Dogs! Dogs! Dogs!

Dogs! They're everywhere, from the North Pole to England. And the breeds! Terriers (Short and Long legged), German shepherds, Pomeranians, Bulldogs, Chihuahuas! Since I'm in love with these amazing animals, I'll tell you a bit about them.

The first animals that we interacted with were the prey and the predators, the ones we ate and the ones we were eaten by. But then, there were another class of animals, friends. We hunted with our tools of bows and stone knifes, but we wouldn't have caught as much without a animal that hunted alongside us. This was the wild dog, who knew the advantages of teaming up with man. They would help chase deer and other animals into our traps, but then they would eat the cooked meat that man made with the newly discovered fire, it was a win-win situation. Even as we advanced with new technology, dogs have been with us every step, and even now take jobs to help, police dogs, solider dogs, seeing eye dogs, and therapy dogs.

Now, I'm going to tell you about a few:

Terriers: These pups were called earth dogs, and were used as ratters and catching other small animals. Still useful animals of being guard dogs, these dogs also are noted of their gentleness, merely moving small barking insane dogs from their path instead of fighting it (Picking it up and depositing it on the side of the road).

Beagles: Beagles and Merry go paw in paw, with its gentleness, playfulness, and running ability makes it a fine sample of dogdom. It's a hound, and is usually is happy to chase the nearest rabbit for hours. The beagle has nice colors, like tan and black. However, it's not really tall.

Greyhounds: Greyhounds are fast dogs with narrow heads. They are not always grey, coming in varying shades between black and brown. They were used as hunting dogs, being as old as possibly 6,000 years. However, nothing is more cute (and annoying) to have a sleeping greyhound on your bed.

Spaniels: Believe it or not, these 700 year old dogs are from Spain. They are great with a Frisbee, because they are actually hunting dogs, made for finding a bringing back shot birds.The species also has a run off of dogs specialized in water (not because they were trained, but because they just wouldn't stop jumping into the nearest pond) called Water Spaniels.

Boxers: Boxers are large dogs, two feet tall and happy just sitting by the nearest warm thing. They are rather intelligent, and can be used as seeing eye dogs. They have amazing colors, from gray to yellow.
No one knows why they are called boxers, but it's not because they like to fight, in fact they are quite gentle.

St. Bernards: A powerful dog, very good at finding directions, was originally a god! Ok, so that was a lie, but it was bred by monks. They are very good at their job, saving people stuck in the alps. In fact, in the past 300 years, they've saved the lives of 2,500 people!

Collies: From Scotland, the Collie has come out to look amazing. With their long, silky coats and long lean heads. They look like their smiling 24/7, and are often named Laddie and Lassie (ring a bell?) and they are very good farm dogs, still being the most used dog on the farm today! But they are also amazing pets, and pick up tricks quickly.

German Shepherds: Like the Collie, this dog was originally trained for farm work, particularity sheep. It looks noble and fearless, and has a rough coat of a mix in-between grey and black. They are very loyal to their masters, which makes them great police and seeing eye dogs. They are very likely candidates for becoming therapy dogs, and can go in places where no other dog is allowed.

Setters: This pup is amazingly active, and would die without the outdoors and exercise. There are several kinds, and they all are loved for their beauty and gentleness. The English version looks somewhat like a Spaniel, and is always the most chosen of hunting dogs. The Irish version is a great red, and is usually made for dog shows.

Dachshunds: These dogs are accurately described as half a dog high and a dog and a half long. These funny looking dogs are quite brave, and used their slowness to help track deer, as they wouldn't startle the animal. They are so cute when a puppy, and look amazing when well taken care of.

Chihuahuas: This dog is small, 2-4 pounds, and have a mistaken name, being named after a Mexican city. However, these dogs are graceful, clever, and gay. They come in a lot of colors, and they are short and long haired. They are also very delicate and need to be protected from severe weather.

Bulldogs: People who don't know how amazing this dog is take a look and run. However, if you stay to take a look, this chunky dog is a really kind animal, but don't get into a fight with it. They also are related to the Mastiff, and that dog came from the Mayflower! Mastiffs are huge, while Bulldogs are about the size of a Terrier.

Pekingese: This small dog is a lion-dog, and it has the pride and courage to match. It also has a very large right to be proud, as for more then 1,000 years, the only owner Pekingese could be the Emperor of China. They then traveled to England, where they became lapdogs. And there is no longer a Emperor in China.

Poodles: These are the teacher's pet. Why? Cause their the smartest known dog! They come in most solid colors, and they are usually part of circuses. The hair is clipped in fancy designs, but this had a more practical reason, as their bottom hair got caught in the underbrush while hunting.

Great Dane: These dogs are three feet tall, and stand up just as proudly as any human. Why? Because they are the oldest known dog, being a record 4,000 years old, as painted by Egyptian artists. These dogs are also known for their great big thick coats.

Doberman Pinschers: Sir. Doberman made up his mind to breed a Pinscher (For you who don't speak German, terrier) as big as a Shepherd dog. The dog that was made was brave, obedient, and intelligent. It is used as both a seeing eye and police dog.

Dalmatian: These dogs are known for there being of a help to firemen, helping locate people stuck in burning buildings. They are loyal, brave and friendly, all the usual dog attributes. They also make fine watchdogs, and are very good house pets.

That's a lot, and only touching the surface. Dogs are amazing, no matter what size, shape, or color. So be sure to treat your dog with care and respect, as it would do the same for you. And, Have a merry woof-mas and a happy dog year!