RSPCA Complete Dog Training Manual [antikvár]

Introduction '^he dog evolved from its wolf ancestors over 10,000 years ago, and X since that time it has lived and worked with humans. The natural inclinations of the wolf were exaggerated through controlled breeding, and lines of dogs evolved bearing distinct abilities. Breeds were created for specific purposes, such as hunting, herding flocks of livestock, guarding campsites, and fighting by our sides during battle. Canine evolution In all regions of the northern hemisphere -the natural territory of the wolf - our distant relatives tamed the wolf and so produced the dog. In North America, the Innuit created sledge dogs, animals with powerful shoulders who were willing to pull heavy loads. In Asia, a variety of dogs emerged, ranging in size from heavy-boned war dogs like Mastiffs, to delicate companion dogs such as the Pekingese. Dogs with the ability to run swiftly were bred to chase game, thereby creating the root stock of the modern-day Afghan, Saluki, and Greyhound. Speciality breeds Further south in Asia, smaller hunting dogs evolved: the Singing Dog and the Dingo. These animals accompanied the Aboriginals when they settled in Papua New Guinea and Australia. In Europe, too, the wolf was tamed. The spitz-type dogs of northern Europe served our ancestors' needs by chasing large game. Speciality hunting breeds emerged, such as the Elkhound, Deerhound, Irish Wolfhound, and Otter Hound. Coursing and digging dogs - experts at killing small animals - were bred selectively, and today's teniers are their descendants. In Africa, Basenjis evolved as silent hunting companions. Breeding the domestic dog Generations of selective breeding resulted in dogs becoming even more specialized in their abilities to work for or with humans. Some scenting dogs were developed to follow air scent, and others to follow ground scent. Dogs were bred to fight with bears, bulls,