Discovering the Role of Cultural Influences on Dog Breed Development

🐾 As a fellow dog lover, it’s hard not to acknowledge that different dog breeds reflect different cultural backgrounds. A breed can reflect a certain type of working dog for a specific person, social status, or even a history of some type. The purpose of this blog is to explore the role of cultural influences on dog breed development and how it started shaping the incredible diversity we see today.

The Beginning: How Domesticated Dogs Came to Be

🐶 It’s believed that around 15,000 years ago, wolves began to approach humans to benefit from the food they were leaving behind. Humans took in these tame wolves, and, over time, they became the domesticated dogs we know today. Thus the bond between dogs and humans began. Domesticated dogs started being selectively bred to support hunting, guarding, and working.

Working Dogs: Breeds Developed for Specific Jobs

💼 Historically, dogs have been selectively bred for a particular job. The most common breeds bred for work include the Komondor, a breed used for protecting sheep, and the Siberian Husky, bred as sled dogs for transport in Arctic regions. These breeds’ personalities were shaped by the jobs they were bred for and their country of origin. Working dogs have greater agility, intelligence, and an instinct for listening and following commands.

Breeding for Appearance: Role of Culture in Dog Breed Standards

👑 The culture surrounding dogs also plays an essential role in breed development. In the late 1800s, Victorian England had created an interest in purebred dogs, and a dog’s ‘pedigree’ became more important than his abilities of how he worked. The American Kennel Club and Breed clubs created breed standards that have taken a certain appearance or temperament as the basis for breeding. This subjective standard is to keep the breed performing their historical duty along with the desired appearance.

The Influence of Different Geographical Regions on Dog Breeds

🌎 Different geographical regions have created breeds that reflect their cultural need for specific characteristics in a dog. Tibetan Mastiffs were bred for their giant size and fierce guarding qualities, and the Shar-Pei was bred for her loose skin that allowed fights to twist and bite without being caught. Akitas were developed in Japan for hunting and to be samurai warriors’ companions. Each breed is an extension of the people who created them, reflecting their personal and cultural needs.

The Trend of Designer Breeds and Cultural Implications

🐾 The modern trend of designer breeds has been born out of the desire to combine two different breeds’ unique qualities. This trend’s popularity raises some cultural implications as purebred dogs carry historical meaning attached to them. Different cultures attach specific meanings to different breeds, so there may be an offense when a designer breed is created from two culturally significant breeds.

Takeaway

🤔 As we’ve learned, dog breeds reflect humans and their cultures. The specific personality traits and physical attributes of each breed are closely tied to the breed’s cultural origin. Dogs have been shaped through generations to become ideal companions and working dogs. Understanding how cultural influences shapes dog breeds helps us connect more with our dogs and the origins of their breed.

In conclusion, culture plays a fundamental role in creating and developing the various dog breed types we see today. As a dog owner, it’s our responsibility to maintain their breeds’ historical significance and continue to pass on their cultural importance to future generations.

🐶 Happy Dog Parenting 🐾