existed prior to standardization.
– The term ‘dog breed’ took on a new meaning during the Victorian era, emphasizing form over function.
– Pure breeds, cross-breeds, mixed breeds, and natural breeds are different uses of the term ‘breed’ in relation to dogs.
– Dog shows and competitions played a significant role in defining specific characteristics and desirable features.
– The English Kennel Club, established in 1873, documented pedigrees and influenced breed standardization.
– The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) is a global canine organization that classifies dog breeds.
– The American Kennel Club (AKC) and the New Zealand Kennel Club also categorize dog breeds into different groups.
– The AKC Canine Partners program allows mixed breed dogs to be registered.
– The Animal Pedigree Act of 1985 in Canada regulates the registration of dog breeds.

Ancient Dog Breeds and Genetic Evidence
– Ancient dog breeds existed 9,000 years ago in arctic northeastern Siberia, Egypt, and Western Asia.
– Controlled breeding practices during the Victorian era led to the development of modern dog breeds.
– Dogs are the first species and the only large carnivore to have been domesticated.
– Directed human selection during the Victorian era resulted in a vast range of phenotypes and modern dog breeds.
– Genetic studies have identified regions of the dog genome associated with phenotype variation and recent selection.
– The term ‘ancient breed’ was used for dog breeds with origins believed to date back more than 500 years.
– A genetic study identified 9 breeds as ancient breeds based on distinct genetic units and strong statistical support.
– Ancient breeds are separate from other breeds with a modern European origin.
– Dogs display more phenotypic diversity than can be found within the entire order of carnivores.
– Genetic studies on dog breeds have revealed the rich history of dog domestication.
– Canine genetics offer new mechanisms for the study of human cancer.
– Natural and human-driven selection have influenced the genetic makeup of ancient and modern canids.
– The genetic structure of purebred domestic dogs has been extensively studied.

Health Issues and Mortality of Dog Breeds
– Purebred dogs have more health problems than mixed-breed dogs.
– They require more veterinary visits and tend to have lower longevity.
– Dog breeds with flat faces and short noses often have breathing difficulties and eye problems.
– Studies have reported shorter lifespans for purebred dogs compared to mixed-breed dogs.
– Health issues can be more prevalent in certain breeds due to genetic factors.
– Insured dogs in Sweden experienced morbidity and mortality based on gender, age, and breed.
– Rates and causes of death in Swedish dogs varied among different breeds.
– Mortality rates of purebred and mixed-breed dogs in Denmark have been studied.
– Longevity and mortality of owned dogs in England have been analyzed.
– Comparative longevity of pet dogs and humans has implications for gerontology research.

Cross-breeds and Mixed-breeds
– Cross-breeds are the result of mating two different breeds of dogs.
– Designer dogs became popular in the late 20th century.
– Cross-breeds are different from canid hybrids, which are crosses between different species of Canis.
– Historically, crosses between dogs of different types were more accepted before modern purebred breeds existed.
– Some crossbred dogs may have the advantage of heterosis or crossbreed vigor.
– Mixed-breeds, also known as mongrels or mutts, do not belong to one officially recognized breed.
– They can be a mix of two breeds and are not the result of intentional breeding.
– The term ‘mixed-breed’ is preferred over ‘mongrel’ in the United States to avoid negative connotations.
– Purebred dogs are artificially created from random-bred populations through selective breeding.
– Not all non-purebred dogs are a mix of defined breeds, and some experts still prefer the term ‘mongrel’.

Breed Standards and Temperament
– Kennel clubs maintain breed standards and record pedigrees in a breed registry.
– Dogs of the same breed have similar characteristics due to shared ancestry.
– Breed true – producing young that resemble their parents.
– Proof of ancestry is required to identify a dog as a member of a specific breed.
– Some clubs may have inconsistent standards and not apply scientific criteria for breed recognition.
– Breed standard is a detailed description of the appearance and behavior of an idealized dog of a specific breed.
– It includes externally observable aspects of appearance and behavior that are considered important for the breed.
– Breed standards also mention unacceptable faults in appearance or temperament.
– Understanding breed temperaments helps in responsible dog ownership and training.
– A 2014 study suggested that gene mutations may be linked to breed temperaments.
– Ancient ancestry may also influence breed temperaments.
– Different breeds exhibit varying levels of anxiety or fear.
– Breed temperaments can impact behavior and suitability for certain roles.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_breed