Page 14 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

INTRODUCTION TO DOGS | SENSES

Senses

Dogs are very alert to their surroundings and highly responsive to sensory information. They
look and listen to interpret their surroundings, just as we do. Although we see things with
greater clarity—except at night, when canine vision is an advantage—dogs hear much more
and possess a superbly developed sense of smell. A dog’s nose is his best asset and he relies on
it to provide him with a detailed account of the world.

SIGHT distance vision. They are particularly quick
Although dogs cannot see the range of color to pick up movement and can even detect
that humans can, they do see some colors. lameness, a useful adaptation in a predatory
This limited range is because a dog only animal seeking an easy kill. Canines see best
has two types of color-responsive cells in the low light of dawn and dusk—prime
(dichromatic vision) in the retina—the times for hunting in the wild. With less acute
light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye— close vision, a dog relies more on scent,
instead of three (trichromatic vision) as or touch through his sensitive whiskers,
humans have. The canine world is viewed to investigate nearby objects.
in shades of gray, blue, and yellow, without
red, orange, or green—in much the same way
as a person with red-green color-blindness.
Cerebrum deals with
Dogs do, however, have excellent long- sensory information

Thalamus deals with
alertness and sleep, in
EAR SHAPES addition to conveying
information on touch,
pain, sight, and hearing

Pineal gland is situated
at the base of the brain and
coordinates the dog’s body clock

ERECT CANDLE-FLAME Pituitary gland produces
(ALASKAN MALAMUTE) (ENGLISH TOY TERRIER) several hormones and also
serves as a link between the
nervous system and other
endocrine glands

Hypothalamus
regulates eating
and drinking
and controls
ROSE BUTTON pituitary gland
(GREYHOUND) (PUG)
Cerebellum
controls
movement
Some areas of the
brain stem control
salivation, others
relay information
DROP PENDANT about hearing, taste,
(BROHOLMER) (BLOODHOUND) and balance
Ear types
There are three main types of ear—erect (top row), Spinal cord connects
semierect (middle row), and drop (bottom row)—but with the peripheral
each includes a variety of different forms. Ears strongly nervous system
influence a dog’s overall appearance and so in many network that carries
sensory information
breeds the correct set, shape, and carriage of the ears over the entire body
is carefully detailed in their respective breed standards.

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