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Dogs – Types, Facts & Breeds 

basset hound
cute funny dog running on the grass with stick. Image via depositphotos.com

Did you know our beloved pooches are descendants of wolves? And that dogs were the first animals to be domesticated by humans? 

Dog breeds come in all sizes, colors, and shapes. Over the years they have played a huge role in human lives, from hunting companions to protectors to aiding the police or military and herding farm animals. But the most important role they play is that of man’s best friend! 

Frenchie
A closeup shot of a cute brown French bulldog playing with a toy. Image by Wirestock via deposithotos.com

Some Quick Facts

Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
ClassMammalia
SizeVaries greatly from the small Chihuahua to the massive Doberman. 

Dog Overview

German Shepherd
German Shepherd in long grass. Image via Depositphotos

Where do they live?

These domesticated pets live in homes worldwide! Some doggos prefer living in houses and apartments where their humans care for their every need, while others excel on farms where they can run freely. 

It is important to consider the needs of a dog when you take on the responsibility of a pet, like their activity requirements! Meeting needs like these will ensure you and your pet will have a happy life together. 

What do they eat?

Dogs are considered omnivores, other than their carnivorous wolf ancestors. They have evolved in such a way that they can survive on starch-rich diets. However, it is important to feed your pet a well-balanced and nutrient-rich diet of high-quality dog food. And of course, we all know that our doggos love real meat as well! 

How do they reproduce?

golden retriever
A Golden Retriever puppy, showing its interest in retrieving sticks at a young age. Image by Chiemsee2024 via Pixabay

Dogs, just like other mammals, reproduce sexually. Mama dogs are pregnant between 58 and 68 days and give birth to an average litter size of six. However, this differs between breeds and their size differences. 

Mama dogs nurse their newborn puppies between 7 and 10 weeks. This is around the same time that the puppies can consume solid foods. Her maternal instincts also kick in and she comforts, grooms, and protects her babies. 

Social behavior

For the most part, pooches are social animals who love to play with other animals, toys, and humans. They communicate their intentions with other dogs through body language and barking and tend to avoid conflict. However, they will be aggressive when they feel threatened or feel the need to protect their puppies or someone they love. 

It is important to note that these behaviors can differ between dogs and breeds and that the quality of training they receive also influences their behavior. 

Dog News

20 Dog Species

  • Yorkshire Terrier
  • Boxer
  • Dachshund
  • Rottweiler
  • Siberian Husky
  • Australian Shepherd
  • Shih Tzu
  • Border Collie
  • Great Dane
  • Pug

Dog Pictures

History & Cultural Importance

Dogs symbolize many things in many different cultures. Such as protection, fertility, guidance, love and faithfulness. 

But more than that, the human-canine relationship has developed greatly over the years. Humans noticed that these animals not only make great companions, but workers too. And from there, dogs have been bred and developed into over 400 different species. 

From the hunters with a great sense of smell and sight, that helped humans track and find food sources. To the herders that assist humans in moving and protecting their flocks. Moreover, these animals have become beloved companions to those in the Western world. 

However, in some cultures and countries, dogs are not seen the same way. Some see dogs as beasts or even food.

FAQ

Image showing the three color variations of Labs. From left to right: chocolate, tan, and black. Image by: Farinosa on https://depositphotos.com/home.html
Image showing the three color variations of Labs. From left to right: chocolate, tan, and black. Image by Farinosa on depositphotos.
How intelligent are dogs?

This varies according to species, and even between dogs of the same breed. But it is widely believed that these beloved animals have the same intelligence level as a toddler aged between 2 and 3.

Do dogs experience love towards humans?

You would be happy to hear, that yes, they do! It has been scientifically proven that when a doggo is in the presence of someone they love there is a spike in their love hormone. Proving, that they do indeed love their humans

Why do dogs lick you?

There could be multiple reasons for this. Firstly, you may just taste nice to them. Or, it could be an expression of affection, to get your attention and in some cases a way that they soothe themselves when stressed.

Newest Category: Dogs

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