Where Are Dogs Mostly Found? -

Where Are Dogs Mostly Found?

(A Testament to Human Connection)

The short answer is, anywhere people are. The dog, as canis lupus familiaris, is the most widely human companion since the age of domestication more than 15,000 years ago.

Most Populated The U.S. has the highest population of pet dogs, with over 75 million, China comes next and Brazil is in third place. They are proportional to human population.

World-Wide Spread: From the Scandinavian sled dogs of Greenland (the Arctic) and the free-ranging village dog in India to the pampered pet housedog in European apartments and rough working farmdog from Australia, dogs have found their niche wherever humans live.

Special Circumstances The only locations free of native dog populations are a handful of distant islands and places from which they have been intentionally excluded, by law or extreme climate (like the research stations in Antarctica, where dogs are banned for environmental reasons). Their distribution is a map of the history of human migration and settlement.

How Many Types & Breeds of Dogs are There?

In biological terms, all dogs, from a teacup poodle to a Great Dane, belong to the same subspecies: Canis lupus familiaris, which is the domesticated form of the gray wolf.

But through intense selective breeding, humans have shaped an incredible range of forms. Worldwide, kennel clubs such as the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) list between 360 and 400 distinct breeds of pedigree dogs.

They are usually classified by their original purpose:

Working Group-Bred to serve as a guard, pull carts, compete in search and rescue. Siberian Husky, German Sheperd, Boxer, Saint Bernard.

For controlling livestock. Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Shetland Sheepdog.

For the hunter who points, flushes and retrieves. German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, or Golden Retriever or English Springer Spaniel.

Used for hunting by sight or scent. Beagle, Greyhound, Bloodhound, Dachshund.

For hunting vermin. Jack Russell Terrier, Scottish Terrier, Bull Terriers.

Bred for pampering, companionship. Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Pug, Toy Poodle.

Non-Sporting/Utility Group: A diverse catch-all. Dalmatian, French Bulldog , Poodel (Standard & Miniature).

And beyond these are countless “mutts” – mixed-breed dogs, as well as landraces found in localized areas, which often have extraordinary genetic health and adaptability.

How Long Do Dogs Live For?

The length of time a dog lives is affected by the size, breed and care.

The Paradox of Size Typically smaller breeds live longer. A Chihuahua may generally 14-16 years, whereas a Great Dane giant breed only lives an average of 7-10 years.

Record Holders The oldest dog ever to have been verified was an Australian cattle dog named Bluey, who lived 29 years and 5 months. More recently there’s Bobi, a Portuguese dog who reportedly lived more than 31 years (that is, if the Portuguese record is confirmed).

Lifespan The average for a dog is 10-13. However, this number is growing due to better health care, diet and pets being increasingly indoor animals in the Western world.

How Big Can a Dog Get?

The size range in dogs is the greatest of all living land mammals.

Smallest The Chihuahua, with some weighing as many as 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) and standing up to 15 cm (6 inches).

Tallest The Great Dane has the height record. The tallest dog on record was a Great Dane called Zeus, who measured 111.8cm (44 inches) at the shoulder.

Heaviest The English Mastiff is the heaviest dog breed. The heaviest of all (so far) is by Aicama Zorba, who tipped the scales at a whopping 155.6 kg (343 lbs). Saint Bernards, and Tibetan Mastiffs also routinely weigh over 90 kg (200 lbs).

What Are the Threats to Dogs?

Their life as a species is guaranteed by their association with humans, but individual dogs confront substantial (often human-imposed) perils.

Abandonment & Overpopulation

The No. In many countries dogs (somewhere between 40-87%) are left free roam and they face a life of malnutrition, sickness, fighting and death as well as conflict with human beings. This is a big problem in communities with fewer animal control and spay/neuter initiatives.

Zoonotic Disease Outbreaks Canine distemper, rabies (still fatal in most places), and parvovirus can all decimate unvaccinated populations.

Breed-Specific Health Problems Because of the intense selection taking place according to the format developed by genetic engineers,

we are seeing massive propagation of some serious inherited diseases (e.g., hip dysplasia in large breeds such as Labradors and Golden Retrievers brachycephalic syndrome in flat-faced dogs like Pugs and Bulldogs) extremely high rates of heart disease, also higher statistical odds of cancer with these show lines.

Neglect & Abuse Involves improper housing, lack of medical care, malnutrition, and physical abuse.

Cultural Practices & Unlawful Trade: Dogs may be in danger of the meat trade, rituals or considered a nuisance in some regions. The black market puppy mill trade is money before health and wellness.

Climatic Dangers: Heat and cold (especially for brachycephalic dogs like bulldogs) and natural disasters are hazards to all dogs, especially those without homes.

The Dog-Human Bond A Whiteoutproof Connection

Dogs, unlike many other animals, don’t have a “season” to mate in: Their desire is instead determined by their human companions’ schedule. They are available and “in season” year-round for us.

Working out of season Sled dogs are exercised in winter, herding dogs during lambing/calving (spring), hunting dogs caught up in hunting gaming seasons (autumn/winter).

Pet Animals: They experience peak activities, weekends and holidays modelled on the owners’ lifestyle. But responsible owners should compensate for seasons: less intense workouts during summer heat, and protection from winter cold.

A Reflection of Ourselves

The dog is a wunderkind of biology and now, according to new archaeological evidence, an implausible stroke of engineering. They developed to read our gestures better than even our closest primate relatives and co-evolve with our societies.

The story of the dog is, of course, inextricable from the story of humanity our ingenuity and immorality in breeding breeds

our love and neglect at caring for them. The threats we created are overwhelmingly of our own making, and their health squarely falls in the lap of us. In exchange, they deliver an ageless lesson in fidelity, tenacity and the unalloyed, seasonless pleasure of friendship. The Dog Know the dog, know thyself.