Dog Husbandry and Breeds Overview

Dog Husbandry Learning Outcomes

• Define dog breed groups and give examples of breeds within each group.
• Describe dog husbandry requirements, including diet, behaviour, and welfare.
• Describe dog breeding practices and pup care.

Dog Breeds

• Dog breeds are organized into groups.
• The Kennel Club recognizes 7 groups: Terrier, Gun, Hound, Pastoral, Working, Utility, and Toy (plus dangerous dog breeds).

Gun Dogs

• Originally trained for finding and retrieving game.
• Four categories: Retrievers, Spaniels, Hunt/point/retrieve, Pointers/Setters.
• Good companions, suitable for families.
• Require a fair amount of exercise.

Hound Dogs

• Originally hunted by scent or sight.
• Scent hounds (beagles, bloodhounds) and sight hounds (greyhounds).
• Many require a significant amount of exercise, though some do not.

Pastoral Dogs

• Herding dogs associated with livestock (cattle, sheep, reindeer).
• Usually have a weatherproof double coat for working in severe weather.
• Examples include Border Collies and German Shepherds.

Terrier Dogs

• Bred for hunting vermin.
• Named after the Latin word "terra" meaning earth.
• Hardy, brave, and tough dogs that hunt both above and below ground.
• Examples include Welsh Terrier, Border Terrier

Toy Dogs

• Small companion or lap dogs.
• Many were bred for their size, others placed in this category.
• Usually friendly and enjoy attention.
• Do not need a large amount of exercise; can be finicky eaters.
• Examples include Bichon Frisé, Yorkshire Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Utility Dogs

• Miscellaneous breeds of dog, mostly non-sporting.
• Perform specific tasks not included in sporting or working categories.
• Includes dogs like Standard Poodles and Bulldogs.

Working Dogs

• Bred to be guards and search/rescue dogs.
• Examples include Rottweilers and Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Dog Diet

• Dogs are omnivores, members of the Carnivora order, Canidae family.
• Commercial foods (wet/dry) and home-prepared options are common.
• Raw food is also available.
• Always provide fresh water.

Canine Obesity

• Almost two-thirds of dogs in developed countries are overweight.
• Excessive feeding of treats, cake, chocolate, biscuits, crisps, chips, takeaway, and table scraps contributes.
• Obesity predisposes to cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and joint issues like arthritis.

Body Condition Score (BCS)

• Dogs are scored from 1-9 (1-3 underweight; 4-5 ideal; 6-9 overweight/obese).
• Assess ribs and tail base coverage to estimate body fat.
• Use side and overhead views to look for abdominal tuck and waist.

Feeding Dogs

• Adult wild dogs hunt in packs, eating quickly and resting afterward.
• Domestic dogs typically eat once or twice a day.
• Senior dogs have reduced activity and lower basal metabolic rate (BMR).

Activity and Behaviour

• Dogs spend around 50% of the day sleeping, 30% resting, and 20% in activity.
• Physical and mental exercise needs depend on breed, individual age, and health.
• Dogs need social interaction in packs, depending on each other for survival.

Routine Veterinary Care

• Parasite control (fleas, ticks, worms, lungworm) - vary by region.
• Vaccinations (Leptospira, Adenovirus, Distemper, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Bordetella, Rabies).
• Grooming (at home or by groomers) – varies with breed.

Travelling in Cars

• 48% of UK dog owners break highway code by not restraining dogs.
• Restraint is essential for safety, avoiding accidents.

Canine Breeding

• Before breeding, a vet check, up-to-date vaccinations, and worming are necessary.
• Bitches usually come into heat every 6 months (can vary).
• The bitch should be at least one year old and preferably have had a normal season prior to mating.

Canine Mating

• Canine mating is a multi-stage process.
• Stages include the first stage of coitus (1-2 minutes), the turn (2-5 seconds), and the second stage of coitus (5–45 minutes).

Canine Breeding - Whelping

• Gestation period typically lasts 63 days.
• Average litter size is around 6 pups (can be more).
• Pre-whelping prep involves introducing the whelping box.
• Stages of whelping: contractions, delivery of the puppy, and delivery of the placenta.
• Normal time frame: 2-24 hours from start to finish.
• Discharge may be clear, red or green.
• Dystocia (difficult delivery) more common in brachycephalic breeds

Canine Breeding - Care of Newborn Puppies

• Puppies are born with ears and eyes closed. Eyes open in ~10 days, ears in ~14 days.
• Handle them as little as possible in the first 3 weeks.
• Environmental temperature is crucial:
• Day 1: 32°C
• Day 5: 29.5°C
• Day 7-10: 26.5°C
• End of Week 4: 22°C

Nutrition During Pregnancy and Lactation

• First 5-6 weeks of gestation have small increases in nutrient needs.
• Requirements increase in the last 3-4 weeks of pregnancy and lactation.
• Feed small, frequent meals of concentrated diets (puppy food).

Weaning and Growth

• Weaning begins at 3-4 weeks of age using commercial weaning foods in small amounts.
• Puppies are fully weaned by 8 weeks.
• High demand for energy, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, so balancing diets is critical.
• Feed frequently initially, reducing frequency as maturity approaches.
• Maturity varies based on breed (Toy: 6-9 months; Giant: 16-18 months).

Dog Training

• Socialization period (birth to 16 weeks) is crucial for future behavior.
• Training includes getting used to household noises, going out in public, and meeting new people and other dogs.
• Training can continue throughout.

Summary

• There are 7 dog breed groups.
• Dogs are omnivores and hunt in packs in the wild.
• Bitches come into season approximately every 6 months.
• Gestation lasts about 63 days.
• Bitches should be fed puppy food from around week 3 of pregnancy.
• Weaning occurs at 3-4 weeks and is typically complete by week 8.
• The socialization period in puppies is very important.

Explore the essential aspects of dog husbandry, including breed groups, dietary requirements, and breeding practices. Learn about various dog breeds recognized by the Kennel Club, such as Gun Dogs, Hound Dogs, and Pastoral Dogs. This quiz will enhance your understanding of canine care and welfare.