The Lapponian Herder ( Lapinporokoira or Lapp Reindeer Dog or Lapsk Vallhund ) is a breed of dog from Finland, one of three Lapphund breeds developed from a type of dog used by the Sami people for herding and guarding their reindeer .
105-495: The Lapinporokoira is a medium-sized dog, with medium length fur in a double coat . Ears are pricked (standing up; drop ears are a disqualifying fault.) Colour is generally black or dark grey or brown, and occasionally red brown, with a lighter shade on the head and lower parts of the body, often with white markings. Medium in build, height should be 51 cm (20 in ) at the withers for males, 46 cm (18 in) for females. Males and females should look distinctly different. Weight
210-443: A d/d dilution of black pigment, a grey colouration that is grey from birth, but has a wide range of breed-specific meanings. In Kerry Blue Terriers , Poodles , and Bearded Collies , "blue" refers to colouration that is black at birth and progressively greys out as the dog matures. In Australian Shepherds , Rough Collies , and Shetland Sheepdogs , blue means a blue (black-based) merle . In Australian Silky Terriers , blue means
315-514: A double coat . Dogs with a single coat have a coat composed solely of guard hairs, with little or no downy undercoat. The terms fur and hair are often used interchangeably when describing a dog's coat, however in general, a double coat, like that of the Newfoundland and most livestock guardian dogs , is referred to as a fur coat , while a single coat, like that of the Poodle , is referred to as
420-455: A hair coat . Domestic dogs exhibit diverse coat colours and patterns . In many mammals, different colour patterns are the result of the regulation of the Agouti gene , which can cause hair follicles to switch from making black or brown pigments to yellow or nearly white pigments. The most common coat pattern found in modern wolves is agouti , in which the upperside of the body has banded hairs and
525-404: A "difference in motivation" between wolves and dogs. Some puppies and dogs engage in coprophagy out of habit, stress, for attention, or boredom; most of them will not do it later in life. A study hypothesizes that the behavior was inherited from wolves, a behavior likely evolved to lessen the presence of intestinal parasites in dens. Most dogs can swim. In a study of 412 dogs, around 36.5% of
630-468: A 2024 UK study analyzing 584,734 dogs, it was concluded that purebred dogs lived longer than crossbred dogs, challenging the previous notion of the latter having the higher life expectancies. The authors noted that their study included " designer dogs " as crossbred and that purebred dogs were typically given better care than their crossbred counterparts, which likely influenced the outcome of the study. Other studies also show that fully mongrel dogs live about
735-466: A certain work or role. Their behavioural traits include guarding, herding, hunting, retrieving, and scent detection. Their personality traits include hypersocial behavior, boldness, and aggression. Present-day dogs are dispersed around the world. An example of this dispersal is the numerous modern breeds of European lineage during the Victorian era. Dogs are extremely variable in size, ranging from one of
840-622: A control method for overpopulation. Neutering often occurs as early as 6–14 weeks in shelters in the US. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) advises that dogs not intended for further breeding should be neutered so that they do not have undesired puppies that may later be euthanized. However, the Society for Theriogenology and the American College of Theriogenologists made
945-409: A dog called red is usually a clear sable (with little to no eumelanin tipping on hairs) or a ruddy recessive yellow. In some breeds, "red" refers to what would usually be called brown, chocolate, or liver. A "red merle" is always a liver-based merle. In Australian Cattle Dogs , "red" stands for a densely ticked liver-based colouration with an overall red-grey appearance. Gold refers specifically to
1050-424: A dog's coat plays an important role in the showing of purebred dogs . Breed standards often include a detailed description of the nature and attributes of that breed's ideal coat. A dog's coat is composed of two layers: a top coat of stiff guard hairs that help repel water and shield from dirt, and an undercoat of soft down hairs , to serve as insulation. Dogs with both under coat and top coat are said to have
1155-629: A joint statement that opposes mandatory neutering; they said that the cause of overpopulation in the US is cultural. Neutering is less common in most European countries, especially in Nordic countries —except for the UK, where it is common. In Norway, neutering is illegal unless for the benefit of the animal's health (e.g., ovariohysterectomy in case of ovarian or uterine neoplasia). Some European countries have similar laws to Norway, but their wording either explicitly allows for neutering for controlling reproduction or it
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#17328696901081260-529: A long, straight, and non-wired coat in the Pomeranian . Additionally, breeds show variation in patterns of growth - that is to say, parts of the dog's body where the coat may be longer or shorter. The same gene that controls wiriness of hair also causes furnishings to be present (e.g. beard, moustache, eyebrows) - compare the bearded collie , furnishings present, to the border collie , which lacks furnishings. Some breeds show feathering: fringes of longer hair on
1365-499: A natural instinct called prey drive (the term is chiefly used to describe training dogs ' habits) which can be influenced by breeding. These instincts can drive dogs to consider objects or other animals to be prey or drive possessive behavior. These traits have been enhanced in some breeds so that they may be used to hunt and kill vermin or other pests. Puppies or dogs sometimes bury food underground . One study found that wolves outperformed dogs in finding food caches, likely due to
1470-401: A north–south position in calm magnetic field conditions. Dogs' vision is dichromatic ; their visual world consists of yellows, blues, and grays. They have difficulty differentiating between red and green, and much like other mammals, the dog's eye is composed of two types of cone cells compared to the human's three. The divergence of the eye axis of dogs ranges from 12 to 25°, depending on
1575-427: A rich reddish-yellow and its variants, whereas yellow can refer to any shade of yellow and tan. Terms used include yellow-gold, lion-colored, fawn, apricot, wheaten, tawny, straw, yellow-red, mustard, sandy, honey, blond, and lemon. Dogs called golden or yellow tend to be recessive yellow, but can also be sable. Cream refers to a pale yellowish or tannish colour which can be almost white. Fawn typically refers to
1680-468: A saddle-type black and tan pattern, where the black parts of the coat progressively fade to a steel grey as the dog matures and in Australian Cattle Dogs , blue stands for a densely ticked black-based colouration with an overall blue-grey appearance. Grey simply means a grey colouration of any shade. It can be used as an alternative synonym of blue, but tends to mean some other type of grey than
1785-494: A set of social-cognitive abilities in domestic dogs that are not possessed by the dog's canine relatives or other highly intelligent mammals, such as great apes , are parallel to children's social-cognitive skills. Most domestic animals were initially bred for the production of goods. Dogs, on the other hand, were selectively bred for desirable behavioral traits. In 2016, a study found that only 11 fixed genes showed variation between wolves and dogs. These gene variations indicate
1890-484: A silver is a quicker to clear, much lighter grey that can range from a pale platinum to a steel grey. Both are black at birth with minimal markings to indicate future change. Similarly, café au lait is a slower and darker and silver beige a quicker and lighter progressively greying brown, i.e. liver. White : Such a light cream that it is seen and described as pure white, making them distinct from albino dogs. A white dog, as opposed to an albino one, has dark pigment around
1995-458: A study of Boxer litters, 22% of puppies died before reaching 7 weeks of age. Stillbirth was the most frequent cause of death, followed by infection. Mortality due to infection increased significantly with increases in inbreeding. Dog behavior has been shaped by millennia of contact with humans. They have acquired the ability to understand and communicate with humans and are uniquely attuned to human behaviors. Behavioral scientists suggest that
2100-527: A study of seven dog breeds (the Bernese Mountain Dog , Basset Hound , Cairn Terrier , Brittany , German Shepherd Dog , Leonberger , and West Highland White Terrier ), it was found that inbreeding decreases litter size and survival. Another analysis of data on 42,855 Dachshund litters found that as the inbreeding coefficient increased, litter size decreased and the percentage of stillborn puppies increased, thus indicating inbreeding depression. In
2205-456: A very long time. Such dogs were not of modern breeds of documented heritage, and did not have a fixed appearance, but rather were a landrace type of herding dog . Although Swedish and Finnish dog fanciers began collecting information about the type in the 1930s, most of the dogs were lost as a result of World War II . After the war, various breeders in Sweden and Finland began to try to recreate
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#17328696901082310-674: A workshop hosted by the IUCN /Species Survival Commission's Canid Specialist Group considered the dingo and the New Guinea singing dog to be feral Canis familiaris . Therefore, it did not assess them for the IUCN Red List of threatened species . The earliest remains generally accepted to be those of a domesticated dog were discovered in Bonn-Oberkassel , Germany. Contextual , isotopic , genetic , and morphological evidence shows that this dog
2415-548: A year longer on average than dogs with pedigrees. Furthermore, small dogs with longer muzzles have been shown to have higher lifespans than larger medium-sized dogs with much more depressed muzzles. For free-ranging dogs, less than 1 in 5 reach sexual maturity, and the median life expectancy for feral dogs is less than half of dogs living with humans. In domestic dogs, sexual maturity happens around six months to one year for both males and females, although this can be delayed until up to two years of age for some large breeds. This
2520-400: A yellow, tan, light brown, or cream dog that has a dark melanistic mask. With Weimaraners , fawn refers to their typical brownish grey colouration that with other breeds is usually called lilac. Black is a pure black that can get grizzled as the dog ages, or have a tendency to gain a brownish cast when exposed to the elements. Blue is a cool-toned, metallic grey. It typically means
2625-405: Is a domestic animal that likely travelled a commensal pathway into domestication (i.e. humans initially neither benefitted nor were harmed by wild dogs eating refuse from their camps). The questions of when and where dogs were first domesticated remains uncertain. Genetic studies suggest a domestication process commencing over 25,000 years ago, in one or several wolf populations in either Europe,
2730-653: Is a notable genus with 5 species in which dogs are the definitive host . Additionally, dogs are a source of zoonoses for humans. They are responsible for 99% of rabies cases worldwide; however, in some developed countries such as the UK, rabies is absent from dogs and is instead only transmitted by bats. Other common zoonoses are hydatid disease , leptospirosis , pasteurellosis , ringworm , and toxocariasis . Common infections in dogs include canine adenovirus , canine distemper virus , canine parvovirus , leptospirosis , canine influenza , and canine coronavirus . All of these conditions have vaccines available. Dogs are
2835-464: Is a pro-inflammatory compound. It is critical to note once again that canines are unable to interconvert between omega fatty acids and over supplying linoleic acid promotes excessive inflammation in the body, which can potentially reverse the coat benefits seen by supplying omega fatty acids in the diet. In contrast, linoleic acid is also required for epidermal lipid function and water retention, which benefits coat shine. Having linoleic acid present in
2940-432: Is allowed in practice or by contradiction through other laws. Italy and Portugal have passed recent laws that promote it. Germany forbids early age neutering, but neutering is still allowed at the usual age. In Romania, neutering is mandatory except for when a pedigree to select breeds can be shown. A common breeding practice for pet dogs is to mate them between close relatives (e.g., between half- and full-siblings). In
3045-536: Is an anti-inflammatory compound. Linolenic acid is found in the oil from flaxseeds, soybean and canola. Some better known examples of linolenic acid are the metabolic derivatives eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA). EPA inhibits the enzyme delta-5-desaturase, which prevents the synthesis of arachidonic acid which is an inflammatory omega 6. DHA acts even earlier in omega 6 metabolism, by inhibiting delta-6-desaturase . The anti-inflammatory properties of omega 3s stem from their ability to inhibit
3150-535: Is an outward indicator of internal well-being. For this reason, coat health is an important aspect of pet care to many dog owners. Dog coats can be impacted by nutritional components from the diet. Below is a table that summarizes the effects of several nutrients (minerals, vitamins) on the domestic canine coat, based on current evidence: Zinc contributes to hair growth and can prevent hair from becoming dry and brittle. In addition to, zinc when supplemented in combination with linoleic acids has been found to improve
3255-460: Is associated with impulsive behaviors , anxiety behaviors, and fear of unfamiliar noise, people, or animals. Some dog breeds are hairless, while others have a very thick corded coat. The coats of certain breeds are often groomed to a characteristic style, for example, the Yorkshire Terrier 's "show cut". A dog's dewclaw is the fifth digit in its forelimb and hind legs. Dewclaws on
Lapponian Herder - Misplaced Pages Continue
3360-754: Is between 55–65 lb (25–29 kg), males usually heavier than females. The breed standard states that the dog should be calm, friendly, and docile, but also energetic. Most herding breeds need to be given regular exercise. The temperament of individual dogs may vary. The Lapponian Herder can participate in dog agility trials, carting , mushing , obedience , Rally obedience , showmanship , flyball , tracking , and herding events. Herding instincts and trainability can be measured at noncompetitive herding tests. Lapponian Herders exhibiting basic herding instincts can be trained to compete in herding trials. The Sami people of northern Europe used Spitz type herding dogs in managing their herds of reindeer for
3465-700: Is closely related to the ancestor of domestic dogs. In 2018, a study identified 429 genes that differed between modern dogs and modern wolves. As the differences in these genes could also be found in ancient dog fossils, these were regarded as being the result of the initial domestication and not from recent breed formation. These genes are linked to neural crest and central nervous system development. These genes affect embryogenesis and can confer tameness, smaller jaws, floppy ears, and diminished craniofacial development, which distinguish domesticated dogs from wolves and are considered to reflect domestication syndrome. The study concluded that during early dog domestication,
3570-416: Is crucial to achieve optimal benefits. Proper omega 6:3 ratios have been shown to diminish allergy triggered immune responses, thus improving overall coat condition. The National Research Council (NRC) recommends a 2.6:1 to 26:1 omega 6:3 ratio for adult dog maintenance diets. The proper ratio of these fatty acids is crucial because each has an opposing role in inflammation within the body and both compete for
3675-423: Is dominated by a large visual cortex , the dog brain is dominated by a large olfactory cortex . Dogs have roughly forty times more smell-sensitive receptors than humans, ranging from about 125 million to nearly 300 million in some dog breeds, such as bloodhounds . This sense of smell is the most prominent sense of the species; it detects chemical changes in the environment, allowing dogs to pinpoint
3780-457: Is not found in any other canid . In the 2005 edition of Mammal Species of the World , mammalogist W. Christopher Wozencraft listed the wolf as a wild subspecies of Canis lupus and proposed two additional subspecies: familiaris , as named by Linnaeus in 1758, and dingo , named by Meyer in 1793. Wozencraft included hallstromi (the New Guinea singing dog) as another name ( junior synonym ) for
3885-639: Is opposed by many veterinary and animal welfare organisations such as the American Veterinary Medical Association and the British Veterinary Association . Evidence from veterinary practices and questionnaires showed that around 500 dogs would need to have their tail docked to prevent one injury. Numerous disorders have been known to affect dogs. Some are congenital and others are acquired. Dogs can acquire upper respiratory tract diseases including diseases that affect
3990-749: Is significant divergence in terms of skull shape between types. The three basic skull shapes are the elongated dolichocephalic type as seen in sighthounds , the intermediate mesocephalic or mesaticephalic type, and the very short and broad brachycephalic type exemplified by mastiff type skulls. The jaw contains around 42 teeth, and it has evolved for the consumption of flesh. Dogs use their carnassial teeth to cut food into bite-sized chunks, more especially meat. Dogs' senses include vision, hearing, smell, taste, touch, and magnetoreception . One study suggests that dogs can feel small variations in Earth's magnetic field . Dogs prefer to defecate with their spines aligned in
4095-442: Is the terminal appendage of the vertebral column , which is made up of a string of 5 to 23 vertebrae enclosed in muscles and skin that support the dog's back extensor muscles. One of the primary functions of a dog's tail is to communicate their emotional state. The tail also helps the dog maintain balance by putting its weight on the opposite side of the dog's tilt, and it can also help the dog spread its anal gland 's scent through
4200-404: Is the time at which female dogs will have their first estrous cycle , characterized by their vulvas swelling and producing discharges , usually lasting between 4 and 20 days. They will experience subsequent estrous cycles semiannually, during which the body prepares for pregnancy . At the peak of the cycle, females will become estrous, mentally and physically receptive to copulation . Because
4305-837: Is well adapted for running; the vertebrae on the neck and back have extensions for back muscles, consisting of epaxial muscles and hypaxial muscles , to connect to; the long ribs provide room for the heart and lungs ; and the shoulders are unattached to the skeleton, allowing for flexibility. Compared to the dog's wolf-like ancestors, selective breeding since domestication has seen the dog's skeleton increase in size for larger types such as mastiffs and miniaturised for smaller types such as terriers ; dwarfism has been selectively bred for some types where short legs are preferred, such as dachshunds and corgis . Most dogs naturally have 26 vertebrae in their tails, but some with naturally short tails have as few as three. The dog's skull has identical components regardless of breed type, but there
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4410-496: The Late Pleistocene . DNA sequences show that all ancient and modern dogs share a common ancestry and descended from an ancient, extinct wolf population that was distinct from any modern wolf lineage. Some studies have posited that all living wolves are more closely related to each other than to dogs, while others have suggested that dogs are more closely related to modern Eurasian wolves than to American wolves. The dog
4515-449: The d/d dilution of black. Synonyms include silver, pepper, grizzle, slate, blue-black grey, black and silver, steel. Greys of a dusty or brownish cast are often lilac, a d/d dilution of liver, and this colouration does not have much of a commonly recognised name. Across various breeds, it is called lavender, silver-fawn, isabella, fawn, café au lait or silver beige. In Poodles, a blue is a very slowly fading, very dark steel grey, whereas
4620-408: The development of agriculture . Experts estimate that due to their long association with humans, dogs have gained the ability to thrive on a starch -rich diet that would be inadequate for other canids . Dogs have been bred for desired behaviors, sensory capabilities, and physical attributes. Dog breeds vary widely in shape, size, and color. They have the same number of bones (with the exception of
4725-481: The human–canine bond has been a topic of frequent study, and dogs' influence on human society has given them the sobriquet of " man's best friend ". The global dog population is estimated at 700 million to 1 billion, distributed around the world . The dog is the most popular pet in the United States, present in 34–40% of households. Developed countries make up approximately 20% of the global dog population. 75% of
4830-406: The mammary glands , ovaries , and other reproductive organs . However, neutering increases the risk of urinary incontinence in bitches, prostate cancer in dogs, and osteosarcoma , hemangiosarcoma , cruciate ligament rupture , pyometra , obesity , and diabetes mellitus in either sex. Neutering is the most common surgical procedure in dogs less than a year old in the US and is seen as
4935-468: The military . Communication in dogs includes eye gaze, facial expression, vocalization, body posture (including movements of bodies and limbs), and gustatory communication (scents, pheromones, and taste). They mark their territories by urinating on them, which is more likely when entering a new environment. Over the millennia, dogs became uniquely adapted to human behavior; this adaptation includes being able to understand and communicate with humans. As such,
5040-1166: The nasal cavity , the larynx , and the trachea ; lower respiratory tract diseases which includes pulmonary disease and acute respiratory diseases; heart diseases which includes any cardiovascular inflammation or dysfunction of the heart; haemopoietic diseases including anaemia and clotting disorders ; gastrointestinal disease such as diarrhoea and gastric dilatation volvulus ; hepatic disease such as portosystemic shunts and liver failure ; pancreatic disease such as pancreatitis ; renal disease ; lower urinary tract disease such as cystitis and urolithiasis ; endocrine disorders such as diabetes mellitus , Cushing's syndrome , hypoadrenocorticism , and hypothyroidism ; nervous system diseases such as seizures and spinal injury ; musculoskeletal disease such as arthritis and myopathies ; dermatological disorders such as alopecia and pyoderma ; ophthalmological diseases such as conjunctivitis , glaucoma , entropion , and progressive retinal atrophy ; and neoplasia . Common dog parasites are lice , fleas , fly larvae , ticks , mites , cestodes , nematodes , and coccidia . Taenia
5145-473: The ova survive and can be fertilized for a week after ovulation, more than one male can sire the same litter. Fertilization typically occurs two to five days after ovulation. After ejaculation , the dogs are coitally tied for around 5–30 minutes because of the male's bulbus glandis swelling and the female's constrictor vestibuli contracting; the male will continue ejaculating until they untie naturally due to muscle relaxation . 14–16 days after ovulation,
5250-424: The phylogenetic tree is rooted in the same sequence as the 33,000 year-old Altai dog (not a direct ancestor). Coat (dog) The coat of the domestic dog refers to the hair that covers its body. Dogs demonstrate a wide range of coat colors, patterns, textures, and lengths. As with other mammals, a dog's fur has many uses, including thermoregulation and protection from cuts or scratches; furthermore,
5355-565: The vizslas , to the wiry coat of a Scottish Terrier and the corded coat of the Puli and the Komondor . Generally, coats vary along three categories: length (long vs. short), texture (curly vs. straight), and coarseness (wire-haired vs. non-wire). These three categories all interact with one another; thus, one can see a short, curly, and wired coat in the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon , and
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#17328696901085460-744: The Lapponian Herder.) The Lapinporokoira is recognised under Finnish sponsorship as Fédération Cynologique Internationale in Group 5 Spitz and primitive types Section 3 Nordic Watchdogs and Herders . The stud book for the breed remains open . Exported to North America, it is recognised there by the United Kennel Club in the Herding group (the United Kennel Club places the Finnish Lapphund in
5565-785: The Northern Breed Group.) It is also recognised by various minor kennel clubs and internet based dog registry businesses, and promoted as a rare breed for those seeking a unique pet. The breed falls under the mitochondrial DNA sub- clade referred to as d1 that is only found in northern Scandinavia. It is the result of a female wolf / male dog hybridization that occurred post-domestication. Subclade d1 originated at most 480–3,000 years ago and includes all Sami -related breeds: Finnish Lapphund , Swedish Lapphund , Lapponian Herder, Jamthund , Norwegian Elkhound and Hällefors Elkhound . The maternal wolf sequence that contributed to these breeds has not been matched across Eurasia and its branch on
5670-573: The Swedish botanist and zoologist Carl Linnaeus assigned the genus name Canis (which is the Latin word for "dog") to the domestic dog, the wolf , and the golden jackal in his book, Systema Naturae . He classified the domestic dog as Canis familiaris and, on the next page, classified the grey wolf as Canis lupus . Linnaeus considered the dog to be a separate species from the wolf because of its upturning tail ( cauda recurvata in Latin term), which
5775-438: The allergenicity more than breed or gender." The nature and quality of a purebred dog 's coat is important to the dog fancy in the judging of the dog at conformation shows . The exact requirements are detailed in each breed's breed standard and do not generalise in any way, and the terminology may be very different even when referring to similar features. See individual breed articles for specific information. A dog's coat
5880-568: The body begins to produce the usual hair growth and color it would before the deficiency took place. Polyunsaturated fatty acids found in the diet play a critical role in the maintenance of a healthy coat in dogs, and have even been shown to improve coat condition when supplemented in the diet. Furthermore, diets lacking essential fatty acids in their diet will manifest as unkept, matted coat. Omega fatty acids 3 and 6 are highly unsaturated fatty acids, making them especially metabolically active. The proper combination of these omega fatty acids
5985-517: The body is present in breeds such as the Chinese Crested or the Xoloitzcuintli . Shedding of hair can occur continuously, but in many breeds is strongly influenced by hormones. Seasonal shedders shed most in spring and fall, following an increase or decrease in day length, and least in summer and winter, in response to constant day length. Cold temperatures stimulate hair growth, so that
6090-399: The breed, which can have different retina configurations. The fovea centralis area of the eye is attached to a nerve fiber , and is the most sensitive to photons . Additionally, a study found that dogs' visual acuity was up to eight times less effective than a human, and their ability to discriminate levels of brightness was about two times worse than a human. While the human brain
6195-636: The canine diet is an important aspect of coat health. The fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) require lipids present in the diet for absorption, transport and deposition in canine adipose tissue. The specific role of vitamins A and E for coat health are explored elsewhere in this article, as they pertain to immune function. Another pet food regulating body, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), recommends that Vitamin E supplementation increase as polyunsaturated fatty acids are added to diet in order to counteract lipid oxidation and maintain
6300-407: The cause and vice versa. The typical lifespan of dogs varies widely among breeds, but the median longevity (the age at which half the dogs in a population have died and half are still alive) is approximately 12.7 years. Obesity correlates negatively with longevity with one study finding obese dogs to have a life expectancy approximately a year and a half less than dogs with a healthy weight. In
6405-412: The coat of canines by reducing water loss in the trans-epidermal layer of the skin. Dogs can obtain zinc in their diet, through the addition of various ingredients, including; red meats, whole grains, poultry by-product meals, and fish meals. Copper is a trace mineral that is required in the diet of canines at 7.3 mg/kg. Copper is involved in multiple enzymatic pathways. In dogs, a lack of copper in
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#17328696901086510-707: The colour relationships between modern dogs and wolves, white wolves from North America, yellow dogs, and yellowish wolves from Tibet. The study concludes that during the Late Pleistocene, natural selection laid the genetic foundation for modern coat colour diversity in dogs and wolves. During evolution of the dog from their wolf ancestors, coat colors in dogs were probably the inadvertent outcome of some other selective process, and were not likely initially selected for intentionally by humans. Research has found that tameness brings associated physical changes, including coat colouring and patterning. Domestic dogs often display
6615-822: The companion animal most frequently reported for exposure to toxins . Most poisonings are accidental and over 80% of reports of exposure to the ASPCA animal poisoning hotline are due to oral exposure. The most common substances people report exposure to are: pharmaceuticals, toxic foods, and rodenticides . Data from the Pet Poison Helpline shows that human drugs are the most frequent cause of toxicosis death. The most common household products ingested are cleaning products. Most food related poisonings involved theobromine poisoning (chocolate). Other common food poisonings include xylitol , Vitis (grapes, raisins, etc.) and Allium (garlic, oninions, etc.). Pyrethrin insecticides were
6720-456: The diet has demonstrated a positive effect on skin, and thus by extension, coat. Dog The dog ( Canis familiaris or Canis lupus familiaris ) is a domesticated descendant of the wolf . Also called the domestic dog , it was selectively bred from an extinct population of wolves during the Late Pleistocene by hunter-gatherers . The dog was the first species to be domesticated by humans , over 14,000 years ago and before
6825-433: The diet, leading to a copper deficiency, results in incomplete keratinization. This leads to a dry coat, hypo-pigmentation, and discoloration of the coat. Selenium is another one of the many trace minerals essential for a dog's diet. Selenium is typically required in lower levels in comparison to other minerals. It is involved in the prevention of oxidative damage as well as the production of anti-oxidants. Selenium aids in
6930-532: The dingo. This classification was informed by a 1999 mitochondrial DNA study. The classification of dingoes is disputed and a political issue in Australia. Classifying dingoes as wild dogs simplifies reducing or controlling dingo populations that threaten livestock. Treating dingoes as a separate species allows conservation programs to protect the dingo population. Dingo classification affects wildlife management policies, legislation, and societal attitudes. In 2019,
7035-489: The dogs could not swim; the other 63.5% were able to swim without a trainer in a swimming pool . A study of 55 dogs found a correlation between swimming and 'improvement' of the hip osteoarthritis joint . The female dog may produce colostrum , a type of milk high in nutrients and antibodies, 1–7 days before giving birth. Milk production lasts for around three months, and increases with litter size. The dog can sometimes vomit and refuse food during child contractions . In
7140-506: The ears, belly, tail, and back of the legs (e.g., Saluki and any of the setters ). Dogs also vary in the thickness of the undercoat. Some dogs have only a single (rather than a double) coat, or a very reduced undercoat (e.g. the Vizsla ), which results in a thinner coat. Certain breeds, especially spitz-type breeds , tend to have a thicker undercoat, which helps retain heat in cold and wet weather. Furthermore, complete hairlessness on parts of
7245-597: The embryo attaches to the uterus , and after seven to eight more days, a heartbeat is detectable. Dogs bear their litters roughly 58 to 68 days after fertilization , with an average of 63 days, although the length of gestation can vary. An average litter consists of about six puppies . Neutering is the sterilization of animals via gonadectomy , which is an orchidectomy (castration) in dogs and ovariohysterectomy (spay) in bitches. Neutering reduces problems caused by hypersexuality , especially in male dogs. Spayed females are less likely to develop cancers affecting
7350-604: The expense of problem-solving ability . In a 2023 study of 58 dogs, some dogs classified as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder -like showed lower serotonin and dopamine concentrations. A similar study claims that hyperactivity is more common in male and young dogs. A dog can become aggressive because of trauma or abuse, fear or anxiety, territorial protection, or protecting an item it considers valuable. Acute stress reactions from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) seen in dogs can evolve into chronic stress . Police dogs with PTSD can often refuse to work. Dogs have
7455-434: The eye rims and nose, often coupled with dark-colored eyes. There is often some coat identifiable as cream between the dog's shoulder blades. Extreme piebald dogs can also appear all white, but are caused by a separate factor. The same pattern may be referred to differently in different breeds. Basset Hound Dogs demonstrate an enormous diversity in coat length and texture, from the very short and smooth coat seen in
7560-528: The family Canidae . They are classified as a subspecies of Canis lupus , along with wolves and dingoes . Dogs were domesticated from wolves over 14,000 years ago by hunter-gatherers , before the development of agriculture. The dingo and the related New Guinea singing dog resulted from the geographic isolation and feralization of dogs in Oceania over 8,000 years ago. Dogs, wolves, and dingoes have sometimes been classified as separate species. In 1758,
7665-449: The forelimbs are attached by bone and ligament, while the dewclaws on the hind legs are attached only by skin. Most dogs aren't born with dewclaws in their hind legs, and some are without them in their forelimbs. Dogs' dewclaws consist of the proximal phalanges and distal phalanges . Some publications theorize that dewclaws in wolves, who usually do not have dewclaws, were a sign of hybridization with dogs. A dog's tail
7770-556: The fur. Although breeds such as poodles , Bedlington terriers , bichons , yorkies , and wire-haired terriers are commonly represented as being hypoallergenic due to reduced shedding, the reaction that an individual person has to an individual dog may vary greatly. In a report, describing dog allergen extracts of dog hair, belonging to patients' dogs or from dogs of the same breed, with low molecular mass that are absent in extracts of commercial allergen test kits, it has been found that "[f]actors related to individual dogs seem to influence
7875-465: The global dog population is estimated to consist of feral and community dogs from developing countries. Gray wolf (domestic dog) [REDACTED] Coyote [REDACTED] African wolf [REDACTED] Ethiopian wolf [REDACTED] Golden jackal [REDACTED] Dhole [REDACTED] African wild dog [REDACTED] Side-striped jackal [REDACTED] Black-backed jackal [REDACTED] Dogs are domesticated members of
7980-407: The hair development, most stages of growth are completed, but it was found that in the last stage, where biotin levels were insufficient, there was an incorrect keratinization of the root of the hair, causing the hair to fall out of the body. The supplementation of biotin cannot reverse affects caused by deficiency, but as soon as supplementation is given and biotin levels are restored to adequacy,
8085-399: The hair follicle growth cycle: "[D]ogs are a relevant source of allergens, but diagnosing dog-related allergies may present difficulties .." Some dog breeds have been promoted as hypoallergenic (which means less allergic , not free of allergens) because they shed very little. However, no canine is known to be completely nonallergenic. Often the problem is with the dog's saliva or dander, not
8190-750: The heaviest shedding is in spring on dogs living in cold climates. Artificial lighting can alter the seasonal shedding pattern of dogs who live indoors. Other hormonal influences include dietary factors, reproductive hormones in intact dogs, and various medical conditions and disorders. Shedding that is done in a short period of time is known as "blowing the coat" or "blowing coat". Among the other coat types, dogs with fine silky coats (e.g., spaniels) are generally moderate shedders, those with an intermediate coat texture (e.g., mountain dogs) are generally heavy shedders, and those with thick stand-offish coats (e.g., spitzes) are generally very heavy shedders. "Non-shedding" dogs have greatly-reduced shedding due to alterations to
8295-499: The high Arctic, or eastern Asia. In 2021, a literature review of the current evidence infers that the dog was domesticated in Siberia 23,000 years ago by ancient North Siberians , then later dispersed eastward into the Americas and westward across Eurasia, with dogs likely accompanying the first humans to inhabit the Americas. Some studies have suggested that the extinct Japanese wolf
8400-438: The importance of biotin in coat pigmentation. There different stages of hair development, as shown in clinical studies using mice. Each stage of hair development has a different sensitivity to biotin present in the body. For example, the shaft development is not greatly affected by biotin access. During the last stage, the amount of biotin available for use by the body will alter the success of that development greatly. Throughout
8505-499: The inflammatory action of omega 6 fatty acids. A functional minimum has not been set forth by AAFCO, as one has yet to be determined. A reduction in inflammation of somatic tissues, skin especially, supports coat health. Omega 6 fatty acid, also known as linoleic acid , is found in poultry fat and the oil from safflower, sunflower, corn and flaxseed. Arachidonic acid is a well known metabolic derivative of linoleic acid, found only in animal sources. As mentioned above, arachidonic acid
8610-453: The initial selection was for behavior. This trait is influenced by those genes which act in the neural crest, which led to the phenotypes observed in modern dogs. There are around 450 official dog breeds , the most of any mammal. Dogs began diversifying in the Victorian era , when humans took control of their natural selection. Most breeds were derived from small numbers of founders within
8715-569: The largest breeds, the Great Dane , at 50 to 79 kg (110 to 174 lb) and 71 to 81 cm (28 to 32 in), to one of the smallest, the Chihuahua , at 0.5 to 3 kg (1.1 to 6.6 lb) and 13 to 20 cm (5.1 to 7.9 in). All healthy dogs, regardless of their size and type, have the same amount of bones (with the exception of the tail), although there is significant skeletal variation between dogs of different types. The dog's skeleton
8820-509: The last 200 years. Since then, dogs have undergone rapid phenotypic change and have been subjected to artificial selection by humans. The skull, body, and limb proportions between breeds display more phenotypic diversity than can be found within the entire order of carnivores . These breeds possess distinct traits related to morphology, which include body size, skull shape, tail phenotype, fur type, and colour. As such, humans have long used dogs for their desirable traits to complete or fulfill
8925-466: The late 1950s and early 1960s, more dogs were collected, and assigned to one of the two varieties based on their appearance. Around the same time, the two kennel clubs merged, and all the Finnish reindeer dogs were placed in the same registry. In 1966, they were separated again, based on coat length. One breed was renamed Lapphund at that time, and the other was named Lapinporokoira (translated into English as
9030-449: The later stages of the dog's pregnancy, nesting behaviour may occur. Puppies are born with a protective fetal membrane that the mother usually removes shortly after birth. Dogs can have the maternal instincts to start grooming their puppies, consume their puppies' feces, and protect their puppies, likely due to their hormonal state. While male-parent dogs can show more disinterested behaviour toward their own puppies, most can play with
9135-579: The location of mating partners, potential stressors, resources, etc. Dogs also have an acute sense of hearing up to four times greater than that of humans. They can pick up the slightest sounds from about 400 m (1,300 ft) compared to 90 m (300 ft) for humans. Dogs have stiff, deeply embedded hairs known as whiskers that sense atmospheric changes, vibrations, and objects not visible in low light conditions. The lower most part of whiskers hold more receptor cells than other hair types, which help in alerting dogs of objects that could collide with
9240-591: The lost reindeer herding dogs in their various forms. In Finland, the first was recognised as the Kukonharjulainen (a kennel name) by the Finnish Kennel Club. The breed was a few of the herding dogs crossed with black and white Karelian Bear Dogs, resulting in a short-coated dog. Other breeders with another kennel club in Finland created another breed, this one with a more heavy coat, called the Lapponian Herder. In
9345-472: The most common cause of pesticide poisoning. Metaldehyde a common pesticide for snails and slugs typically causes severe outcomes when ingested by dogs. Neoplasia is the most common cause of death for dogs. Other common causes of death are heart and renal failure . Their pathology is similar to that of humans, as is their response to treatment and their outcomes. Genes found in humans to be responsible for disorders are investigated in dogs as being
9450-498: The most common terms used to refer to the bb-dilution of black pigment to a dark brown . Depending on breed and exact shade, terms such as mahogany, midtone brown, grey-brown, blackish brown are used. Sedge and deadgrass are used to describe the desired Chesapeake Bay Retriever color that resembles "that of its working surroundings" as closely as possible. Red refers to reddish shades of orange, brown, and tan. Terms used include orange, red-gold, cinnamon, tan, and ruby. Genetically
9555-497: The nose, ears, and jaw. Whiskers likely also facilitate the movement of food towards the mouth. The coats of domestic dogs are of two varieties: "double" being common in dogs (as well as wolves) originating from colder climates, made up of a coarse guard hair and a soft down hair , or "single", with the topcoat only. Breeds may have an occasional "blaze", stripe, or "star" of white fur on their chest or underside. Premature graying can occur in dogs as early as one year of age; this
9660-661: The occurrence of artificial selection and the subsequent divergence of behavior and anatomical features. These genes have been shown to affect the catecholamine synthesis pathway, with the majority of the genes affecting the fight-or-flight response (i.e., selection for tameness ) and emotional processing. Compared to their wolf counterparts, dogs tend to be less timid and less aggressive, though some of these genes have been associated with aggression in certain dog breeds. Traits of high sociability and lack of fear in dogs may include genetic modifications related to Williams-Beuren syndrome in humans, which cause hypersociability at
9765-674: The outermost layer of the skin for the cortisol cells of the hair follicle. A deficiency in vitamin A can cause the common symptoms of dermatitis (dry, scaling skin and dull coat). Vitamin B7, also known as biotin , is a water-soluble nutrient that is known to play a role associated with the maintenance and development of hair starting from the follicle . Although it has not been clinically shown to improve hair growth with supplementation alone, it has been shown to reverse deficiency in dogs born deficient. Symptoms of biotin deficiency include alopecia and achromotrichia . A clinical study of biotin showed
9870-493: The potency. In addition, high fat diets in dogs were shown to dramatically improve coat sheen and appearance. It is thought excess cholesterol esters are incorporated into the hair follicle, leading to the improved coat appearance. The same study, by Kirby, Hester and Bauer (2007), stated the optimal approach to an improved coat in dogs is a combination of increased dietary fat and the proper amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acid, also known as linolenic acid ,
9975-446: The predator or prey. An alternative explanation is that the dorsal and ventral sides of an animal experience different selection pressures (from the need to blend into different backgrounds when viewed from above and below) resulting in differing coloration. The same colour may be referred to differently in different breeds. Likewise, a same term may mean different colourations in different breeds. Brown , chocolate and liver are
10080-509: The promotion of coat growth. Lack of selenium in the diet of a dog can contribute to the occurrence of sparse coat growth. Dogs can obtain selenium in their diet through the addition of various ingredients including; tuna fish, halibut, sardines, beef, chicken, and egg. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to rough coat, scaling of skin, and other dermatitis issues like alopecia . It is also essential for cells to properly proliferate keratinocytes, which are epithelial cells that produce keratin on
10185-412: The remnants of countershading , a common natural camouflage pattern. The basic principle of countershading is when the animal is lit from above, shadows will be cast on the ventral side of the body. These shadows could provide a predator or prey with visual cues relating to the movement of the animal. By being lighter colored on the ventral side of the body, an animal can counteract this, and thereby fool
10290-407: The right side". Dogs can injure themselves by wagging their tails forcefully; this condition is called kennel tail , happy tail , bleeding tail , or splitting tail . In some hunting dogs , the tail is traditionally docked to avoid injuries. Some dogs can be born without tails because of a DNA variant in the T gene , which can also result in a congenitally short (bobtail) tail. Tail docking
10395-479: The same enzymatic pathway. Dogs, like many mammals, lack the desaturase enzymes capable of interconverting omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. Therefore, the amount of inflammation in the body is dependent on the ratio between omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. Too little inflammation suppresses the immune system and the body's ability to heal, however excessive inflammation can irritate the skin and reduce the coat's overall appearance. Aside from omega fatty acids, lipid content in
10500-644: The tail's position and movement. Dogs can have a violet gland (or supracaudal gland) characterized by sebaceous glands on the dorsal surface of their tails; in some breeds, it may be vestigial or absent. The enlargement of the violet gland in the tail, which can create a bald spot from hair loss , can be caused by Cushing's disease or an excess of sebum from androgens in the sebaceous glands. A study suggests that dogs show asymmetric tail-wagging responses to different emotive stimuli. "Stimuli that could be expected to elicit approach tendencies seem to be associated with [a] higher amplitude of tail-wagging movements to
10605-415: The tail), powerful jaws that house around 42 teeth, and well-developed senses of smell, hearing, and sight. Compared to humans, dogs have an inferior visual acuity , a superior sense of smell, and a relatively large olfactory cortex . They perform many roles for humans, such as hunting , herding , pulling loads , protection , companionship , therapy , aiding disabled people , and assisting police and
10710-430: The underside exhibits lighter shading. The colour yellow is dominant to the colour black and is found in dogs across much of the world and the dingo in Australia. In 2021, a study of whole genome sequences taken from dogs and wolves focused on the genetic relationships between them based on coat colour. The study found that most dog colour haplotypes were similar to most wolf haplotypes, however dominant yellow in dogs
10815-462: Was closely related to white in arctic wolves from North America. This result suggests a common origin for dominant yellow in dogs and white in wolves but without recent gene flow, because this clade was found to be genetically basal to the golden jackal and genetically distinct from all other canids. The most recent common ancestor of the golden jackal and the wolf lineage dates back to 2 million years ago. The study proposes that 35,000 years ago there
10920-403: Was genetic introgression into the Late Pleistocene grey wolf from a ghost population of an extinct canid which had diverged from the grey wolf lineage over 2 million years ago. This colour diversity could be found 35,000 years ago in wolves and 9,500 years ago in dogs. A closely related haplotype exists among those wolves of Tibet which possess yellow shading in their coats. The study explains
11025-613: Was not a local wolf. The dog was dated to 14,223 years ago and was found buried along with a man and a woman, all three having been sprayed with red hematite powder and buried under large, thick basalt blocks. The dog had died of canine distemper . This timing indicates that the dog was the first species to be domesticated in the time of hunter-gatherers , which predates agriculture. Earlier remains dating back to 30,000 years ago have been described as Paleolithic dogs , but their status as dogs or wolves remains debated because considerable morphological diversity existed among wolves during
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