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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