Jump to content

Dog: Difference between revisions

Edit links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Sperling (talk | contribs)
412 edits
m Disambiguation text
Gamaliel, just found out that your mom put a dog's penis into her asshole...then you licked the dog's dick it clean and kissed your mom on the lips. Fuck with others, others fuck you
Line 1: Line 1:
[[User:Gamaliel|Gamaliel]], just found out that your mom put a dog's penis into her asshole...then you licked the dog's dick it clean and kissed your mom on the lips. Fuck with others, others fuck you.
{{dablink|This article is about the '''domestic dog'''. For other members of the canine family, see [[Canidae]]. For the computer game character see [[Dog (Half-Life 2)]].}}

<!-- The following is markup for the dog taxonomy box; scroll down to get to the body text -->
{{Taxobox_begin | color = pink | name = Domestic Dog}}<br />{{StatusSecure}}
{{Taxobox_image | image = [[Image:YellowLabradorLooking wb.jpg|250px|Labrador Retriever]] | caption = '''[[Labrador Retriever]]'''<br>a breed of domestic dog}}
{{Taxobox_begin_placement | color = pink}}
{{Taxobox_regnum_entry | taxon = [[Animal]]ia}}
{{Taxobox_phylum_entry | taxon = [[Chordate|Chordata]]}}
{{Taxobox_subphylum_entry | taxon = [[Vertebrate|Vertabrata]]}}
{{Taxobox_classis_entry | taxon = [[Mammal]]ia}}
{{Taxobox_ordo_entry | taxon = [[Carnivora]]}}
{{Taxobox_familia_entry | taxon = [[Canidae]]}}
{{Taxobox_genus_entry | taxon = ''[[Canis]]''}}
{{Taxobox_species_entry | taxon = ''[[wolf|C. lupus]]''}}
{{Taxobox_subspecies_entry | taxon = '''''C. l. familiaris'''''}}
{{Taxobox_end_placement}}
{{Taxobox_section_trinomial_parens | color = pink| trinomial_name = Canis lupus familiaris | author = [[Carolus Linnaeus|Linnaeus]] | date = 1758}}
{{Taxobox_end}}

The '''Dog''' is a [[canidae|canine]] [[carnivore|carnivorous]] [[mammal]] that has been domesticated for at least 14,000 years and perhaps for as long as 150,000 years based on recent evidence. In this time, the dog has developed into hundreds of breeds with a great degree of variation. For example, heights range from just a few inches (such as the [[Chihuahua (dog)|Chihuahua]]) to nearly three feet (such as the [[Irish Wolfhound]]), and colors range from [[white]] to [[black]] with [[red]]s, [[gray]]s, and [[brown]]s also occurring in a tremendous variation of patterns. Dogs, like humans, are highly [[social animal]]s and [[pack hunter]]s; this similarity in their overall behavioral design accounts for their trainability, playfulness, and ability to fit into human households and social situations.

Dogs fill a variety of roles in human society. [[Working dog]]s of all kinds do traditional jobs such as [[sheepdog|herding]] and new jobs such as [[Detection dog|detecting contraband]] and [[Guide dog|helping the blind]] or [[Service dog|disabled]]. For dogs that do not do their 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 [[Pet|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".

==Carnivore or omnivore==
[[Image:Tessaenjoyingbone.JPG|thumb|This [[English Springer Spaniel]] is enjoying a bone.]]
The classification as a carnivore does not necessarily mean that a dog's diet must be restricted to [[meat]] alone. Unlike a true obligate carnivore, such as a [[cat]], a dog is able to healthily digest a variety of foods including [[vegetable]]s and [[cereal|grain]]s, and in fact requires a large proportion of these in its diet. Wild canines typically get such nutrients from the stomach contents of their [[herbivorous]] prey, which they consume eagerly. Dogs can survive perfectly well on a reasonably carefully designed [[vegetarian]] diet, particularly if [[egg (food)|egg]]s and [[milk]] products are included. On the other hand, dogs are natural carnivores, and the experience of extremely stressful conditions such as the [[Iditarod]] race, as well as scientific studies of similar conditions, suggest that under such extreme stress, high protein diets (which implies a lot of meat consumption) help prevent damage to muscle tissue.

==Terminology for dogs==
[[Image:Shepador_Chewer.JPG|thumb|Puppies engage in [[teething]] on almost anything.]]
''Dog'', in common usage, refers to the domestic dog, ''Canis lupus familiaris'' (originally classified as ''Canis familiaris'' by [[Carolus Linnaeus|Linnaeus]] in [[1758]], but reclassified as a subspecies of the [[wolf]], ''Canis lupus'', by the [[Smithsonian Institution]] and the [[American Society of Mammalogists]] in [[1993]]). The word is sometimes used to refer collectively to any [[mammal]] belonging to the family [[Canidae]] (as in "the dog family"), such as [[wolf|wolves]], [[fox|foxes]] and [[coyote|coyotes]].

''Dog'' is also a term used by breeders to specifically denote a [[male]] domestic dog. The [[female]] is known as a '''[[bitch]]'''. A group of dogs is called a ''pack''. A young dog or dog that is not yet fully grown is called a '''puppy'''. The words '''pooch''' and '''poochie''' are generic, generally affectionate terms for a dog, as is '''doggy''' (sometimes ''doggie''), often used by children. Many additional terms are used for dogs that are not purebred; see [[Mixed-breed dog#Terms for mixed-breed dogs|Terms for mixed-breed dogs]]. '''Toy dogs''' are so called because of their small size; similarly for '''Lap dogs''', with the additional connotation of an affectionate attachment between human and dog.

==Attributes==
[[Image:Weimaraner wb.jpg|thumb|Dogs are predators suited to chasing after, leaping at, and killing prey. (pictured: Weimaraner)]]
Modern [[dog breed]]s show more variation in size, appearance, and behavior than any other domestic animal. Within the range of extremes, dogs generally share attributes with their wild ancestors, the [[wolf|wolves]]. Dogs are [[predator]]s and [[scavenger]]s, possessing sharp teeth and strong jaws for attacking, holding, and tearing their food.

Their legs are designed to propel them forward rapidly, leaping as necessary, to chase and overcome prey. Consequently, they have small, tight feet, walking on their front toes; their rear legs are fairly rigid and sturdy; the front legs are loose and flexible, with only muscle attaching them to the torso.

Dogs are [[dichromat]]s and thus, by human standards, [[color blind]].<sup>[[#References and further reading|1]], [[#References and further reading|2]]</sup> Because the lenses of dogs' eyes are flatter than humans', they cannot see as much detail; on the other hand, their eyes are more sensitive to light and motion than humans' eyes. Some breeds, particularly the best [[sighthound]]s, have a field of vision up to 270° (compared to 100° to 120° for humans), although broad-headed breeds with their eyes set forward have a much narrower field of vision, as low as 180°.<sup>[[#References and further reading|1]], [[#References and further reading|2]]</sup>

Dogs detect sounds as low as the 20 to 70 [[Hertz|Hz]] frequency range (compared to 16 to 20 Hz for humans) and as high as 70,000 to 100,000 Hz (compared to 20,000 Hz for humans)<sup>[[#References and further reading|2]]</sup>, and in addition have a degree of ear mobility that helps them to rapidly pinpoint the exact location of a sound. They can identify a sound's location much faster than can a human, and they can hear sounds up to four times the distance that humans can.

Dogs have nearly 220 million smell-sensitive cells over an area about the size of a pocket [[handkerchief]] (compared to 5 million over an area the size of a [[postage stamp]] for humans). Some breeds have been selectively bred for excellence in detecting scents, even compared to their canine brethren. Other than the oversimplified obvious, ''i.e.'' chemical compounds that affect chemical sensors in the nose, what a dog actually detects when he is scenting is not really understood; although once a matter of debate, it now seems to be well established that dogs can distinguish two different types of scents when trailing, an air scent from some person or thing that has recently passed by, as well as a ground scent that remains detectable for a much longer period. The characteristics and behavior of these two types of scent trail would seem, after some thought, to be quite different, the air scent being intermittent but perhaps less obscured by competing scents, whereas the ground scent would be relatively permanent with respect to careful and repetitive search by the dog, but would seem to be much more contaminated with other scents. In any event, it is established by those who train tracking dogs that it is impossible to teach the dog how to track any better than it does naturally; the object instead is to motivate it properly, and teach it to maintain focus on a single track and ignore any others that might otherwise seem of greater interest to an untrained dog. An intensive search for a scent, for instance searching a ship for contraband, can actually be very fatiguing for a dog, and it must be motivated to continue this hard work for a long period of time.

All dogs have a tremendous capacity to learn complex social behavior and to interpret varied body language and sounds, and, like many predators, can react to and learn from novel situations. The requirements of coordinating complex social behavior requires that canines have the ability to sense and deliver a wide variety of cues via body language, more so than for even humans, who can use language for the same purpose. Physiologically, this correlates with such features as a large number of nerves innervating the facial muscles of dogs, allowing subtle control of a wide variety of facial expressions; in contrast to [[cats]], for instance, who have many fewer nerves governing their facial muscles, resulting in a smaller repertoire or "vocabulary" of expressions. This ability to read and deliver nonverbal cues makes dogs expert at reading human beings, as well, often even more so than other humans are, who rely on language. Most dog owners have a large collection of stories about their dogs recognizing individuals by their footsteps outside the door, and so on.
<!-- Add mention of genetic uniqueness of dogs to comprehend human social cues -->

===Dog coats, colors, and markings===
<div class="thumb tright">
<div style="width:182px;">[[Image:American Eskimo Dog.jpg|180px|]]
[[Image:Belgian Groenendael 600.jpg|180px|]]<div class="thumbcaption">
Coat colors range from pure white to solid black and many other variations.</div>
</div>
</div>
::''For a complete detailed list of dog colors and patterns, see [[Coat (dog)#Colours and patterns|Coat (dog)]].''

Dogs exhibit a diverse array of [[Coat (conformation point)|coat]] textures, colors, and markings, and a specialized vocabulary has evolved to describe them.

Originally, dogs all had dense fur with an undercoat and long muzzles and heads, although both of these features have been altered in some of the more extremely modified breeds, such as the [[Mexican Hairless]] and the [[English Bulldog]].

One often refers to a specific dog first by coat color rather than by breed; for example, "a blue merle [[Australian Shepherd|Aussie]]" or "a chocolate [[Labrador Retriever|Lab]]". Coat colors include:

*[[Black]]: Usually pure black but sometimes grizzled.
*[[Brown]]: From mahogany through very dark brown.
*[[Red]]: Reminiscent of reddish woods such as [[cherry]] or [[mahogany]]; also tawny, chestnut, orange, rusty, liver, and red-gold.
*Yellow: From pale cream to a deep yellowish-gold tan.
*Gold: From pale apricot to rich reddish-yellow.
*Gray: Pale to dark gray, including silver; can be mixed with other colors or various shades to create ''sandy pepper'', ''pepper'', ''grizzle'', ''blue-black gray'', or ''silver-fawn''.
*Blue: A dark metallic gray, often as a blue [[Merle (coat color in dogs)|merle]] or speckled (with black).
*[[Sable]]: Black-tipped hairs; the background color can be gold, silver, gray, or tan.
*[[White]]: Distinct from [[albinism|albino]] dogs.

[[Image:Dalmatian b 01.jpg|thumb|The [[Dalmatian]]'s coat is one of the more widely recognized markings.]]
Coat patterns include:
*Two-color coats, such as Black and tan, red and white: Coat has both colors but in clearly defined and separated areas; usually the top and sides are darker and lower legs and underside are the lighter color.
*Tricolor: Consisting of three colors; usually black, tan, and white or liver, tan, and white.
*[[Brindle]]: A mixture of black with brown, tan, or gold; usually in a "tiger stripe" pattern.
*[[Harlequin]]: "Torn" patches of black on white.
*Merle: Marbled coat with darker patches and spots of the specified color.
*Particolor: Two-colored coat with the colors appearing in patches in roughly equal quantiles .

Coat textures vary tremendously, so that some coats make the dogs more cuddly and others make them impervious to cold water. Densely furred breeds such as most [[sled dog]]s and [[Spitz]] types can have up to 600 hairs per inch, while fine-haired breeds such as the [[Yorkshire Terrier]] can have as few as 100, and the "hairless" breeds such as the [[Mexican Hairless]] have none on parts of their bodies. The texture of the coat often depends on the distribution and the length of the two parts of a dog's coat, its thick, warm ''undercoat'' (or ''down'') and its rougher, somewhat weather-resistant outer coat (''topcoat''), also referred to as ''[[guard hair]]s''. Breeds with soft coats often have more or longer undercoat hairs than guard hairs; rough-textured coats often have more or longer guard hairs. Textures include:

[[Image:GermanWirehrPtr1 wb.jpg|thumb|right|The [[German Wirehaired Pointer]]'s coat demonstrates a rough texture.]]
*Double-coated: Having a thick, warm, short ''undercoat'' (or ''down'') that is usually dense enough to resist penetration by water and a stronger, rougher weather-resistant outer coat (''topcoat''), also referred to as ''guard hairs''. Most other coat types are also double coated.
*Single-coated: Lacking an undercoat.

*Smooth-coated: "Smooth" to the eye and touch.
*Wire-haired: Also called ''broken-coated''. The harsh outer guard hairs are prominent, providing excellent weather protection for hunting dogs such as the [[Border Terrier]] or [[Wirehaired Pointing Griffon]].

*Long-haired: Hair longer than an inch or so.
*Short-haired: Hair around an inch or so long.

*[[Cording|Corded]] coat: for example, see [[Puli]]

===Ears===
[[Image:Basset hound.jpg|thumb|The [[Basset Hound]]'s ears are extremely long ''drop'' ears.]]
Dogs ears come in a variety of sizes, shapes, lengths, position on the head, and amount and type of droop. Every variation has a term, including:
*Bat ear: Erect, broad next to the head and rounded at the tip.
*Button ear: A smaller ear where the tip folds forward nearly to the skull, forming a V, such as the [[Jack Russell Terrier]].
*Cropped ear: Shaped by cutting; see [[docking]].
*Drop ear: An ear that folds and droops close to the head, such as most [[scent hound]]s'. Also called a ''pendant'' ear.
*Natural: Like a [[wolf]]'s.
*Prick ear: Erect and pointed; also called ''pricked'' or ''erect''.
*Rose ear: A very small drop ear that folds back; typical of many [[sight hound]]s and the [[English Bulldog]].
*Semiprick ear: A prick ear where the tip just begins to fold forward, such as with the [[Rough Collie]].

===Tails===
[[Image:Basenji 600.jpg|thumb|The [[Basenji]]'s tail is tightly curled.]]
As with ears, tails come in a tremendous variety of shapes, lengths, amount of fur, and tailset (positions). Among them:
*Corkscrew: Short and twisted, such as a [[Pug]]
*Docked: Shortened by surgery or other method, usually two or three days after birth; see [[docking]]
*Odd: Twisted, but not short. Uncommon. [[Tibetan Terrier]]s have odd tails.
*Saber: Carried in a slight curve like that of a [[saber]]
*Sickle: Carried out and up in a semicircle like a [[sickle]]
*Squirrel: Carried high and towards the head, often with the tip curving even further towards the head.
*Wheel: Carried up and over the back in a broad curve, resembling a wheel.

==Anatomy==
Like most predatory mammals, the dog has powerful muscles, a [[cardiovascular]] system that supports both sprinting and endurance, and teeth for catching, holding, and tearing.

The dog's ancestral skeleton provided the ability to run and leap. Although selective breeding has changed the appearance of many breeds, all dogs retain the basic ingredients from their distant ancestors. Dogs have disconnected shoulder bones (absent the collar bone of the human skeleton) that allow a greater stride length for running and leaping. They walk on four toes, front and back, and most have vestigial [[dewclaw]]s on their front legs.

The dog's ancestor was about the size of a [[Dingo]], and its skeleton took about 10 months to mature. Today's [[toy dog|toy]] breeds have skeletons that mature in only a few months, while giant breeds such as the [[Mastiff]]s take 16 to 18 months for the skeleton to mature. [[Dwarfism]] has affected the proportions of some breeds' skeleton, as in the [[Basset Hound]].

==Ancestry and history of domestication==
[[Image:DogMosaic wb.jpg|thumb|This ancient mosaic shows a large dog with a collar hunting a lion.]]
[[Molecular systematics]] indicate that the domestic dog is descended from a wolf-like [[ancestor]], and dogs and wolves can still interbreed. The [[domestication]] of the dog probably occurred at least 14,000 years ago, and perhaps long before that. There is [[archaeology|archaeological]] evidence of dog remains, showing the characteristic morphological differences from wolves, from at least 14,000 years ago, while wolf remains have been found in association with [[hominid]] remains that are at least 400,000 years old. The molecular genetic data suggest that the domestic lineage separated from modern wolves around 150,000 years ago (Vilà et al, 1997). In the early 2000s, [http://www.amonline.net.au/archive.cfm?id=716 some research] indicated that domestication in fact had already begun to occur as early as 100,000 years ago.

Dogs were, and are, valued for their aid in hunting. Dog burials at the [[Mesolithic]] cemetery of [[Svaerdborg]] in Denmark indicate that, in ancient Europe, dogs were valued companions.

===Wolf ancestors===
Some evidence suggests that several varieties of ancient wolves contributed to the domestic dog, with deliberate or unintentional interbreeding taking traits from one or more of the ancestral wolf lines. Although all wolves belong to the species ''[[Canis lupus]]'', there are (or were) many subspecies that had evolved somewhat distinctive appearance, social structure, and other traits. For example, the [[Japanese Wolf|Japanese wolf]], which became extinct in the early 20th century, was much smaller than most wolves, generally had a gray coat with reddish underbelly, and possibly had a more solitary hunting habit; the [[North American]] wolf, which still exists in limited ranges, is much larger than many wolf subspecies, displays many coat colors from nearly white through solid black, and exhibits a complex social structure involving highly formulaic dominance and submission rituals.

The Indian or Asian wolf probably led to the development of more breeds of dogs than other subspecies. Many of today's wild dogs, such as the [[dingo]], the [[dhole]] and [[pariah dog]]s, are descended from this wolf, along with [[sighthound]]s such as the [[Greyhound]]. [http://www.abc.net.au/rn/science/ss/stories/s728909.htm Recent genetic evidence] shows that most modern dog breeds are related to Asian canines, contradicting earlier hypotheses that the dog, like humans, had evolved originally in [[Africa]]. The Asian wolf also likely interbred with descendants of the European wolf to create the [[Mastiff]]s&mdash;the [[Tibetan Mastiff]] being an example of a very ancient breed&mdash;leading eventually to the development of such diverse breeds as the [[Pug]], the [[St. Bernard (dog)|Saint Bernard]], and the [[Bloodhound]].

The European wolf, in turn, may have contributed many of its attributes to the [[Spitz]] dog types, most [[terrier]]s, and many of today's [[sheepdog]]s. The Chinese wolf is probably ancestor to the [[Pekingese]] and toy [[spaniel]]s, although it is also probable that descendants of the Chinese and European wolves encountered each other over the millennia, contributing to many of the oriental [[toy dog|toy]] breeds.

The North American wolf is a direct ancestor to most, if not all, of the North American northern [[sled dog]] types; this mixing and crossing still goes on today with dogs living in the [[Arctic]] where the attributes of the wolf that enable it to survive in a hostile environment are still valued. Additionally, accidental crossbreeding occurs simply because dogs and wolves live in the same environment. The general [[reproductive isolation]] which is required to define dogs and wolves as separate species is purely a result of lack of opportunity, stemming from a general mutual unfamiliarity, suspicion, mistrust, and fear.

The single [[phenotype|phenotypic]] characteristic that seems to separate dogs from wolves is the [[sickle tail]]&mdash;dogs who have tails tend to have an upward curve in the tail, whereas wolves' tails hang straight&mdash;the "brush tail"&mdash;similar to that of a [[fox]]. There are a few exceptions, such as the [[Great Pyrenees]], which has a brush tail. However, wolves also have erect ears, and the Pyrenees has floppy ears.

===Speed of domestication===
Current research indicates that domestication, or the attributes of a domesticated animal, [http://www.amsci.org/amsci/articles/99articles/Trut.html#26879 can occur much more quickly] than previously believed, even within a human generation or two with determined [[selective breeding]]. It is also now generally believed that initial domestication was not attained deliberately by human intervention but through [[natural selection]]: wild canines who scavenged around human habitation received more food than their more skittish counterparts; those who attacked people or their children were probably killed or driven away, while those more tolerant animals survived, and so on.

===Neoteny in the rapid evolution of diverse dog breeds===
This rapid evolution of dogs from wolves is an example of [[neoteny]] or [[pedomorphosis|paedomorphism]]. As with many species, the young of wolves are more social and less [[dominant]] than adults; therefore, the selection for these characteristics, whether deliberate or inadvertent, is more likely to result in a simple retention of juvenile characteristics into adulthood than to generate a complex of independent new changes in behavior. This is true of many domesticated animals, including human beings themselves, who have many characteristics similar to young [[bonobo]]. This paedomorphic selection naturally results in a retention of juvenile physical characteristics as well. Compared to wolves, many adult dog breeds retain such juvenile characteristics as soft fuzzy fur, round torsos, large heads and eyes, ears that hang down rather than stand erect, etc.; characteristics which are shared by most juvenile [[mammal]]s, and therefore generally elicit some degree of protective and nurturing behavior cross-species from most adult mammals, including humans, who term such characteristics "cute" or "appealing".

The example of canine neoteny goes even further, in that the various breeds are differently neotenized according to the type of behavior that was selected.
* Breeds that guard [[flock]]s, such as the various [[sheepdog]] breeds, retain the most juvenile characteristics: they stay close to home with their foster "litter" (which might include a flock of [[sheep]]) rather than going out hunting, they have almost no predatory behavior (which would be disastrous in the vicinity of such a natural prey stimulus as sheep), they respond to perceived threats with a lot of vocalization and attempts to alert and engage the dominant individuals in their "pack" (''i.e.'' humans) whenever possible, engaging in actual combat only as a last resort. In addition, they retain very juvenile physical characteristics such as round bodies and heads, soft coats, ears that hang down, and so on, which do not elicit fear responses from the sheep in the way that an appearance similar to that of an adult wolf would. (Compare to the physical appearance of the [[border collie]], a sheep [[herding]] dog, whose physical configuration is closer to that of an adult wild canine and who therefore has a greater capacity to frighten sheep into a desired pattern of movement, along with the more adult aggressive temperament to do so).
* Breeds that are hunting dogs&mdash;that is, [[pointer (dog)|pointer]]s, [[setter]]s, [[spaniel]]s, [[retriever]]s, etc.&mdash;have an intermediate degree of paedomorphism; they are at the point where they share in the pack's hunting behavior, but are still in a junior role, not participating in the actual attack. They identify potential prey and freeze into immobility, for instance, but refrain from then stalking the prey as an adult predator would do next; this results in the "pointing" behavior for which such dogs are bred. Similarly, they seize dead or wounded prey and bring it back to the "pack", even though they did not attack it themselves, that is, "retrieving" behavior. Their physical characteristics are closer to that of the mature wild canine than the sheepdog breeds, but they typically do not have erect ears, etc.
* [[Scenthound]]s maintain an intermediate body type and behavior pattern that causes them to actually pursue prey by tracking their scent, but tend to refrain from actual individual attacks in favor of vocally summoning the pack leaders (in this case, humans) to do the job. This contrasts with [[sighthound]]s, who pursue and attack perceived prey on sight, and who maintain the mature canine body type with erect ears, lean bodies, and adult coats.
* [[Terrier]]s similarly have adult aggressive behavior, famously coupled with a lack of juvenile submission, and display correspondingly adult physical features such as erect ears, although many breeds have also been selected for size and sometimes [[achondroplasia|dwarfed legs]] to enable them to pursue prey in their burrows.
* The least paedomorphic behavior pattern may be that of the [[basenji]], bred in [[Africa]] to hunt alongside humans almost on a peer basis; this breed is often described as highly independent, neither needing nor appreciating a great deal of human attention or nurturing, often described as "catlike" in its behavior. It too has the body plan of an adult canine predator.
Of course, dogs in general possess a significant ability to modify their behavior according to experience, including adapting to the behavior of their "pack leaders"&mdash;again, humans. This allows them to be trained to behave in a way that is not specifically the most natural to their breed; nevertheless, the accumulated experience of thousands of years shows that some combinations of nature and nurture are quite daunting, for instance, training [[whippet]]s to guard flocks of sheep.

==Interactions between dogs and humans==
The relationship between dogs and humans is ancient. Dogs serve humans in many ways.

===Dogs as working partners===
There are [[service dogs]], [[guard dog]]s, [[hunting dog]]s, and [[herding dog]]s. Dogs have served as [[Guide dog|guides]] for the [[blindness|blind]], as [[commando]]s, and have flown into [[outer space]] (see [[Laika]]). Most modern working dogs are put in positions which capitalize on their sensory or strength and endurance advantages over normal humans.

For example, a new and particularly effective role of working dogs is that of the drug- or bomb-sniffing dog. All canines have olfactory sensitivity thousands or millions of times more sensitive than humans. This allows them to pick up on the subtle smells of distinctive chemicals, such as [[cannabis (drug)|cannabis]] or [[plastic explosive]]. Airport security frequently tours concourses and baggage areas with a dog trained to respond to such chemicals.

[[Police dog|K-9]] police units typically feature a long-term human-canine team, in which the dog is trained to home in on the scents of particular people, and to facilitate their arrest once located. Most criminals find being wrestled to the ground by an aggressive dog much more frightening than being tackled by a human. Such dogs are also frequently used to find missing persons, especially in the wilderness.

Several cities in [[Italy]] are experimenting with working dogs as rescue swimmers. In this situation, a strong and well-trained dog is equipped with [[flotation device]]s and dropped in the water near a floundering swimmer. The swimmer then grabs onto the dog, and the animal tows the swimmer to shore.
The [[Newfoundland (dog)|Newfoundland]] has long been used for water rescue, not only on shore, but from fishing boats as well.

Dogs are commonly used as [[search and rescue]] workers in cases of disasters. The [[St. Bernard (dog)|St. Bernard]] has been historically used for such purposes in Europe in the case of [[avalanche]]. In the aftermath of the [[September 11, 2001 attacks|9-11]] attacks in [[New York]], rescue dogs were brought in to search for survivors in the rubble. Some of the dogs became so disturbed at being unable to find any survivors that people had to be "planted" for the dogs to find so that they did not become depressed at their failure.

===Dogs as hunting/sporting partners===
[[Image:Swimming_Dog.jpg|thumb|right|Most dogs are capable of and enjoy swimming, but they should be tested in shallow water first to make sure that they do not panic.]]

Many people compete with their dogs in a variety of [[dog sports]], including [[dog agility|agility]], [[flyball]], and many others. This often strengthens the bond between human and dog, since they must trust one another in a variety of environments and must learn how the other works and thinks.

[[Setter]]s in particular have a long history as upland gun dogs. They have a native ability to discover and "hold" upland game birds; to freeze them momentarily on the ground with their silent, elongated pointing stance. Once the hunter approaches, at his command they will flush the birds to fly and for the hunter to shoot at.

As water dogs, the [[retriever]]s are unsurpassed. They can spend long hours in a [[duck blind]] and, after the hunter has fired at multiple ducks or geese, they can visually spot and remember the location of downed birds. At command, they dive into the icy water, swim out and retrieve the birds one by one. They can follow hand, verbal, and whistle commands at great distance as the hunter directs them to the downed bird. They typically have large, gentle muzzles to mitigate any potential damage to the game.

When trained, [[beagle]]s are particularly adept at chasing through thick briars and brush to chase rabbits. Many [[hound]] breeds are excellent at treeing raccoons during hunting season.

Hunters with dogs report the satisfaction that the dogs seem to exhibit. Excitement is evident as they see the hunters load weapons, take to the field, and begin the hunt.

===Dogs as pets===
[[Image:Nap006b.jpg|right|thumb|200px|A 9 year old English [[Collie]] cross. Some say [[Mixed-breed dog|mongrels]] make the best pets]]

Relationships between humans and dogs are often characterized by strong emotional bonds. Consequently, dogs are popular as [[pet]]s and companions, independent of any utilitarian considerations. Many dog owners consider having unconditional acceptance from a friend who is always happy to see them to be quite utilitarian, particularly if the dog also leads them to regular exercise. Empirically, dogs are quite dependent on human companionship and may suffer poor health in its absence.

Some research demonstrates that dogs are able to convey a depth of emotion not seen to the same extent in any other animal; this is purportedly due to their closely-knit development with modern man, and the survival-benefits of such communication as dogs became more dependent on humans for sustenance.

Nevertheless, it is often unwise to [[anthropomorphize]] the responses of dogs. Despite understandably positive interpretations by dog owners, it is questionable whether these animals are truly capable of feeling emotions on a human level. More research is needed to determine the [[dog intelligence|intelligence level of dogs]], and the motivations behind their responses to their masters.

===Dogs as food===
''Main article: [[Taboo food and drink]]''

In some places dogs are raised for their meat, causing friction with people who keep dogs as pets. In times of great stress, such as when the [[Vikings]] of [[Greenland]] starved to death at the start of the [[Little Ice Age]] ([[14th century]] - [[19th century]]), humans have been known to eat their pets.

==Dog society==
''Main article: [[Dog society]]''

Dogs thrive in small social groups or [[pack (canine)|pack]]s which, from their viewpoint, includes humans. Dog society can be thought of as dog packs characterized by companionate hierarchy, in which each individual has a rank, and in which there is intense loyalty within the group. Dogs thrive in human society because their relationships with humans mimic their natural social patterns. The dog is always aware of its rank relative to other individuals in the group. An assertive dog may consider itself the alpha animal, considering its human master to be subordinate.

==Dog breeds==
There are numerous [[dog breeds]], [[List of dog breeds|over 800]] being recognized by various [[kennel club]]s worldwide. As all dog breeds have been derived from mixed-breed dog populations, the term "purebred" has meaning only with respect to a certain number of generations. Moreover, many dogs, especially outside the United States and Western Europe, belong to no recognized breed.

A few basic [[:Category:Dog types|breed types]] have evolved gradually during the domesticated dog's relationship with man over the last 10,000 or more years, but most modern breeds are of relatively recent derivation. Many of these are the product of a deliberate process of [[artificial selection]]. Because of this, some breeds are highly specialized, and there is extraordinary morphological diversity across different breeds. Despite these differences, dogs are able to distinguish dogs from other kinds of animal.

The definition of a dog breed is a matter of some controversy. Some groups use a definition that ultimately requires extreme in-breeding to qualify. Dogs that are bred in this manner often end up with severe health problems. Other reorganizations define a breed more loosely, such that an individual may be considered of one breed as long as, say, three of its grandparents were of that breed. These considerations come into play among breeders who enter their dogs in [[dog show]]s. Purebred dogs frequently suffer from serious inherited health and/or behavioral problems. This is by no means true of the majority of purebred dogs, and the same problems can occur in populations of mixed breed dogs. <!--Larry Shook, the author of ''The Puppy Report: How to Select a Healthy, Happy Dog'', Pages 13 to 34, Chapter Two, "Breeders Can Hazardous to Health",''The Puppy Report: How to Select a Healthy, Happy Dog'', Larry Shook, Ballantine, 1995, mass market paperback, 130 pages, ISBN 0345384393--> Even prize-winning purebred dogs are sometimes possessed of crippling [[Genetic disorder|genetic defect]]s due to [[inbreeding]].<!--Pages 57 to 72, Chapter Four, "Hereditary Problems in Purebred Dogs",''The Puppy Report: How to Select a Healthy, Happy Dog'', Larry Shook, Ballantine, 1995, mass market paperback, 130 pages, ISBN 0345384393-->

In [[February]] [[2004]], the Canine Studies Institute in [[Aurora, Ohio]], managed to arrange all breeds of dog into ten categories, according to [[Darwinian]] [[evolutionary]] principles. [http://news.independent.co.uk/world/science_medical/story.jsp?story=491197]

The behavior and appearance of a dog of a particular breed can be predicted fairly accurately, while mixed-breed dogs show a broader range of innovative appearance and behavior.

[[Image:Shuky404.jpg|thumb|right|A [[mixed-breed dog]].]]
''[[Mixed-breed dog]]s'' are dogs that do not belong to specific breeds, being mixtures of two or more. Mixed breeds, or dogs with no purebred ancestry, are not inherently "better" or "worse" than purebred dogs as companions, [[pet]]s, [[working dog]]s, or competitors in [[dog sports]]. Sometimes mixed-breed dogs are deliberately bred, for example, the Cockapoo, a mixture of Cocker Spaniel and Miniature [[Poodle]]. Such deliberate crosses may display [[hybrid vigor]] and other desirable traits, but can also lack one or more of the desired traits of their parents, such as temperament or a particular color or coat. However, without genetic testing of the parents, the crosses can sometimes end up inheriting genetic defects that occur in both parental breeds. Deliberately crossing two or more breeds is also a manner of establishing new breeds.

==Dog reproduction==
As with most domesticated species, one of the first and strongest effects seen from selective breeding is, logically enough, selection for cooperation with the breeding process as directed by humans. In dogs, this takes the form of abolition of the pair bonding seen in wild canines, as well as the ability of female domestic dogs to come into [[estrus]] (also called ''in season'' or ''in heat'') at any time of the year and usually twice a year; unlike undomesticated canine species where the females typically come into once season a year, usually in late winter, and bear one litter of young. Most bitches come into season for the first time between 6 and 12 months, although some larger breeds delay until as late as 2 years. Like most mammals, the age that a bitch first comes into season is mostly a function of her current body weight as a proportion of her body weight when fully mature, rather than age, with the different maturation rates of the various sizes of dogs accounting for this variation in age of first season. The amount of time between cycles varies greatly among different dogs, but a given dog's cycle tends to be consistent through her life. Dogs bear their litters roughly 9 weeks after insemination.

[[Image:CatahoulaLitter wb.jpg|thumb|right|[[Catahoula Leopard Dog]] nursing litter of puppies]]
An average litter consists of about six '''puppies''', especially for breeds that have not strayed too far from their wild ancestors. However, litters of many more or only one or two puppies are also common. Some breeds have a tendency to produce very large litters. Since a mother can provide milk for only a few of those puppies, humans must assist in the care and feeding when the litter exceeds eight or so.

Some breeds have been developed to emphasize certain physical traits beyond the point at which they can safely bear litters on their own. For example, the [[Bulldog]] often requires [[artificial insemination]] and almost always requires [[cesarean section]] for giving birth.

Puppies often have characteristics that do not last beyond early puppyhood. For example, eyes are often blue when they first open but change to other colors as the puppy matures. As another example, [[Kerry Blue Terrier]] puppies have black coats when they are born and their distinctive "blue" color appears gradually as the puppy nears maturity. The ears of erect-eared breeds such as the [[German Shepherd Dog]] are softly folded at birth but straighten as the puppy grows; in cases where they fail to straighten on their own, owners sometimes opt for surgical intervention.

[[Image:Wild dog fence.jpg|thumb|Wild dogs are shot by farmers in an effort to protect livestock. Bodies are usually tied to fences as warning to other dogs]]
Dog experts advise that dogs not intended for further breeding should be [[spay]]ed or [[neuter]]ed so that they do not have undesired puppies, which are often abandoned. Abandoned dogs who go [[feral]] are particularly dangerous; they lack the skills of wild canines at survival in the wild, as well as the genetic and learned fear of humans that keeps wild canines away from humans and their possessions, so they form predatory packs that attack [[livestock]] and occasionally also prove dangerous to humans. The overpopulation of unwanted dogs is so great that almost all dogs who end up in animal shelters are euthanized due to lack of space and resources. Spaying and neutering can also help prevent hormone-driven diseases such as breast cancer and prostate cancer, as well as undesired hormone-driven behaviors. Contrary to myth, it is not required for a female dog to either experience a heat cycle or have puppies before spaying, and likewise, a male dog does not need the experience of mating before neutering; these myths are responsible for numerous unnecessary health problems and unwanted puppies. Attempts by owners to carry on some particular admirable qualities of their dogs by breeding them usually fail. Dogs of mixed breed do not "breed true"; ''i.e.'', with a mixed breed dog the offspring may not carry characteristics found in a parent, or even shared by both parents. Similarly, but to a lesser extent, even with purebreed dogs sold as pets the offspring may not have the subtle best qualities of the parents; it may be necessary to go back to the high quality breeding stock and reproduce the original mating as closely as possible to reproduce the desired characteristics very closely. Of course, most owners who let their dogs reproduce will feel the offspring are superior; however, realistically speaking, the natural sentimental bias makes it just as likely that they would feel the same way about any dog they acquired, from the pound or elsewhere.

==Dangers==
[[image:doggroundhog.jpg|thumb|This [[Labrador Retriever]] could pose a threat to this [[groundhog]], however the breed is not known for its aggressiveness.]]

As evidenced by their attacks on other creatures, both wild and domestic, dogs are [[superpredator]]s. Their sharp teeth and powerful jaws can inflict serious injuries; their sharp claws have powerful muscles behind them. Scratches from dogs are easily infected. Even without aggressive intent, by just acting boisterously, a dog of adequate size can knock down a person, possibly causing serious injury. All that protects man from an animal with such abilities to kill large prey is its temperament, without which large dogs singly or medium-sized dogs in groups would be nearly as dangerous as the [[big cat]]s, animals with obvious similarities of raw abilities and behavior. Dogs are near-equals of Man in the food chain, and where the usual respect that two similarly-predatory animals have for each other breaks down, tragedy ensues for one or the other, as is true for wolves.

Formal and informal training, selective breeding, and society's response to dogs that prove dangerous combine to reduce the overall physical threat from dogs to a very low level with most confrontations between man and dog ending without injury. However, improperly managed confrontations can lead to severe injury from the most well-tempered dog, much as almost any human can be incited to violence given sufficiently serious provocation.

Contrary to myth, barking dogs can bite a person failing to recognize the warning. Likewise, a wagging tail indicates an attempt to communicate, which is not always a result of "happy" excitation. A highly disturbed dog may sometimes emit confusing or misleading signals, much as the development of anger or an aggressive mood in a human being may not always be externally obvious.

===Human behavior as provocations===
Some human behavior (especially people unfamiliar with dogs) can potentially evoke a predatory or aggressive response from a dog. These include:

*Attacking a dog or its companions, or acting in a manner that the dog perceives as an attack (for example, a sudden enthusiastic hug or inadvertently stepping on any portion of the dog's anatomy, such as a paw or tail).
*Attempting to take food away from a dog, or moving towards a dog's food or between a dog and its food, even inadvertently; most dog adoption agencies test dogs for food aggression and will destroy any dog which shows this behavioral trait rather than risk the adopted dog biting its new owners.
*Threatening a puppy in the presence of an adult dog, especially its mother
*Looking a dog directly in the eyes. This is more dangerous when on the same visual level as the dog (such as small children), or when the human is unfamiliar to the dog.
*Approaching a sick or injured dog. Note that older dogs, like people, often seem to become "cranky" as they accumulate aches and pains, and develop a tendency to become "snappish"
*Related to the previous point, failure to recognize a dog showing signs of insecurity or fear and continuing whatever behavior is causing the dog's anxiety to increase, until "fear biting" occurs. Again, an older or chronically infirm dog is liable to develop feelings of vulnerability and anxiety, and therefore become less tolerant and more aggressive
*Running away from a dog: the chase-and-catch instinct inherited from wolves is not fully lost, and most dogs can outrun and overtake the average human. Similarly, the natural instinct to jerk one's hands upwards away from an inquisitive dog often elicits in the dog a strong impulse to grab and hold, or at least to investigate, resulting in the dog jumping on the person and thrusting its head towards the raised hands
*Ignoring "Beware of Dog" signs: trained attack dogs, unlike most dogs, may attack an intruder without warning
*Startling a resting or sleeping dog
*Entering a dog's 'territory' and behaving in an unfamiliar pattern or being unfamiliar to the dog.

==="Sudden" aggressiveness===
Rarely, some dogs with no prior signs of aggressiveness or any exposure to stimuli that might generate aggression seem to suddenly develop a physically aggressive streak. The first such attack is often dismissed as a fluke (triggered by one of the factors above, for instance) in view of the dog's benign history, but when a few unprovoked attacks occur within a relatively short span of time, the dog is generally recognized as dangerous. Similarly, some dogs seem, for no apparent reason, to become unreasoningly aggressive when triggered by a particular stimulus, for instance a touch on a specific region of the body which does not seem to be painful (distinct from the more understandable reaction when a painful area is stimulated), even though nothing in the dog's history would have trained it to react in such a fashion. While we cannot understand what is happening from the dog's point of view, the existence of such behaviors in a few dogs is sometimes considered in reference to the question of whether criminal, antisocial, violent, or other pathological behavior in human beings can sometimes be innate.

===Background for aggression===
Although most dogs are not inherently aggressive (unless they are feral, trained to attack intruders, threatened, or provoked), it is important to remember that they are predatory by nature and instinct is something that never disappears. This is not to say that all of the above behaviors will always result in injury. In fact, dog experts advocate acclimating a puppy to provocative situations such as removal of its food or sudden movements by a stranger when its behavior can be controlled to train it to restrain its aggressive impulses even more thoroughly, so that later in life, similar situations can be dealt with without danger; for instance if the dog is found eating something dangerous, or is wounded and needs to be transported for medical attention.

Small children are especially prone to provoking dogs, in part because their size and movements suggest similarities to prey that dogs instinctively attack, rather than adult humans to whom the dog has learned to submit. Also, young children may well unintentionally provoke the dog (pulling on ears or tails is common, as is surprising a sleeping dog) because they do not know any better. Because of a dog's pack instincts, more dominant dogs may view children or even adults as rivals rather than as superiors, and attempt to establish dominance by physical means; any examples of such behavior, no matter how tentative, should be extremely firmly discouraged as early as possible, to deliver to the dog the message that all humans are to be regarded as superiors. To avoid potential conflicts, even reliably well-behaved children and dogs should not be allowed to interact in the absence of adult supervision until both have absolutely demonstrated their ability to always behave appropriately towards each other, no matter what the situation.

Dogs with strong chase instincts may also fixate on specific stimuli, such as a fast-moving, brightly colored running or cycling shoe, as a prey object, and not recognize the whole picture as a human being; this is probably operative in the majority of cases of otherwise nonaggressive dogs chasing cyclists and runners. In these cases, if the individual stops, to the dog it is as if its prey suddenly disappears and is replaced by a human, and it immediately loses interest. Of course, this should not be confused with cases of actual aggressive dogs who might take the opportunity to attack. Similarly, while most dogs who bark aggressively at strangers, particularly when not on "their" territory, will flee if the stranger "calls its bluff" and replies with a mock aggressive move, there is always the danger of the occasional dog who will stand its ground and further escalate the situation.

==Miscellaneous facts==
===Treats===
[[Image:AdaRowlands.jpg|thumb|right|A brown short-haired [[mixed-breed dog]].]]
Many dogs consider anything given them directly by hand to be a treat, even the food they are accustomed to at meal time. Special dog treats are not necessary for such animals. Care should also be taken to avoid dropping small but inedible objects (such as marbles, coins, rings, etc.) around such dogs.

If a dog has something valuable (rings, money, irreplaceable items), a treat should be used to "barter" with the dog to retrieve the stolen item. Chasing a dog will encourage play behavior, which may cause the item to be swallowed or destroyed.

===Dogs and the Zodiac===
The '''Dog''' is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the [[Chinese zodiac]] related to the [[Chinese calendar]]. It is thought that each animal is associated with certain personality traits. See: [[Dog (Zodiac)]].

'''[[Sirius]]''', the '''Dog Star''', is the brightest star in the night sky.

===Dogs and temperature regulation===
A common misconception is that dogs do not [[perspiration|sweat]]. Primarily, dogs regulate their body temperature in a completely different way, through their tongue. That is why after a dog has been running or on a hot day you will see its mouth wide open and tongue hanging out. This is a very efficient form of cooling in terms of maximizing heat lost while conserving moisture, because it carries heat from the hottest part of the body, the interior core of the [[thorax]], compared to sweating, which cools the already coolest part of the body, the skin. Besides being intuitively correct, this higher efficiency of thermal loss in terms of moisture conservation stems from [[thermal conductivity|heat flow being proportional to temperature gradient]] in a given system. In addition, dogs effectively sweat through the pads of their feet, since they are not furred. Again, on a warm day and after exercise, a dog's naturally wet footprints might be visible on a smooth floor.

Dogs possess a [[rete mirabile]] in the [[carotid sinus]] at the base of their neck, a complex of intermingled small arteries and veins which acts as a [[heat exchanger]] to thermally isolate the [[head]], containing the [[brain]], the most temperature sensitive organ, from the [[body]], containing the [[muscle]]s, where most of the heat is generated. The net result is that dogs can sustain a high degree of physical exertion over a prolonged time in a hot environment, compared to animals which lack this apparatus; thus, a dog chasing a [[jackrabbit]] through the [[desert]] may not be able to outrun the rabbit, but it can continue the chase until the rabbit literally drops dead from overheating.

===A fine sense of direction===
It has been observed that a lost dog can often find its way home, sometimes traveling over long distances.

===Weather Detection===
Dogs also have the ability to sense [[inclement]] weather (mainly [[thunderstorms]]) many miles away. This is due to their keen ability to detect fluctuations in [[barometric pressure]] and can explain a dog's anxiety before and during a storm. The evolutionary ability of sensing weather can be traced back to when wolves used it to move the pack into proper shelter before a dangerous storm.

==Diseases and ailments==
Dogs are susceptible to various diseases, ailments, and poisons, some of which affect humans in the same way, others of which are unique to dogs.

Diseases commonly associated with dogs include [[rabies]] (hydrophobia), [[parvovirus]], and [[canine distemper]], although there are many others.

Some breeds of dogs are also prone to certain genetic ailments, such as [[hip dysplasia]], [[luxating patella]]s, [[blindness]], or [[hearing impairment|deaf]]ness. Dogs are also susceptible to the same ailments that humans are, including [[Diabetes in cats and dogs|diabetes]], [[epilepsy]], [[cancer]], and [[arthritis]].

Common external parasites are various species of [[flea]]s, [[tick]]s, and [[mites]]. Internal parasites include [[hookworm]]s, [[tapeworm]]s, [[roundworm]]s, and [[heartworms]].

Some foods commonly enjoyed by humans are dangerous to dogs, including [[chocolate]], [[grape]]s and [[raisin]]s, [[onion]]s, [[Macadamia nut]]s, and [[hops]], the plant used to make common [[beer]].

Dogs also may find some poisons attractive, including [[antifreeze]] and [[snail bait]].

[[Gastric torsion]] and [[bloat]] is a dangerous problem in some large-chested breeds.

''For additional information on these and other related topics, see [[dog health]] and [[:Category:Dog health]].''

==Intelligence==
[[Image:Dog retrieving stick.jpg|thumb|250px|Dogs can be trained to retrieve]]
Among dog lovers, dogs are generally valued for their intelligence. [[anecdote|Anecdotal]] evidence suggests that dogs have a reasonably high intelligence. For a detailed discussion on what dog intelligence is, see [[dog intelligence]].

==References and further reading==
===Reference===
* '''Kennel Club Books''' [http://www.kennelclubbooks.com Website] 400 titles on dogs.
* Abrantes, Roger (1999). ''Dogs Home Alone''. Wakan Tanka, 46 pages. ISBN 0966048423 (paperback).
* <sup>1</sup>A&E Television Networks (1998). ''Big Dogs, Little Dogs: The companion volume to the A&E special presentation'', A Lookout Book, GT Publishing. ISBN 1-57719-353-9 (hardcover).
* <sup>2</sup>Alderton, David (1984). ''The Dog'', Chartwell Books. ISBN 0-89009-786-0.
* Donaldson, Jean (1997). ''The Culture Clash''. James & Kenneth Publishers. ISBN 1888047054 (paperback).
* Fogle, Bruce DVM ''The New Encyclopedia of the Dog'', 2000
* Milani, Myrna M. (1986). ''The Body Language and Emotion of Dogs: A practical guide to the Physical and Behavioral Displays Owners and Dogs Exchange and How to Use Them to Create a Lasting Bond'', William Morrow, 283 pages. ISBN 0688128416 (trade paperback).
* [[Clare Pfaffenberger|Pfaffenberger, Clare]] (1971). ''New Knowledge of Dog Behavior''. Wiley, ISBN 0876057040 (hardcover); Dogwise Publications, 2001, 208 pages, ISBN 1929242042 (paperback).
* Shook, Larry (1995). "Breeders Can Hazardous to Health",''The Puppy Report: How to Select a Healthy, Happy Dog'', Chapter Two, pp. 13&ndash;34. Ballantine, 130 pages, ISBN 0345384393 (mass market paperback); Globe Pequot, 1992, ISBN 1558211403 (hardcover; this is much cheaper should you buy).
* Shook, Larry (1995). ''The Puppy Report: How to Select a Healthy, Happy Dog'', Chapter Four, "Hereditary Problems in Purebred Dogs", pp. 57&ndash;72. Ballantine, 130 pages, ISBN 0345384393 (mass market paperback); Globe Pequot, 1992, ISBN 1558211403 (hardcover; this is much cheaper should you buy).
* Thomas, Elizabeth Marshall (1993). ''The Hidden Life of Dogs'' (hardcover), A Peter Davison Book, Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0395669588.
* Vilà, Caries; Savolainen, Peter; Maldonado, Jesus E.; Amorim, Isabel R.; Rice, John E.; Honeycutt, Rodney L.; Crandall, Keith A.; Lundeberg, Joakim; Wayne, Robert K. (1997). [http://www.mnh.si.edu/GeneticsLab/StaffPage/MaldonadoJ/PublicationsCV/Science_Dog_Paper.pdf Multiple and ancient origins of the domestic dog.] ''Science'' '''276''', pp. 1687&ndash;1689.

==See also==
* [[Dog communication]] and [[woof]]
* [[:Category:Dogs]] for an organized list of all dog-related articles

==External links==
{{sisterlinks|Dog}}
;General info
*[http://www.avidpets.com/Articles/kids-dog.htm The best dog breeds for families with little children]
*[http://www.dogpatch.org/dogs Dogpatch] Considerable info about breeds, training, sports, and all other things dog
*[http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/02/0209_040209_dogsdogsdogs.html National Geographic News] Many articles and photos about dogs
*[http://www.globalpaw.com Global Paw] Large dog community with considerable information.
*[http://www.free-online-veterinarian-advice.com Free Online Veterinarian Advice] Free online veterinary advice and lots of dog health articles.
* [http://www.usenet-replayer.com/webrings/animal-dog.html Pictures of dogs] published on [[USENET]] stored with an search function.

;Genetics and origins
*[http://www.idir.net/~wolf2dog/wayne1.htm "Multiple and Ancient Origins of the Domestic Dog"]
*[http://www.fiu.edu/~milesk/Genetics.htm Canid Genetics]
*[http://www.nhgri.nih.gov/11008069 "Dog Genome Sequencing"] - [[National Human Genome Research Institute|NHGRI]]
*[http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_713600.html "World's dogs are descended from Asian wolves"]
*[http://magma.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/data/2002/01/01/html/ft_20020101.1.html#know "From Wolf to Woof - The Evolution of Dogs"]

;Health and medical
*[http://www.petcat.us/questions.shtml Information about the third eyelid of dogs, and the problem of Kertao, or "dry eye".]
*[http://www.publicbookshelf.com/public_html/Boys_Own_Book_of_Outdoor_Sports/healthydo_g.html How to keep a dog healthy]
*[http://www.avma.org/careforanimals/animatedjourneys/livingwithpets/poisoninfo.asp Why chocolate is poisonous to dogs] from the [[American Veterinarian Medical Association]]
*[http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/raisins.asp Information about grapes and raisins]
*[http://www.petalia.com.au/templates/storytemplate_process.cfm?story_no=257&specie=&url.section=answers Petalia: Human foods that poison pets]
*[http://www.thepetcenter.com/wai/poi_PP.html Common household items that can poison pets]
*[http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/inbreeding.htm Pros and Cons of Inbreeding]
*[http://www.doggiesparadise.com/dog-skin-disorders.shtml Dog skin disorders]
*[http://www.avidpets.com/Articles/allergic-dog.htm Low allergen producing dog breeds for allergy sufferers]
*[http://www.canineconfections.com/ Learn about Natural, Organic Dog treats and Biscuits]

;Training and behavior
*[http://www.uwsp.edu/psych/dog/dog.htm noncommercial site sponsored by the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point]

;Breed listings from major [[kennel club]]s
*[http://www.akc.org/ American Kennel Club]
*[http://www.ukcdogs.com/breeds/ United Kennel Club] Breed lists for many breeds and types not recognized by the AKC--and for many that are (U.S.)
*[http://www.fci.be FCI]Fédération Cynologique Internationale - FCI
*[http://www.dogdomain.com/fci-1.htm FCI] International breed standards
*[http://www.ankc.aust.com/breed_list.html Australian National Kennel Club]
*[http://www.the-kennel-club.org.uk The Kennel Club (UK)]
*[http://www.nzkc.org.nz/dogselect.html New Zealand Kennel Club]

[[Category:Dogs| ]]
[[Category:Dog health| ]]
[[Category:Pets]]
[[Category:Canines]]

[[af:Hond]]
[[ar:كلب]]
[[an:Can]]
[[ast:Perru]]
[[bg:Домашно куче]]
[[bm:Wùlù]]
[[bo:ཁྱི]]
[[ca:Gos]]
[[cy:Ci]]
[[da:Hund]]
[[de:Haushund]]
[[es:Perro]]
[[eo:Hundo]]
[[fr:Chien]]
[[gd:Cù]]
[[ko:개]]
[[ia:Can]]
[[it:Cane]]
[[he:כלב]]
[[lb:Haushond]]
[[hu:Kutya]]
[[nl:Hond]]
[[ja:イヌ]]
[[no:Tamhund]]
[[nn:Hund]]
[[oc:Ca]]
[[pl:Pies domowy]]
[[pt:Cão]]
[[ru:Собака домашняя]]
[[simple:Dog]]
[[sr:Пас]]
[[fi:Koira]]
[[sv:Hund]]
[[th:สุนัข]]
[[zh:犬]]

Revision as of 02:46, 10 September 2005

Gamaliel, just found out that your mom put a dog's penis into her asshole...then you licked the dog's dick it clean and kissed your mom on the lips. Fuck with others, others fuck you.

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dog&oldid=22950176"