Wolves, jackals, foxes, and dogs are members of the family Canidae. Today's canines
were probably domesticated from the wolf 10-12,000 years ago. They found their way
into North America as far south as Idaho. Given thousands of years to
selectively breed mutants that cropped up in their dog colonies, humans have
manipulated an almost incredible diversity in this species. And there exists
today more than 800 true breeding types worldwide.
Regardless of the thousands of years of breeding,
dogs are still pack animals, a direct relationship from their wolf ancestors.
When you bring a dog into your home, it will view you/your family as its pack.
Your dog should feel as though it is a member of the human pack but as the
lowest ranking member. This ranking will be reinforced by your behaviors, such
as always being consistent and fair with your correction. Do not over correct
for an alpha leader (your role) deserves their position but never abuses it.
Even with this large number of different breeds, the common
characteristics of a dog are fit muscles, high endurance, proportional balanced
height and weight, and ability to use all five senses to the maximum, including
a sixth sense which scientists call an electromagnetic sense that allows dogs to
sense tremors and vibrations.
Link to Northern Michigan University
R.Bellomo: rbellomo@nmu.edu