Page 11 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

EVOLUTION OF THE DOG

RELATIONSHIPS OF THE DOG FAMILY (CANIDS)

FOX ETHIOPIAN WOLF GOLDEN JACKAL COYOTE GRAY WOLF DOG

This diagram shows the dog’s relationship to other canids based on
genetic evidence. The dog and the gray wolf are the most closely
related ancestrally because their DNA is most similar and they share
many characteristics. The further away from the dog and the wolf
each canid is reflects the fewer similarities in their shared DNA.

their “clan.” These early exchanges of every imaginable point, from the set of the breed and another have produced a range of
traits and characters laid the foundation ears on a spaniel to the distribution of spots novelty dogs that mix and match inherited
for the development of many different types on a Dalmatian (see p.286). characteristics, such as the curly coat of
of dog, but thousands of years were still The explosion in the variety of domestic one parent and the biddable temperament
to pass before anything like true breeds dogs has taken place over a relatively short of the other.
were established. time, especially from the 20th century Dogs have come a long way in appearance
onward. Modern dogs may sometimes seem and character since they were wolves, and
MODERN BREEDS in danger of becoming fashion accessories, but while people continue to desire the company
Initially people began to develop distinct human interference has caused other, greater of canines, they are also likely to want to go
types of dog for particular jobs—hounds concerns. Creating the “right” look has in on changing them. In some breeds, most
to hunt game, mastiffs to guard property, some breeds been to the detriment of the dog’s obviously in dogs such as the husky types
and shepherd dogs to herd livestock. They health. Flattened noses that cause breathing and the German Shepherd (see p.42),
selectively bred these dogs to be physically problems, too-large heads in puppies leading wolflike characteristics still linger, in others
and temperamentally suited for their role— to whelping difficulties, and over-long backs the original template has been altered out of
keen noses for hunting, long legs for racing, combined with spinal disorders are just some all recognition. An early hunter confronted
strength and stamina for hard outdoor of the built-in faults that responsible breeders with, say, a Pekingese (see p.270), would
work, and a strong protective instinct in now seek to mitigate. In the most recent probably not realize at first that he was
dogs needed for guard duties. Later came experiments, planned crosses between one looking at a dog.
the terriers and companion dogs. When
humans better understood the laws of
inheritance, and were able to manipulate
them, the process of change was greatly
accelerated. Then once dogs started to be
kept more for companionship and as pets
than for practical purposes, their appearance
began to take precedence over function.
Since the founding of the first breed societies
in the late 19th century, rigorous standards
have been compiled for pedigree dogs.
These set out the ideal type, color, and
conformation for each breed, and cover

Varying looks
Many types of dog were established by the 1800s,
including the Saint Bernard and English Toy Spaniel seen
in this illustration. Until breed standards were established,
however, types continued to change.

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