The Amazing Adventures of Archibald Esq.
Dog Breeds: the Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Ridgeback is a strong, powerful, large and bold dog. They can make an excellent family dog, and have a dignified gentle manner. As a rule, they should know from an early age who the leader of the pack is, as they can be quite determined and stubborn.
Read on…
Posted 01 Aug 08
Russia’s Kamchatka Sled Dogs
Russia Today reported that Russian dogs that pull sleds in the winter have taken up a new summertime challenge — ‘bike jogging.’
Russia’s Far Eastern Kamchatka Peninsula — an area that has a climate that ranges from temperate to subarctic — has introduced a new summer sport for Kamchatka dogs. The region’s four-legged residents — used to pulling sleds in winter — have taken to “bike-jogging” to keep up their fitness throughout the summer.
Read on…
Posted 21 Jul 08
Dog Breeds: The Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is one of the oldest breeds in existence, and is considered by many to be the stock from which most modern large working breeds have developed. There is little recorded about the genetic heritage of the Tibetan Mastiff, and much of their history is described only in legend. How noble!
It is believed that these dogs remained isolated on the high plateaus and valleys of the Himalayas, developing into the magnificent animal that has been highly prized by the people of Tibet throughout history and right up to today.
The Tibetan Mastiff is a regal beast, and has a powerful, muscled body but a kindly appearance. The breed has been used primarily as a family and property guardian for millenia. He tends to be an aloof type of dog, who is watchful of strangers and protective of his two-leggeds and their joint property.
Read on…
Posted 18 Jun 08
Dog Breeds: the New Guinea Singing Dog
The New Guinea Singing Dog (NGSD) is found in the mountain forests of New Guinea. They were brought to the island by stone age peoples about 6,000 years ago, and have remained isloated until about 50 years ago. Awoooo!
They are a very rare breed of primitive domestic dog, and little research has been done.
The NGSD is the most primitive of the domestic dog type, predating the dingo by 2,000 years. Along with the dingo, they were believed to have arisen from the smaller indian wolf subspecies. These two breeds are among the earliest breeds of dogs in the world, and most likely are the ancestors of most of the world’s domestic dog breeds (with the exception of the large nordic breeds which likely descended from the larger wolf subspecies found further north).
First discovered by the scientific community in the 1950’s, the NGSD was originally classified as a distinct species, Canis hallstromi, after Sir Edward Halistrom. In 1957, he took the first pair of NGSD from the Southern Highlands District of Papua-New Guinea, and introduced them to the Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia.
In 1969, the NGSD was reclassified as being a breed of domestic dog, not its own species, and was placed in the same subspecies as the dingo.
While they are very similar to the dingo, they are smaller and have a shorter, broader muzzle, with wide cheekbones. Their ears are smaller than a dingo’s, pointed and broad, and set more toward the sides of the head.
Their very short, dense coat is a brownish or golden-red in color, being darker on their back and tail, with white or light cream markings on their muzzle, a vertical stripe between the eyes, throat and neck, chest, underbelly, feet, and tail tip. They often have faint black markings on the sides of their muzzle and above the eyes.
These singing dogs are adapted to hunting in rocky, steep terrains, and so have developed very flexible spine and joints, which make them very agile and cat-like.
Unlike domestic dogs, they have enlargened carnassials, the size of which is equal to or greater than 10% of their skull length, a feature found only in wild canids.
The New Guine Singing Dog presumably feeds on small mammals in the wild, although their exact diet is unknown.
Like most wild dogs, they have only one heat per year, in the springtime. However, unlike any other canid, if they do not become pregnant during their estrus cycle, they will often come back into heat again.
The NG Singing Dog displays many behaviors that are not seen among wolves or domestic dogs. They are so named because of their unique howling calls, which change in pitch so dramatically they sound almost like bird calls or whale song. They will also yelp, bark, scream and whine.
They have a most unusual way of displaying submission. Instead of laying their ears back against their head, they will flop them forward over their forehead, or lay them down out to the sides of their head. Their play invitation looks similar to stalking, rather than the play-bow of wolves and domestic dogs. They have an open-mouth play bite that is seen only in coyotes; they open their mouths wide and press their open mouths against the back or neck of their playmate.
Due to them being considered just a feral dog, not much research has been done, so not much is known about the NGSDs behavior in the wild.
They were never really domesticated dogs; but, like the dingo, they were a tame breed of dog that accompanied prehistoric humans on hunts, and probably shared their homes as well.
If socialized properly and placed young enough, they will make affectionate and loyal pets. However, since they still are somewhat wild animals, they have a strong predatory instinct, as well as a strong instinct to roam and escape fenced in areas. They can be destructive if not trained, and since they are highly intelligent, can get bored easily. They can be shy of strangers, even if well-socialized.
They will develop a very strong bond with their human companion, and will become distressed when separated. They are a very hardy breed, due to natural selection, and have no known health problems. They are also a very active breed and need lots of excersize and attention.
This breed is recognized by the UKC (United Kennel Club), NKC (National Kennel Club), and the CKC (Continental Kennel Club).
Superwoof to the Singing Dogs of New Guinea!
Awoof! Archie
Posted 25 Jan 08
Gelert the Legendary Welsh Hound
Gelert is the name of a legendary dog associated with the village of Beddgelert (Welsh: Gelert’s Grave) in North Wales.
This Welsh legend has a very strong resemblance to the tale of Saint Guinefort – a legendary French dog who achieved ’sainthood’ and veneration of the people of Brittany — awoof!
Isaac Taylor, author of Words and Places, asserted that the village of Beddgelert has taken its name from an early saint named Kilart or Celert, rather than from the dog.
The existence of the “grave” mound is ascribed to the activities of a late eighteenth-century landlord of the Goat Hotel in Beddgelert, who connected the legend to the village in order to encourage tourism and to boost his own takings.
The story of Gelert is a variation on the well-worn “Faithful Hound” folktale motif. In this case the hound is alleged to have belonged to Llywelyn the Great, Prince of Gwynedd (c. 1173 – 1240), and to have been a gift from King John of England.
Posted 12 Dec 07
Dog Breeds: Chongqing Dogs
The Chongqing (pronounced: chong ching) dog is a natural breed from Chongqing, China, dating back to the Han Dynasty over 1700 years ago.
The breed has never been mixed and is said to be a ‘true and natural evolutionary’ breed.
Located in central China is the city of Chongqing. The name Chongquing comes from the Jialing River that runs through the city into the nearby Yangtze River. The area is renowned for its inland ports.
Rumour has it that they have been protected and kept within their natural habitat for nearly two thousand years.
Read on…
Posted 07 Nov 07
Think Dachshund
As cute as the saying sausage dog is… if you like that kind of thing… I’d like to make a plea to all those doggish souls out there to opt for the infinitely preferable name: dachshund. Or, for Europhiles, the name ‘Teckel.’
Take it from me. This whole sausage dog routine. It’s not that cute. So stop it.
Awoof! Archibald Esquire
Posted 01 Oct 07
Grey Wolves Saved from Extinction in USA
The noble forefathers of all doggish races — Canis Lupus (the Grey Wolf) — has been saved from extinction in the USA by being placed on the Endangered Species list (Endangered Species Act, 1974), but is to lose their listing as the efforts to save native populations has, by and large, been a success. (As reported in The New Scientist, 14 April 2007, pp. 12-13).
The wolf has long held the fascinated imaginations of two-leggeds. Rome was said to be founded by a wolf, who suckled the twins Romulus and Remulus. But the relationship between humans and wolves has been more precarious than that held between humans and dogs — as the wolf is both a symbol of the untamed wilderness and of savage ferocity. Think of the wolf in Little Red Riding Hood…. Needless to say it was the fear of wolves that threatened their survival and brought them to the brink of extinction in the USA a mere few decades ago.
Wolf Biologist David Mech of the US Geological Survey team has said that “The [wolf] has been saved from extinction,” but warns that “The controversy over wolves will probably continue to grow as populations grow.”
Read on…
Posted 06 Jun 07
Edward Topsell’s Dogs
Perhaps more so than today, in the seventeenth century the nature, size and breed of a dog were very important. In those days dogs earned their bones, and some were used by their two-leggeds for hunting, some for war and defence, some for boar, bull or bear, some for the hare, or hedgehog. Smaller dogs were called hounds — beagles and such like…
Also arguably more important then than now was the book, and Edward Topsell, an Englishman, wrote a definitive book on all things Doggish. Awoof!
In those days – before the dreaded arrival of that species of two-legged called the ‘psychologist’ – Topsell was well aware that dogs had thinking abilities. Topsell tells us that dogs have reason and use logic in their hunting and working lives. And in this, no doubt, he was right — just as today the psychologists are decidedly wrong.
(A copy of Topsell’s illustrated book is held at Reading University in the United Kingdom.)
Read on…
Posted 02 May 07
Dog Breeds: Ancestral Roots
Of interest to all those with houndishness in their hearts is the fact that the common ancestor of all dogs, cats, bears, raccoon, fox, hyena, jackals and civets is a little beasty known as the Miacis.
The Miacis was a five-clawed, meat-eating, weasel-like tree climber. (I know this will please Specs! Deep down the ancestral path we’re kindred folk, awoof~miaow!)
Mr. Miacis appeared around 50 million years ago and of course — as ancestor to the dog — was a wholly successful animal.
Read on…
Posted 18 Apr 07
Temperament may be Skin Deep in English Cocker Spaniels
It was reported by Jennifer Viegas of Discovery News in mid-December 2006 that the colour of a dog’s fur may reflect more than a whim of nature, as a new study claims that coat colour for at least one breed — the English cocker spaniel — reflects a pooch’s personality.
Prior research had suggested that fur colour is also linked to behaviour in labrador retrievers, while the type of fur — in this case, wiry or long — may indicate temperament in miniature dachshunds. For example, it has been found that wire-haired miniature dachshunds are often more feisty than their mellower, long-haired cousins. So first impressions aren’t always skin deep, awoof!
Read on…
Posted 07 Mar 07
The Labrador: Canadian breed named as the Most Popular Dog in America
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported (16 January 2007) that once again America’s most popular dog breed hails from Canada’s most Eastern province — Newfoundland.
American Kennel Club officials confirmed in New York City on Monday that the Labrador retriever was the most popular purebred in 2006, a title it has maintained the past 16 years. The retriever represented about 124,000 registrations, or 14 per cent of the club’s total last year.
Ten most popular breeds in the USA
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. German Shepherd Dog
4. Golden Retriever
5. Beagle
6. Dachshund
7. Boxer
8. Poodle
9. Shih Tzu
10. Miniature Schnauzer
Of course, dachshunds make it onto the list! At number 6 overall, with regional variations in cities internationally known such as New York, New York, in which us snazzy saucissons make it to the Top Five.
But a big SuperWoof to all Dogs, whether they’re on the Top Ten or not!
Awooooof! Archie
Posted 21 Jan 07
The Season of the Turkey Dog
Have you ever heard of a turkey dog? Me neither. So I decided to do a little digging, as is my nature….
Seems that in Wisconsin, years ago, turkey dogs were like moonshine… In other words, they were a Big Secret. This was because most people didn’t want anyone else to know about turkey dogs, or compete for turkeys with them. You see — having a good hound in the good old days meant the difference between feast or famine…
We now live in a different world; turkeys are abundant, but there are less hunters, and less places to hunt. According to supporters of the American turkey dog, they say that all Wisconsin hunters need to stick together - whether they hunt big or small game, with gun or bow, with or without dogs.
The American Wild Turkey Hunting Dog Association represents those who already enjoy the sport, and provides an online resource for those working to allow it where they hunt. The Turkey Dog association is also a supporter of the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Teaming with Wildlife Coalition (Wisconsin).
To sign up for the free Turkey Dog News and receive the occasional newsletter, write to: AWTHDA, 4381 N Pine Tree Rd, Oneida WI 54155.
Well. Wild turkeys are few and far between in the grassy lands in and about London… And truth be told I wouldn’t recognise a turkey dog if I ran snout to snout with one. Really, the only thing I hunt are kisses and more kisses…
But as fall approaches it seems to me that it’s likely that in Wisconsin and other North American places, there are at least a few turkey dogs about, who are getting ready to go out and rustle up some wild turkey.
So happy hunting, you wiley turkey hounds. And Happy Thanksgiving to my American brothers and sisters!
Awoof! Archie
Posted 23 Nov 06
Dog Breeds: Karelian Bear Dogs
Gggrrrwwwooooof! Bears Beware! Karelian Bear Dogs have been bred to show no fear!
Since prehistoric times, the remains of medium- size, compact-built dogs similar to the Samoyed and the Bear Dog lived with the two-legged peoples of northern and northeastern Europe. Bear Dog remains have been found in many archaeological sites.
Sadly, with the decline of bears in Europe, most of these dogs gradually disappeared, being replaced by specialized cultured breeds. However, in the early 20th century, in a large portion of northeastern Europe these dogs have continued to keep company with two-leggeds, and have the useful dog duties of hunting and watch-guarding. Grwooof!
The formidable Bear Dog can be found in many places in this wide northeastern part of the world, which spans approximately from Finland across northwestern Russia to Archangelsk, Vyatka and North Ural and to the south as far as the Kama River and middle parts of the Volga River basin.
Read on…
Posted 26 Aug 06
Dog Breeds: The Skye Terrier
The Skye Terrier has recently been listed by a ‘crisis meeting’ of the Kennel Club (KC) of Great Britain as an ‘endangered dog.’ Last year only 30 Skye Terriers were born in Britain, in comparison, say, to 45,000 labradors. Whewh! That’s a lot of labradors!
At the meeting of the KC a red list of unpopular and endangered dog breeds was drawn up, and includes Skye Terriers along with other Scottish breeds such as the Dandie Dinmont terrier (named after a character in Sir Walter Scott’s 1814 novel Guy Mannering) and the deerhound. Some folk say that numbers don’t tell stories, but in this instance I think the numbers do speak for themselves. For example, last year only 89 Dandie Dinmonts were registered, while the deerhound clocked up 160 newly registered dogs.
Other breeds on the list include the Sealyham terrier, the smooth collie and the Welsh Cardigan corgi.
Read on…
Posted 20 Jul 06
©2008 Roleta Archibald, Awoof!™