Dogs Facts

Mans best friend

Dogs

Dogs are domesticated mammals that are descended from the wolf. Dogs are omnivores (can eat meat and veg) and in the wild usually hunt in packs. There are large numbers of breeds of dogs as well as crossbred animals (mongrels). Because of this, there are a tremendous variety of physical features to be seen across the breeds. Size can vary from the small Chihuahua (approx. 15cm tall) to the huge Irish Wolfhound (up to 100cm tall). Correspondingly, weight too can vary enormously, with the St. Bernard being one of the heaviest (approx. 75kg).

Ears may be pointed and erect or drooping. As most dogs are covered in hair and they have no sweat glands, they can only keep cool by panting, losing heat through their throat and tongue. Dogs' coats may be of various lengths and textures and most have two coats, an outercoat and undercoat. However, all dogs in the wild shed their coat (moult) twice a year, triggered by daylight hours and temperature. Animals that live indoors may moult all year, as these two factors are more constant.

Dogs are one of the most intelligent of domestic animals and can be readily trained - as well trained as you train them. Different breeds have different natural instincts e.g. herding, hunting, and guarding. Dogs also have very acute senses of hearing and smell. All these specific traits are used to train working dogs - guide dogs, sniffer dogs, helping dogs, hearing dogs, even therapy dogs, whose job is to go round hospitals and homes and be stroked. Now there's a niche! 

The breed of a dog is most important when choosing one for a pet. Feeding and exercise requirements vary along with temperament and a lot of thought is needed to find one to suit the individual's needs. A dog is not suitable if no-one is home during the day all week-days. Do not get a St Bernard if you have a 2-room flat. Call us if you would like advice. Allow us to check your new pup for free as soon as you have bought it - just to ensure all is well.

Some Useful addresses are

the Kennel Club
Champ Dogs      - for all breeds
Dog rescue:
Dogs trust
Dundee stray dogs 
HFFA (15 Kinaldie Holdings , Arbroath , Angus DD<NOBR>11 5SH </NOBR>01241878888 )  
PADS (PADS can be contacted on 01764 684491 or the kennels at Forteviot can be visited any day from 1-3.30 pm.
Haven Rescue
Dawgs - for rehoming of working dogs
Animal rescuers - for list of  Breed Rescues
Dog Pages - for all dog rescue societies