in diet and living conditions allowed the dog to benefit from the emerging ecological niche created by human evolution.
Domestication actually enhanced the wolf’s reproductive capability. A primary feature of domestication is the ability to breed in captivity. At least eight thousand years ago, humans began deciding which animals would be bred. Canine traits originally developed in response to natural selection were suppressed or enhanced through artificial selection. So began the evolution of specialized dog breeds.
Hunting dogs were selectively bred to be larger, smaller, faster, or stronger to better pursue different types of game. As humans became increasingly dependent on livestock and farming, dogs were adapted to new roles, including herding and guarding valuable livestock, defending a homestead in an owner’s absence, and eradicating mice and rats.
The ancestors of this trio of wire fox terriers were bred by English hunters to root foxes out of their lairs and to kill vermin.
Ancient civilizations, such as those of the Greeks, Romans, Persians, and Celts, contributed to the creation of specialized dog breeds. The forerunners of most of our modern purebreds (mastiffs, greyhounds, spaniels, and terriers) existed in some form by the Middle Ages. Hunting dogs, sheepdogs, and terriers remained vital to the survival of most of the population. Certain breeds—for instance, refined sporting dogs such as the Scottish deerhound and exotic companion breeds such as the Maltese—were primarily associated with the aristocracy.
Modern purebreds trace their roots to the formation of the first dog shows and kennel clubs in the mid-nineteenth century, when breeds were defined and categorized according to ancestry and purpose. New breeds, such as the fox terrier and the Brussels griffon, were developed; exotic foreign breeds, such as the Pekingese, were brought to public attention; and many popular breeds, such as the Irish setter, transitioned from the realm of the working dog to that of the companion dog. More than four hundred recognized dog breeds exist today.
Puppies Today
Most dogs no longer fulfill their original functions, but this has not diminished their appeal. Humans still choose to share their lives with dogs of every shape and size. Their varied talents are suited to every interest and lifestyle. There are, for example, sporting breeds that make good matches for active dog owners and companion breeds better suited for a quiet life at home. Some breeds remain highly popular despite the fact that their traditional working roles have become obsolete. Conformation shows and Earthdog, field, and herding trials ensure that unique canine traits are not lost. A working trial can provide an outlet for your dog’s natural instincts and give you an opportunity to appreciate her traditional heritage.
Conformation Dog Shows
PUREBRED PUPPIES OF ALL BREEDS CAN COMPETE AT conformation dog shows to earn championship titles and national rankings. The American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club are the major organizations sponsoring conformation shows in the United States, and many smaller organizations offer titles for rare and unrecognized breeds. They all provide separate classes for puppies, and many feature special competitions and prizes for puppies. Entries in each class are graded first through fourth place according to how well participants conform to the breed’s Standard of Perfection, or Breed Standard. First place winners in the classes advance to the next level of competition to earn championship points. Here, they must defeat the other Best of Breed winners from that particular group and Best in Show competition, in which all of the Best in Group winners compete for the top prize. Major shows can be extremely competitive. If you are considering showing your puppy in conformation events, start by enrolling her in a conformation training class, where she’ll learn the basics of how to move properly on a lead and how to stand for examination.
What to Expect from Your Puppy
All puppies undergo several distinct phases of development before they reach maturity. Each phase is designed to prepare them for the next one. During these phases, they learn to bond with their owners and understand their places in the human “pack,” to explore new environments, and to recognize dangers.
Although these German shorthaired pointers may never be used to trail and retrieve prey as their forebears did, they still make great companions, especially for families with children.
Birth to Four Weeks
(Neonatal Period)
During her first month, a puppy spends 90 percent of her time sleeping. When she is awake, she instinctively seeks food from her mother (the dam). This behavior pattern changes abruptly when the puppy reaches three weeks of age and begins interacting with the environment. Her eyes open between ten and fourteen days, and her ears begin functioning between fifteen and twenty-four days—and suddenly she becomes aware of the world around her. She learns to stand and walk, and within another week, she leaves the whelping box to explore her new surroundings.
As her first milk teeth erupt, she becomes curious to taste real food and begins weaning off mother’s milk. She also starts to explore her environment by chewing and tasting. The puppy starts responding to humans and playing with her mother and littermates.
Two Chinese crested puppies, just weeks old, peer down at the world from a new advantage point. Like all puppies, they are intensely curious about their surroundings
Four to Six Weeks
(Individual Awareness Period)
By the time a puppy is four weeks old, she is displaying hints of personality. As she becomes more motivated to socialize and explore, she becomes more independent and begins experimenting with her place in the pack.
A puppy’s pack can consist of not only dogs but also people. One of the earliest indications of a puppy’s pack instinct is her following someone around as soon she can walk. Puppies have an innate urge to bond with others, whether it’s with their littermates or with the breeder. By five weeks of age, a puppy will start demanding attention. She will respond when called and wag her tail when happy.
An exuberant young shiba inu tries to interest an older packmate in a bit of play. Puppies at this age want lots of attention.
Six to Eight Weeks
(Socialization and Exploration Period)
By six weeks, the puppy has a complete set of primary, or puppy, teeth, and weaning on to solid food is nearly complete. Although she no longer needs her dam for sustenance, the puppy still depends on her for training, comfort, and moral support.
Puppies at this age easily accept new experiences, so breeders generally make this the time to introduce the pups to handling and grooming. This introduction is part of socialization, a term dog professionals use to refer to the exposure of puppies to people, places, and experiences in an effort to prevent them from growing into fearful (sometimes aggressive) dogs. An experienced, reputable breeder starts the socialization process early, teaching her puppies
