The mythology of modern dog breeds and their evolution / decline

Without going into an academic study, and although some breeds have existed in recognisable forms for a very long time, the modern concept of a “breed” is relatively recent, roughly dating from the fifteenth century onwards. Today breed identity can even function like a brand. Some owners seek a breed in much the same way that others seek a particular clothing or car brand: “I have an Akita, a Ferrari, a pair of Nikes or a Prada bag.”

The concept of a breed, in animals, can be described as a group of individuals sharing phenotypic (external) and genotypic (internal) characteristics. Dogs are the domestic species that offers perhaps the greatest variation in shape and size. A Chihuahua and a mastiff may look dramatically different, yet both belong to the same species.

The criteria that shaped dog breeding at least 10,000 years ago — and that figure continues to change as new discoveries are made — were very different from those used today. Originally, selection was mainly functional: dogs were valued for what they could do.

Hunting, guarding, food, companionship, herding, warfare, pulling and many other tasks.

Today, in my opinion, the principal role of the dog is companionship and, in some cases, status: a way of projecting a certain image, as well as a companion for activities and sport. In second place would come the breeding and selection of dogs for specialised work.

Problems often arise when we try to combine these two aims, deliberately or without realising it.

Breeds become fashionable because of stories about their abilities and qualities, while the training behind those abilities is rarely mentioned. The disadvantages that accompany those same qualities are often forgotten or simply unknown — the other side of the coin.

A dog with strong working aptitude, is an animal with powerful instinctive drives that can sometimes make life difficult in a household where everyone works, the dog spends eight hours alone and the family has little experience with that type of animal.

In films, dogs representing the perfect family hero are actors. That can easily create unrealistic expectations.

Within every breed, there are different breeding lines and different individuals, as well as dogs produced without clear criteria for reasons that may go beyond money or the owner’s emotional choices. In other words, every breed contains enormous variation. There are plenty of imitations — plenty of canine “Louis Vuitton knock-offs”.

Getting to the point — and giving my own opinion:

Breeds such as theBelgian Malinoiscan be outstanding working and sport dogs and, in some cases, good companions. The problem begins when inexperienced people with unrealistic expectations buy one from an irresponsible breeder.

Malinois

TheBelgian Malinois, is currently fashionable thanks to films and internet videos showing astonishing exercises, both physically and technically: detection, rescue, guarding, defence, bite work, sport and more. Many of these dogs are not typical family pets — although some certainly can be — and are in the hands of people with a great deal of experience and passion for sport or training.

We are also beginning to see videos of dogs that are completely out of control, attacking or suspected of attacking. When the dogs are healthy, the difference between a hero and a villain is often simplyknowing how to educate the dog and channel its abilities into appropriate work. These animals react extremely quickly and can be difficult if their behaviour is not properly understood, even for experienced handlers. They need physical and mental activity and can become extremely nervous or destructive when those needs are not met.

To avoid going on too long, I would place working-line German Shepherd Dogs in much the same category.

Theshow-line or conformation German Shepherdhas its own particular set of issues. This is the world that produced Rex, the famous television star. It is one of the most selected and controlled breeds in the world, with exceptional examples but also individuals affected by insecurity, aggression and controversial health problems — issues thatbreed clubssay they monitor.

Next on the list is theBorder Collie: a charming andintelligentdog, and an outstanding,TIRELESSworker. Those very qualities can contribute tostress and loss of controlwhen the dog is not given work that matches its needs. This is an animal whose working heritage may involve twelve-hour days gathering and controlling livestock, using eye, movement and even nipping at heels, while also protecting stock from strangers. Traditional working dogs were not constantly rewarded with treats or balls and might receive very direct feedback from a shepherd before eventually returning home to be fed — or perhaps not. That may sound exaggerated today, but the point is that a dog bred for intense work can struggle when kept indoors for long periods, rewarded for every little trick or left with nothing to do except chase shadows and herd imaginary flies.

Border Collie

Very similar considerations apply to the wonderfulwater dogs, Gos d’Aturaand all the traditionalsheep and cattle dogsorlocal shepherd breeds found across Spain and its regions. These were originally rustic working animals. When treated like soft toys, their insecurity or defensive aggression can be misunderstood.

I must emphasisethat every breed includesexceptional,sociable,kind, gentle and patient dogs. But it is equally true thatevery breed also contains individuals that are none of those things. Education cannot always compensate completely for extremely strong inherited drives.

One of the heavyweights in this discussion is the group commonly referred to asPit Bulls. I use the plural because there are several bull-type dogs with shared characteristics, as well as many crosses. That does not mean aStaffordshire Bull Terrieris the same as anAmerican Bullyor anAmerican Staffordshire Terrier, or aBandog. Even so, many of these dogs are intensely devoted to their owners and can be easy to live with at home. The difficulty may arise when inherited fighting tendencies emerge, usually in interactions with other dogs, or when a powerful obsession becomes focused on an object or activity.

These breeds deserve particular attention. A dog does not need to have been deliberately trained for conflict in order for strong competitive or combative tendencies to appear. Combined with great physical power, those tendencies can have serious consequences.

A brief aside aboutAmerican Bullies, which are currently the subject of a very profitable market at prices that, in my opinion, are often difficult to justify. Health can be poor in some heavily selected examples and breeding criteria are not always objective. They are also frequently crossed withFrench Bulldogs,English Bulldogsand different types ofpit bull-type dogs.

I could continue with examples involvingLabradorsandGolden Retrievers, which are not the same dog with different coat lengths.

TheGreyhounds, so often overrepresented in rescue organisations.

Terriers,Fox Terriers,Jack Russells… ratters whose original jobs have largely disappeared.

Brachycephalic breeds,Bulldogs,Dogues de Bordeaux… frequent visitors to veterinary clinics.

And so on…

If you are starting out in dog training or obedience, or if you want to improve your skills.