Page 267 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

COMPANION DOGS

COMPANION

DOGS

Almost any dog can provide companionship. Many dogs once used for outside work, such as
herding, have moved indoors with the family. Usually, these breeds have been developed for
specific tasks and so are traditionally grouped according to their primary function. With a few

exceptions, the companion dogs included here are bred solely as pets.

Most companion dogs are small Companion dogs have a long history. A bizarre, that serve no useful function
breeds, created primarily to sit on number of them originated thousands but are designed to appeal—for
laps, look decorative, and entertain of years ago in China, where small example, the humanlike flat faces
their owners without taking up dogs were kept in the imperial courts and large, round eyes of the Pekingese
much room. Some of them are toy as ornaments and a source of comfort. (see p.270) and the Pug (see p.268).
versions of larger working breeds. Until the late 19th century companion Some have extravagantly long coats,
The Poodle (see p.229), for example, dogs everywhere were almost curly tails, or—in the case of the
once used for herding or for exclusively the pampered pets of the Chinese Crested Dog (see p.280)—
retrieving waterfowl, was bred down wealthy. As such, they often featured no hair at all, apart from a few tufts
in size to a toy dog that could no longer in portraits, depicted sitting prettily in on the head or legs.
perform that practical function. Other, the drawing room or with children In modern times companion dogs are
larger, dogs sometimes grouped with as a nursery plaything. Some, such as no longer a symbol of class. They find
companion breeds include the the English Toy Spaniel (see p.279), a place with owners of all ages and
Dalmatian (see p.286), whose career owe their enduring popularity to the circumstances, in small apartments
included a short-lived spell as a former patronage of royalty. as well as in large country homes.
carriage escort, as much for prestige Appearance has always mattered Although still chosen for their looks,
as guard duty. Now that this job no in the breeding of companion dogs. these dogs are also sought after as
longer exists, Dalmatians are rarely Over the centuries selective breeding friends that give and demand affection
used for any working purpose. has produced characteristics, some and adapt happily to family activities.

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