The domestic dog is a mammal in the canine family of the Order Carnivora. Dogs were first domesticated from wolves at about 14,000 years B.C (genetic evidence suggests dogs split from wolves around 100,000 years ago, although it is unclear if this was related to domestication). In this time, the dog has developed into hundreds of breeds with a great degree of variation in height and weight, coat color and texture, anatomical details and behavior. Dogs fill a variety of roles in human society and are often trained as working dogs. For dogs that do not have traditional jobs, a wide range of dog sports provide the opportunity to exhibit their natural skills. In many countries the most common, and perhaps most important, role of dogs is as companions. Dogs have lived with and worked with humans in so many roles that their loyalty has earned them the sobriquet "man's best friend."
A puppy is a baby dog, generally less than one year of age. The term is sometimes abbreviated to pup, and in that form is used for the young of some other animals, such as the wolf. The number of puppies in a litter varies greatly by breed. Some smaller dogs typically bear only one or two puppies at a time, while some larger breeds bear a dozen or more. In some cases, one puppy will be the runt of the litter, being noticeably smaller than the others.
Born after approximately 63 days of gestation, puppies emerge in an amnion which is bitten off and eaten by the mother dog. At first, puppies spend ninety percent of their time sleeping and the rest feeding. Puppies develop very quickly during their first three months, particularly after their eyes and ears open and they are no longer completely dependent on their mother. Puppies are highly social animals and spend most of their waking hours interacting with either their mother or littermates. It is important that the puppy receive regular positive socialisation with other dogs and humans during the first sensitive period (eight to twelve weeks).
The Labrador Retriever ("Labrador" or "Lab" for short), is a retriever, and is the most popular breed of dog (by registered ownership) in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The breed is friendly, intelligent, energetic and good natured, making them excellent companions and working dogs. Labrador Retrievers are known to be one of the fastest-learning breeds of dog and respond well to praise and positive attention. The steady temperament of Labs and their ability to learn quickly make them an ideal breed for assistance dogs as well as search and rescue, detection, and therapy work.
The Gordon Setter is a gundog, and a member of the setter family. Gordon Setters are intensely loyal to their owners, but can take a few minutes to warm up to strangers. They are good family dogs, laid-back and loving, though not recommended with small children as they can be boisterous. It is the heaviest of the setters, and is more substantial in build than its popular relative, the svelte Irish Setter. Rather than being built for speed, they move with determination and stamina.
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