Page 62 - Dog

Crossbred dogs

The development of breeds of dog for different purposes, such as hunting
(pp. 40–41), herding (pp. 42–43), guarding (pp. 44–45), and sport (pp. 46–47),
has been a long, slow process that has continued over more than 5,000 years.
However, most of the dogs in the world are still mongrels, or crossbred dogs.
These are dogs that have interbred with each other at random, as opposed to
purebred dogs (pp. 48–59), which are dogs of the same breed that have been
selectively bred by humans. It is possible for all 400 breeds of dogs in the world
SITTING DOG to interbreed, because they are all descended from the wolf
This mongrel is eagerly (pp. 8–9) and, therefore, they all belong to one
waiting for its reward.
species. It would obviously be difficult, from
a practical point of view, for a Great Dane to mate with a tiny
Pekingese. However, many unlikely crosses have occurred – such
as a dachshund with a German shepherd. It is often claimed
that crossbred dogs are more intelligent than purebred
dogs, but it is more likely that their behavior
just shows more variation Tail arched upward
because they combine good helps dog retain
characteristics of a number of its balance
different breeds.

ONE GIANT LEAP FOR DOGKIND
These five pictures (right) show the
actions used by this crossbred
dog in jumping over an
obstacle. The tail is
particularly important
for keeping the
dog’s balance.

Strong, well-
muscled legs
help this dog
jump high off
the ground at
the beginning
of its leap
“HIS MASTER’S VOICE”
GOOD DOG! This painting by English artist Francis Barraud (1856–1924)
Training a dog to establish was bought by the British gramophone company EMI for
good behavior patterns $180. The dog, “Nipper,” was the artist’s own, and he was a
can be a long and crossbreed with a lot of bull terrier in him. This charming
arduous process, as this picture and its slogan were first registered as a trademark in
Correct child realizes – but 1910, and are still known in the U.S. as a sign
stance for both will get of RCA records.
getting their rewards in
ready to the end.
take off Strong, well-
proportioned legs

ON THE DOGHOUSE
Snoopy – the world’s favorite
cartoon dog – is mainly a beagle
with a bit of something else too.
Many amusing adventures befall
him each week in comic strips,
but – like most dogs – he likes
to sleep and dream, especially
on top of his doghouse.

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(c) 2011 Dorling Kindersley. All Rights Reserved.