Puppies

The first wolves that lived alongside humans proved their worth as hunters, helping their masters to track prey, to bring it down, and then to bring it home. Their other duty was to guard the home, warning the family if strangers were approaching. A s civilization developed, farming became increasingly important, and, again, domesticated dogs were able to help, herding the livestock and protecting it from predators. Centuries later, the ladies of the aristocracy wanted pretty, little lap dogs that could be played with and cuddled. So it was that different dogs were developed for different jobs. Big, impressive looking dogs were used for guarding; dogs with good scenting ability were required for hunting; quick, clever, agile dogs worked with livestock; and dainty little dogs became sweet-tempered companions. The males and females that showed the best ability in their specialist field were bred together to produce puppies that would be built for the job. They would replicate their parents’ temperament and working skills. In this way, breed type was gradually established and became fixed over succeeding generations.

AKC Dog Breed Groups

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Puppies