Modern breeds don’t retain their old instincts The Myth: Today, there really is no difference between breeds with regard to behavior. Breeds have lost their instincts. Now, they are bred just for “looks.” Therefore, no breed is more dangerous than any other breed. The Reality: The physical appearances of dog breeds may have changed and evolved selectively over the years. However, the majority of dogs were bred for specific abilities and behaviors. Phenotype or “looks” were of secondary consideration. These historical traits, both physical and temperamental, are still inherited by dog breeds today. Here are a few examples: Siberian Huskies: Bred to pull dog sleds in cold climates, these dogs usually have a high energy level, great endurance, and have a passion for cold temperatures. They have fur designed to withstand the cold because they were used as sled dogs in geographical areas that experience harsh winters. Even today, these dogs are not well suited for hot environments and can overheat easily. Border Collies: Structured to allow them to move for extended periods in a crouch, while using their “collie eye” (a directed stare) to control livestock. No other breed, including other herding breeds, uses this combination of traits to move stock. Beagles: Originally designed to assist hunters by locating and chasing rabbits while giving voice, their vocal ability is still seen in pets today. Beagles also have an extremely advanced sense of smell that is used to track prey. Even the white tips of their tails were originally designed to let hunters easily follow them as they track. Labrador Retrievers: Designed to retrieve game from the water and be the ideal hunting companion for humans. The Lab coat has insulating qualities that protect the dog when swimming in cold water. Their retrieving skills can often be seen in the home environment when playing fetch or gently carrying toys in their mouths. This is an inherited trait that is not trained for the breed. daxtonsfriends/canine-myths-2/#breeds_dont_retain_instincts
Posted on: Wed, 25 Jun 2014 03:06:25 +0000
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