If a creature is four-footed or two-footed, or if it flies,
swims, crawls, or hops, you can be sure that someone at some
time has made a pet of it. Interesting pets from all over the
world have won places in the homes and hearts of people who
keep animals for pleasure.
Of
all animals, the domestic dog continues to hold the preferred
place around the family hearth. The dog is still the favorite
animal out-of-doors.
At
some time long ago, human beings tamed a few wild dogs. The
dogs may have been wolf cubs. Or they may have been jackals
or some other member of the wild dog family. These early people
found that dogs could be useful. They used dogs to help catch
other animals and birds for food and clothing.
As human beings became more civilized, they found that the dog
was a good friend and a helpful guard for their homes and cattle.
In time, different breeds of dogs were developed for special
purposes. Dogs with long noses (called muzzles)—like setters
and pointers—were bred to track the scent of birds, rabbits,
and other game. Breeds like the Greyhound, which is keen-sighted
and fleet of foot, chased rabbits and deer. Strong, heavy dogs
like the Mastiff, pulled carts. Other strong and highly intelligent
breeds, like the German Sheperd Dog and Doberman Pinscher, were
used as police dogs for guard work and to scent the enemy in
war. People found that dogs are more easily trained than other
animals. Some animal trainers say that the dog is the only animal
that can be trained without using food as a reward.
Dogs
were used for more than hunting and working. Some breeds came
to be used in sports and as pets. The Bulldog was first used
as bait bulls—a cruel sport in which the dog tortured the bull.
Fighting dogs were entered in contests. The smallest breeds,
needing little space and exercise, became popular as pets.
There
are over 100 breeds of dogs fro which to choose. Your choice
of a dog should depend upon whether you live in the city, you
will be wise to have one of the smaller breeds, such as the
pug, cocker spaniel, or Pekingese or a small mixed breed if
you do not wish to buy a purebred dog. If you live in the country,
you may enjoy one of the hounds, a sporting dog, a terrier,
or maybe one of the working dogs, such as the Newfoundland,
or a boxer. These dogs require considerable exercise, which
they can have easily in the country.
Most
dogs are easy to feed and to train. They are naturally meat
eaters but will thrive on good quality prepared dog foods, which
can be bought in any market.
All
dogs should be inoculated against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis,
and parvovirus when they are puppies. They should receive boosters
every year.
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