Interesting Facts About Our Four-Legged Friends
A dog is not simply a dog, and there are true giants and also tiny dwarfs. Among dogs you will find house dogs, farm dogs and guard dogs alike. Herding dogs, hunting dogs and breeds regarded as companion and lap dogs are also part of this diversity. The differences in appearance are often enormous.
Differences in size between dog breeds
The smallest breed is the Chihuahua, weighing 2 to 3 kilograms and with a shoulder height of 12 to 23 centimetres. The Great Dane, by contrast, is required by the breed standard to have a minimum height of 72 centimetres, and up to 80 centimetres in males. Great Danes weigh 70 to 90 kilograms. That is around 30 times the weight of a Chihuahua. The pug, for example, was bred over many years to please people visually. Its large round head and the wide-set big goggle eyes fulfil the baby-face pattern desired by humans. Unfortunately, this breed has often been bred unhealthily according to purely human ideas.
Small dog breeds also have a working purpose
There are many dog breeds, including small ones, that were originally bred for a very specific working purpose. The miniature schnauzer was not only meant to chase away rats but originally served as a guard dog. The Sheltie was used for herding flocks. Jack Russell Terriers, just like their large relatives, were used in hunting. Even the miniature dachshund was a specialised hunting dog. This original use and the true characteristics of the individual breeds are still deeply anchored in the animals today.
- Taking the breed-typical disposition into account
- Species-appropriate exercise for large and small dogs
- Avoiding excessive selection for visual features
- Promoting health through natural living conditions
This means that both large and small dog breeds should be given exercise in accordance with their dispositions without fail. This above all allows them to lead as species-appropriate a dog life as possible. But as so often, senseless breeding has produced many breeds that nature never intended in this form. I often wonder whether the purpose of a Chihuahua can be explained, other than that it looks cute and, unfortunately, is often prone to illness. Where humans have a hand in things, sadly something good rarely comes of it.
This article serves as general information and to raise awareness of responsible dog ownership and breeding.
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The content of the articles is for general information purposes only and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian. This information does not constitute medical advice and should not be construed as such.
