"Canidae"
"Canidae, Commonly Known as Canine, is the Family Dogs Belong to."
The canidae family also includes wolves, fox, coyotes, and jackals. Because they all walk on their toes, they are also classified as digitigrades (they most commonly have 5 toes on the forefeet and four toes on the hind feet). The domestic dog, or canidae, is also categorized as canis lupus familiaris (carnivorous, domesticated wolf). Canids (dogs) are members of the carnivore family and are also considered to be omnivorous because they feed on both plants and animal matter. The domestic dog thrives best on maximum nutrition dog food. Holistic dog food is considered closest to the canid's original diet and is now in high demand among owners.
The earliest signs of when canidae first began living and associating with humans is said to date back to the ice age. They are related most closely to the grey wolf and have similar pack animal instincts. Even domestic canidae family members recognize one member of the family as the "alpha dog" in charge of all others in the group.
Since the initial domestication of canidae, various sizes and breeds have been bred and developed throughout the world ranging from tiny Chihuahuas weighing 3-4 pounds to Mastiffs weighing as much as 200 pounds or more. Some canidae among the hypoallergenic dog breeds like the Basenji, some have short legs, like the dachshund, some are hairless like the Chinese Crested, and others have webbed paws suitable for swimming like the Portuguese Water Dog once used for swimming and diving into the seas off Portugal to herd and net fish, and to deliver messages to and from the fisherman.
Purebred canidae are purposely bred to have certain breed standards like shape, size, and temperament. Mixed breeds are a cross between two purebred dogs such as a Pug crossed with a Beagle (Puggle), or a Cocker Spaniel crossed with a Miniature Poodle (Cockerpoo). Canidae, considered to be mongrels, are randomly bred with little knowledge of their ancestry.
The genetics of purebred canidae produce dogs of consistent size, shape, and temperament, but can also produce dogs with increased, inherited medical risks such as heart disease, common in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, or skin disorders known to be common in West Highland White Terriers or kidney disorders known to be genetic in Basenjis. Golden Retrievers are prone to hip and elbow conditions, German Shepherds are prone to bowel problems and Boxers to cancer. Mongrel canidae are also prone to infectious diseases and injuries but are far less likely to be affected by inherited diseases.
Canidae breeding, for the development of domesticated dogs capable of performing specific duties, has resulted in the creation of worldwide clubs that have separated the different canidae into classifications. Most, including the American Kennel Club ("AKC"), have classified these canidae into the following groups:
- Herding (originally bred to herd cattle and sheep)
- Hound (scent hounds and sight hounds)
- Non-Sporting (various sizes, temperaments, and appearances)
- Sporting (pointers, retrievers, setters, and spaniels)
- Terrier (highly energetic, originally bred to hunt and kill vermin)
- Toy (small in size and considered to be lap-dogs)
- Working (guard dogs, sled dogs and rescue dogs)
- Miscellaneous (breeds still awaiting approval to compete in regular classes)
The canid of today is pampered with fancy dog collars, plush beds to sleep in, and good meals, as well as being fed in fancy dog bowls for dining in style. Most dogs now have fancy dog kennels for training and to provide a secure, private area for rest periods.
For more information on dog breeds go to DogBreedCenter.com
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