Dog is generally considered to be
the first Domesticated animal. They are naturally energetic and
needs lot of regular exercise. They also possess qualities such
as loyalty, devotion, courage, activeness etc. As a part of
their natural instincts usually humans considered them as a part
of their family. Dogs can differ in size appearance, function
and temperament. Some small dogs can weigh as little as 1.4lbs,
whereas some larger dogs can weigh as much as 200 lbs.
Physical Attributes: Dogs are considerably varied in size, color
and weight from breed to breed. They are also differing in appearance,
function and temperament. Some small dogs can weigh as little as 1.4lbs,
whereas some larger dogs can weigh as much as 200 lbs.
Scientific Information
Kingdom:
Animalia
Subkingdom:
Eumetazoa
Phylum:
Chordata
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Class:
Mammalia
Subclass:
Theria
Order:
Carnivora
Suborder:
Caniformia
Genus:
Canis
Family:
Canidae
Species:
C. lupus
Subspecies:
C.l.familiaris
Subfamily:
Caninae
Reproductive System: The average gestation period for dogs is 65
days. Depending on the breed, the gestation period may vary from dog to
dog. But, the puppies are normally delivered between 58 and 64 days. The
male dog reaches sexual maturity at between 6 to 8 months He can then
mate at any time of the year can give birth to 3-8 puppies.
Major Breeds of Dog: Over a period of time, the dog has developed
into hundred of breeds. The various breeds of dogs can be classified as
follows
(1) Herding Dogs: They
are primarily used to protect farms. They known to be very
intelligent and can easily be trained. Herding Dogs include
Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, Belgian Sheepdog,
Bearded Collie, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherd etc.
(2) Terrier Dogs: They
are breed as housedogs. They are very sensitive and develop to
hunt and kill vermin and pests or dig out prey into the dens.
Terrier Dogs include Airedale, American Staffordshire, Belington
, Border, Sealyham, and Yorkshire Terrier etc.
(3)
Toy Dogs: A toy dog is a type
of a very small dog. Ruling class usually owns them. Although,
they are smaller but the smallest breed of dog is named as
Chihuahua. They include Affenpinscher, Chinese Crested,
Pekingese, Pug, Silky Terrier, Papillion etc.
(4)Non-sporting Group:
They vary in terms of coat, size, personality and overall
appearances. They are simply opposite to Sporting dogs. They are
often not too active but some of the breeds in this group are
considered to be active. Non-sporting dogs are also known as
“companion dogs”. They include American Eskimo Dog, French
Bulldog, Tibetan Terrier, Finnish Spitz, Chow Chow, Bichon
Fries, Boston, Terrier etc.
(5)Sporting Group:
They are very active and can easily be trained to hunt. They are
naturally energetic and needs lot of regular exercise, as they
will overweight quickly. They include American Water Spaniel,
Irish Water Spaniel, Pointer, Cocker Spaniel, Field Spaniel,
Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Golden Retriever, Flat Coated
Retriever etc.
(6) Hound Group:
They are primarily used for hunting as sporting dogs but the
difference between them is that sporting dogs hunt by sniffing
smell into air while hound dogs hunt by sniffing scents on the
ground. They naturally possessed tremendous stamina. This breed
includes Afghan Hound, Bloodhound, Basset Hound, Greyhound,
Whippet, Irish Wolfhound, Pharaoh Hound, Saluki etc.
Dog’s diet: A dog diet can
generally include raw or cooked meats, vegetables, grains, and
fruits. Their diet may also include boil vegetables, boil eggs,
almond etc. You can also buy Dog cans and dog biscuits from
nearby store
Tips for dog caring:
1) Regular check-ups and exercises: Obesity can lead to
some serious heart diseases therefore, regular exercise is
needed. But the amount of exercise should be decided by the
veterinarian. Their diet and exercise should be specifically
planned at the same time. They also need regular check-ups. Most
of the people take their dogs to the veterinarian when it gets
sick. Preventive vaccinations and early detections of diseases
are the key to good health. Regular check ups should include lab
analysis, heart check, and dental exam.
2) Fix an ID Tag to your dog that includes your name,
address and telephone no.: ID Tag helps your dog to come to
you safely in case your pet lost somewhere.
3) Provide them suitable training: Provide proper
training to your dog in order to control its behavior. This can
also enhance the relationship of companionship.
4) Proper shelter should be provided: Dogs should
never be left alone outside for a longer period of time. They
require a fenced yard with doghouse in it. Fresh water should
always be there.
Common diseases in dogs in their
prevention:
Distemper: virus causes this. The
symptoms include loss of appetite, fever, inflammation of brain.
Infectious
hepatitis: This is a very dangerous disease and can affects dog by
hemorrhages or lever damage.
Salmon poisoning: This disease
caused after the consumption of raw salmon larvae. The symptoms include
high fever, swollen lymph nodes.
Congenital heart: That may occur in
1 percent of all dogs. Heart disease may lead to other diseases such as
pneumonia, breathing problems, accumulation of fluid etc.
Hip dysphasia: This is very common
in many of the breeds especially in German shepherds. It resulted in
unstable hip joint, particularly during the motion of hind leg.
Calculi or urolithiasis: Stone develop in Kidney, bladder, or in
urethra but it can be treated by surgery
PREVENTION:
Proper diet is the key to good health: The natural food contains
ultimate nutrition. The proper diet should include lightly cooked
vegetables, biscuits and bit of milk
Vaccinations: Proper vaccinations should be given to dogs at
proper time. Consult your veterinary surgeon for proper vaccination
