Dog Husbandry and Breeds Overview

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

How often do bitches typically come into season?

Every 6 months (correct)

Every 4 months

Every year

Every 3 months

The gestation period of a bitch is approximately 63 days.

True

At what age do puppies typically begin the weaning process?

3 to 4 weeks

Dogs are classified into _____ breed groups.

7 Signup and view all the answers

Match the dog breed groups with their original purpose:

Herding = Managing livestock Sporting = Assisting in hunting Terrier = Hunting vermin Working = Performing tasks like guarding Signup and view all the answers

What is the average litter size for a domestic dog?

6 pups Signup and view all the answers

Domestic dogs do not follow the hunting pattern of wild dogs.

False Signup and view all the answers

How often do bitches usually come into heat?

every 6 months Signup and view all the answers

The gestation period for a domestic dog is _____ days.

63 Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of veterinary care with their descriptions:

Parasite Control = Protocols vary based on area and risk Vaccinations = Includes Leptospira, Distemper, Parvovirus Grooming = Can be done at home or at groomers Pre-whelping preparation = Introducing a whelping box from 50 days Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following dog breeds is categorized as a scent hound?

Beagle Signup and view all the answers

All toy breeds require a significant amount of exercise.

False Signup and view all the answers

Name one breed that belongs to the retriever category.

Labrador Retriever Signup and view all the answers

The term 'utility' in dog breed groups refers to breeds that are fit for a specific _______.

purpose Signup and view all the answers

Match the dog breed groups with their primary characteristics:

Gun = Trained to find/retrieve game Hound = Used for hunting by scent or sight Terrier = Originally bred for hunting vermin Working = Guard dogs and rescue dogs Signup and view all the answers

Which dog breed is commonly associated with herding cloven-footed animals?

German Shepherd Signup and view all the answers

Canine obesity is a concern in developed countries with many dogs being overweight.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is one common characteristic of the toy breed group?

Small size or friendly personality Signup and view all the answers

The _______ breed group consists of dogs that were bred to perform specific functions not included in sporting or working categories.

Utility Signup and view all the answers

What breed is an example of a dog in the working group?

Bernese Mountain Dog Signup and view all the answers

Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

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.