April 22, 2007 - While the spring
2007 dog food recall is said to have affected only about 1 percent of all dog food, there are dog owners concerned about what they feed their
dogs [and cats]. WorkingDogWeb.com has created a new Web guide about dog food, nutrition and recipes to help people
learn about what their dogs need in their daily diets. There are also many dog food books
recommended including Home-Prepared
Dog & Cat Diets: the Healthful Alternative
recommended by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
April 15, 2007 - The recall of "wet" dog and cat food that started in the
middle of April widened to include more
companies and types of products, including some biscuits. However, just 1 percent of
America's overall dog food supply has been impacted by the recall. Now the FDA is warming
that some of the tainted foods many still be on store shelves. And the U.S. Senate is
holding a hearing on the matter that has shaken people's confidence in the safety of the
food supply. We are continually updating our in-depth
article so you have one convenient place to see the latest news as well as
helpful links to resources.
March 31, 2007 - The recall of "wet" dog and cat food that started March
17 has widened to include U.S.
companies as well as the original Canadian firm, Menu Foods Inc. The recall includes
almost 100 brand name dog and cat food products, apparently all manufactured with imported
wheat gluten that contains melamine, used as a fertilizer in Asia and in manufactuing of
plastics. To learn more about this threat to dog and cat health, see our in-depth article and suggested resources,
including veterinarians' advice.
September 5, 2004 - Researchers finished a first draft of the "dog
genome" in July 2004, and placed
this genetic information into public databases for use by biomedical and veterinary
researchers. It is expected that the genome will be helped in identifying specific genes
involved in various canine diseases. The boxer was used for the genome analysis
because it has less genetic variation in its genome than many other breeds. The
genome has already played a key role in discovering the "genetic
fingerprints" for 85 popular breeds including the 14 breeds classified
as "ancient breeds" [see below].
Here are links to learn more
about the dog genome:
· Dog
Genome Assembled in 2004: The dog genome is about 2.5 billion
DNA base pairs, making it similar in size to the human genomes and those of other mammals.
· Dog
Genome Debuts Online: In
addition to sequencing the full genome of the boxer named Tasha, researchers sequenced
portions of the genome of nine other breeds of dogs, four wolves and a coyote.
· Quick
look at the dog genome done in 2003: Last year, the genome of a standard poodle named
Shadow was completed, a prelude to the full official genome. Genes serve as templates for
a creature to make proteins. |
Boxer - Tasha
|
May 25-30, 2004 - Researchers have discovered "genetic fingerprints" for 85 breeds of dogs, and have recognized 14 breeds as "ancient
breeds" while the rest fall into guarding, herding and hunting breed groups.
Most of the ancient breeds are linked either to China, such as the Chow Chow or Pekingese,
to Japan such as the Akita, or to Siberia, such as the Samoyed and Siberian Husky.
The full list of ancient breeds include Afghan Hound, Akita,
Alaskan Malamute, Basenji, Chow Chow, Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, Saluki, Samoyed, Shar-pei,
Shiba Inu, Shih Tzu, Siberian Husky and Tibetan Terrier. Read the full story -- and
see the breeds in each group -- in the Late Spring 2004 RSH Online.
And then enjoy checking out the characteristics, standards
and histories of these 14
ancient breeds on a page dedicated to them. You will quickly notice that
almost all of them have standards that allow "all colors" or at least quite a
variety of coat colors from fawn and sable to black and tan and to solid black or solid
white. Bravo to those who love and breed these dogs that they have protected the rich
genetic diversity of their stock, an action that also helps protect genetic health.
May 15, 2004 - The AKC approved 3 new breeds in
late April that one might consider "the tall, the large and the small of
it."
· The "tall" is the Black Russian Terrier,
a breed developed starting in the 1930s
for security force purposes. Contributing breeds include the
Rottweiler, Giant
Schnauzer, Airedale and Newfoundland. Size is 26 to 30 inches
tall. Added to
the Working Group.
· The "large" is Neapolitan Mastiff,
a property guarding dog from Italy that is 24
to 31 inches tall and up to 150 pounds. Added to the Working
Group.
· The "small" is the Glen of Imaal Terrier,
a natural Irish dog 12.5 to 14 inches tall, bred as a ratter and to hunt fox and badger.
Read the AKC news
story for all the details.
March 25, 2004 - A recent trip to Paris provided not
only great art, historic buildings, wonderful walks in the park and delectable food, but
also a splendid opportunity for dog watching in the French capital. Read The Dogs of Paris and if
you are interested in the city itself -- its art, architecture, history and food -- then
try The Pleasures of Paris. Merci mes amis!
March 7, 2004 - The next Year of the Dog on the Chinese calendar begins on January 29, 2006. The dog, xu, is one of 12 animals in the
Chinese zodiac, used when determining years and cycles. The next Year of the Dog
after that begins on February 16, 2018. Click to learn more.
The 32nd running of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is
underway this weekend with 87 teams, including Karen Ramstead and Wayne Curtis running
teams of Siberian Huskies. Use our Iditarod Guide for helpful resources. Don't miss
our in-depth and illustrated interview with Karen,
right here at WorkingDogWeb.com!
February 22, 2004 - Research on dogs' ability to read human "cues" has been taken another step as reported recently at the American Association
for the Advancement of Science winter meeting in Seattle. You may remember earlier reports
that dogs were better than chimpanzees are observing the cues or signals that people
provide, suggesting dogs have evolved with humans and that skill has been enhanced as a
result. This was the work of Brian Hare of Harvard, who has since expanded his work
to include the dog's closest relative, the wolf, as well as dogs raised with minimal human
contact in kennels and the New Guinea singing dog, thought to have reverted to the wild
from early domestic dog stock.
The results? The wolf like the chimp can't do any
better than 50-50 guessing which of two containers has the food, even when people provide
cues such as pointing to the correct container. Under those circumstances, dogs get
it right every time, even if they had minimal human contact. Even puppies get it right!
Read more using the following links:
Dogs:
Fantastic Food Finders: Dogs' skill at using human cues - Why Files
Brian
Hare & Hound Milo - with research results: story from
Harvard News
Dogs
are Sensitive Souls: Latest report on Hare's research [this will
expire]
The
Domestication of Social Cognition in Dogs: Hare's paper in Science
February 11, 2004 - The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is becoming so popular, this year's winning dog even appeared tonight on the
Charlie Rose TV show -- where he gave Charlie kisses and "talked" as he did
after his big win -- and was talked about on NPR's All Things Considered. Ch Darbydale's All Rise Pouch Cove, nicknamed Josh, is being
described as "a Newfoundland's Newfoundland." And there was excitement
among many dog lovers that a big dog from the working group finally won Westminster after
toy breeds and terriers dominated the Best of Show spot over the past decade.
Here's more about this big black dog:
· Josh's data &
pedigree & Photograph
of Josh
· Josh's data - Westminster
2003: see No. 16 for breeder, owners
· Pouch Cove Newfoundlands: Dave
and Peggy Helming, Flemington, N.J.,
chosen the 2002 Breeders of the Year for the Working Group. Another
photo
of Josh. Source of the Pouch
Cove kennel name
· Photo from 2003 with story
of 2004 Westminster
· Newfoundland
Top Dogs 2003
· Newfoundland
Top Dogs 2002
February 10, 2004 - Last year, during the 127th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in
2003, the Kerry Blue Terrier
Ch. Torums Scarf Michael was chosen Best In Show, called by some the "the dog world's
ultimate prize." Who will win in the Best of Show judging tonight? The seven best in group winners
are:
· Working Group:
Newfoundland - Ch Darbydale's All Rise Pouch Cove *
· Terrier Group: Norfolk Terrier - Ch Cracknor Cause Celebre *
· Herding Group: Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Ch Hum'nbird Keepn Up'Pearances *
· Hound Group: Ibizan Hound - Ch Luxor's Playmate Of The Year *
· Sporting Group: Sussex Spaniel - Ch Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee
· Non-Sporting Group: Standard Poodle - Ch Ale Kai Mikimoto On Fifth
· Toy Group: Pekingese - Ch Yakee Leaving Me BreathlessAtFranshaw *
And the winner is the Newfoundland, call name "Josh." Click for photo &
details. And check here for the winners in all the breeds.
* These dogs were Top 20 Show Dogs, All Breeds, December 2003. [ Top ]
 |
February 9, 2004 - More
words that dogs know. During a recent conversation with
a woman dog lover in North Carolina, I discovered that her very much loved Norwegian
Elkhound named Vixen also knows quite a few words [see November 20, 2003, for words a
special Corgi knows]. As promised, she recently sent me a list of many of the words
and phrases that Vixen knows and responds to regularly. |
|
Here are many of the words and phrases Vixen
knows:
· Moosie, Blackie, Candy [names of stuffed
dog toys]
· Big bird, squirrely [critters visiting the bird
feeder]
· Look at the golfers! [they live on a golf
course]
· Want some water? & want a cookie? & want
to go out?
· Be a good girl [do your business]
· Go eat your dinner & go in the other room
· Sit, lie down, stay
· Hold [meaning let me go down the stairs first]
· Who's my sweetie?What words do your dogs know? Send us your dog's list here. |
January 31, 2004 - New interview with woman musher-explorer. Just added to WorkingDogWeb.com is an exclusive
interview with Pam Flowers, a truly remarkable woman musher, explorer, author
and educator. After running the famous Iditarod sled dog race, Pam decided she
preferred exploring the Arctic by sled dog team than racing, and she's done treks aplenty
by now. Pam is also the author of Alone
Across The Arctic and Big-Enough
Anna about her adventures and her dogs. Find out how she got into
mushing, about her Arctic travels -- and how she now visits schools to inspire youngsters
to seek their dreams. [ Top ]
December 14, 2003 - Sled dog adventures fascinate many. In the late November issue of WDW
News, I reported that legally blind musher Rachael Scdoris of Oregon had
received a go-ahead to run the 1,049-mile Iditarod if she used a race-qualified musher on
a dog sled as her "eyes" rather than two people on snowmobiles. Early
reports were that the 19-year-old would use that option, but now it appears she will wait
until the 2005 race, due to finances.
She has raised just $50,000 of the $80,000
needed to enter the race and expects to have it all raised by the 2005 race, according to
one Oregon
newspaper. When the Iditarod committee decided she had to have her
assistant on a dog sled rather than a snow machine, she lost a key sponsorship from a
snowmobile company, her father Jerry told an Alaska newspaper.
Given Rachael's tenacity, I think we will see her in the "Last Great
Race" in March 2005. Stay tuned.
Meanwhile, other sled dog adventures are
underway or recently completed. An English explorer named Benedict
Allen tried to make a solo crossing of the frozen Bering Strait from Siberia
to Alaska, using a team of 10 native Chukchi dogs. He tells of his travels, the courage
and humor of the Chukchi people, the challenge of the pack ice and his admiration for the loyal dogs
and the decision he makes for their sake. "Ice Dogs," a television program on
his attempt aired this November.
Meanwhile the world's most experienced Arctic
adventurer Will
Steger is due to take off on his next trek. He and four other men and
a woman leave on Dec. 26 from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, on Arctic
Transect 2004, a 2,700-mile journey across Arctic Canada. They'll travel at about 64
degrees north latitude, skiing and trotting while their 30 polar huskies
haul sleds with their supplies. The adventurers will send reports via satellite and the
Internet to school children. Among the lead dogs are Askel,
a handsome 8-year-old black male, and Choko,
a big 8-year-old white male. Both dogs are sons of Panda, a famous sled dog who went
with Will Steger to the North and South Poles. [ Top ]
November 20, 2003 - The words dogs know: I
recently had a truly delightful conversation with a friend who has dogs including a much
loved Corgi. She regaled me with tales about what that Corgi knows and especially the
words she is sure the dog understands. Just for fun, I asked her for a list of the words
-- and spellings -- she is confident the Corgi knows.
Here is the core list for your reading pleasure:
· leash, walk, out and o-u-t, perambulate and trek
[note the words she and her husband have contrived to use to talk about walking the dog
without saying "walk"!
· vet, bath, zoom groom, toe choppers [to avoid
saying nail clippers]
· bone, sock, hedgehog, hedgie, wiggly giggly, purple
ball [distinguished from other balls]
· greenie, cheese, hot dog, cookie
· dog, corgi, ears, itty bitty
· bed, up, downstairs, down, sit, leave it, bad, trouble
· love (do you want some.....?
What words does your dog know? Click this
link for our TalkDogs discussion site and
share your list!
[ Top ]
November 1, 2003 - Australia's Dingo faces extinction: Trying to determine what to do about the dingo, Australia's native dog, is
not an easy task. Here's the conundrum facing dog people:
· On the one hand, the dingo is believed to be descended from an
early type of tamed or domesticated dog, likely from southeast Asia, that came to
Australia about 5,000 years ago. See dingo origins.
Thus, many people think of dingoes as a breed of dog and seek to keep them as pets.
· On the other hand, once in Australia, some dingoes stayed with
the aboriginal peoples as hunting dogs while others became feral, resuming a partially
wild existence and hunting on their own. They became Australia's "wild
dog" much as the wolf and coyote are in North America. Thus, conservationists think
of them as a wild species to be preserved without cross-breeding with domestic dog breeds.
They aim for dingo
conservation.
The dingo's dual status as dog and wild canid has an
intriguing parallel in the story of Israel's Canaan Dog -- a breed redomesticated from
the feral or pariah dogs of Israel's Negev Desert in the mid-20th century.
The most recent news about the dingo is the result of genetic
research by Alan Wilton of the University of New South Wales in Sydney. He concludes
that dingoes are so similar genetically that they arrived no sooner than 5,000 years ago --
and were few in number, perhaps starting with the litter of just one female who arrived
pregnant. Any variation in mitochondrial DNA found was just one mutation away from the
main type, he says.
The research, covered in the October 24, 2003 issue of Science [membership
required for viewing], compared a stretch of non-recombining mtDNA of 211 dingoes from
around Australia, 676 dogs from around the world, 38 wolves from Eurasia and 19 fossils of
Polynesian dogs from before European contact. Perhaps the most intriguing discovery in
Wilton's new work is that he "found the dingo 'main type' in some dogs in East and
Southeast Asia. Siberia, Japan and the Indonesian archipelago. This suggests ancient
maternal relationships among the dog breeds of eastern Asia.
For more on the origin of the dog, see our articles:
· Dog
Origins Much Earlier than Thought Researchers Say
· Dog
Origins are in Asia Researchers Say
· Dogs: A
Startling New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behavior &
Evolution -- review of a book by Raymond and Lorna Coppinger
[ Top ]
