Origins Of The Dog
The origins of the dog go back many thousands of years. There are archeological sites in many areas of the world that have lead to the discovery of dog bones scattered among human remains. This does enhance the theory that dogs lived with man since the time of organized tribes or basic habitations by humans.
Dogs are, of course, very similar in appearance to wolves, coyotes and jackals. Some dog breeds are more closely aligned with foxes, although the basic temperament of the domestic dog is not like the fox, but is certainly like the pack instincts of wolves, jackals and coyotes. Exactly how wolves, jackals or coyotes were first domesticated is simply not known although historians and anthropologists propose that man simply noted the hunting ability of the wild wolves and coyotes and brought pups home to be raised in their presence. Undoubtedly the protective and pack nature of the wolves would have made them invaluable as both hunters and guardians of the rudimentary living areas and villages in historical times.
There are many areas where wild dogs still can be found including Africa and other areas. It is highly likely that the historical ancestors of the modern dogs are very similar in appearance and behavior to these wild dogs.
Breed differences
From the Monolithic age man’s relationship with the domesticated wolf or jackal has continued to develop. Again it is surmised that through the ages, and with the progression of human development, the requirements of the humans for various types of dogs changed. For example, in Roman times dogs were more likely to have been used to haul carts or to hunt game, but were not lap dogs or companion dogs like we now have. As these functions were taken over by machines and inventions the dog’s role as a worker gradually faded and the role as the companion and working dog evolved.
Most breeds have only been developed formally in the last two centuries and some more recently than that. Prior to the development of breed standards there was little consideration to lineage or breed identity, rather dogs were bred for functionality. Working, hunting and protection were the goals and dogs that didn’t perform were left to run wild or were destroyed. Selective breeding began when individuals began to note the natural tendencies of the various types of dogs. Terriers evolved for their ability to hunt vermin through the cities and countryside in the United Kingdom. Hounds were developed by sportsmen and nobles and used in the tracking of various types of game. Larger breeds were developed to protect and guard herds, houses and farmlands. Some of the giant breeds continued to be used as draft animals and for protection.
Within these guidelines more specific variations began to emerge. Some breeds were developed on their abilities such as the cattle dogs, hunting dogs and sporting breeds. Others were developed on their size, coat color or even coat type.
While it is hard to imagine the Toy Poodle descended from the same ancestor as the Great Dane there is strong evidence to support this theory. Breeds continue to change as humans selectively breed dogs to perfect the standard. Though there may be debate as to the exact origins of the species it is evident that dogs will continue to play an important role in the lives of people around the world, both as working animals and as loved companions.
Content written by Sam Stevens of
Miniature Dachshunds
We would like to introduce you to the wonderful world of Miniature Dachshunds. We are hoping to provide some useful information that will help you understand the Breed better.
The Dachshund is a short legged, elongated canine breed of the hound family. The breeds name is German. With the meaning "Dach" meaning "badger" and "Hund" meaning "dog". They are sometimes called the sausage or weiner dog as of their build.The Standard Dachshunds was bred to hunt and flush out Badgers. The miniatures was bred to hunt and chase smaller prey.
Dachshunds come is a wide range of colors and patterns and Coats. We will list the colors and patterns and try and give examples of all.
They can be single-colored, single colored with spots ("dappled"-called "Merle" in other dog breeds like in example Collie and Australlian Shepherds), and single-colored with tan points plus any pattern. Dachshunds also come in Piebald. The piebald has a white background with various shades of another color (Black,Red,Chocolate) All piebalds have 4 white feet and a white tip tail.Sometimes a Piebald will have ticking spots of color on the white area of a Piebald.There is also Brindle.In a Brindle, dark stripes appear over the dogs self color.A red Brindle will have stripes over its body. Where as a Black and Tan Brindle would not be visible on a Black coat so will only show up in the points. Chocolate colored Dachshunds can not produce Black pigment so the brindle will be chocolate and only show in the tan points.
The dominant color is red. Red and Black and Tans are the two most common colors. Two-colored dogs can be black, wild boar, chocolate, or fawn ("Isabella"),and Blue with tan points( markings over the eyes, ears, paws, and tail) . A two-colored dachshund should be called by its dominant color first followed by the point color, such as black and tan or chocolate and cream.
And single colored with no Points (All chocolate, All Black, etc) - Pictures Coming Soon!
We do not breed for Douable Dapples, but it something that everyone looking into getting a Dachshund should be aware of.Since some Douable Dapples have some degree of vision and hearing loss. Including reduced or missing eyes. Not all Douable Dapples have problems with these issues but problems can occur due to the genetic process ,when two dapple genes cross.Dapple Genes, which are dominant genes (must be a dapple to produce a dapple) are considered dilution genes, meaning what color the dog would of originally been is lightened or diluted randomly.Its worthy to note, that two dilution genes can cancel out the other if they cross removing all color and producing a white mutation.This white mutation can be lethal to the development of hearing and vision.
This page is still Under Construction. More to Be Added soon!
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Chocolate (Base color) & Tan (point color) Piebald (pattern)
Black(Base color) & Tan (point color) Dapple(pattern)
Black(Base color) & Tan (point color)
Chocolate (Base color) & Tan (point color) Piebald (pattern) "Chocolate" is also a Brindle but because Chocolate colored Dachshunds can not have Black color her Brindle is only in her tan points.
Chocolate(Base color) & Tan (point color)
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Red (Base color) Brindle Piebald (patterns)
Windy is a Future Breeder of Ours. She came from a very good breeder friend of mines. www.Countrydachshundkennel.com
Blue(Base color) & Tan (point color)
This very handsome boy was bred by Lisa @ www.Countrydachshundkennel.com
