Pug is a dog breed with an incredibly long lineage dating back to ancient China and they were brought to Europe in 16th century. But i would be very curious, if the people who brought them to Europe in 16th century would recognize the Pug we have today, because they look very very different.
[Historical Evolution] Like all animals, dogs evolve and change over time, but some breeds experience more rapid transformations due to selective breeding. And Pug is a great example. Pugs were not bred for any specific working purpose, they are just our companions. And since there is a demand for companion dogs to be as cute as possible, breeders started selectively bred Pugs to have flatter faces, more wrinkles and larger eyes. They are basically trying to make Pugs look similar to human infants. However, this has drastically altered their appearance. Historic photos reveal that past Pugs were leaner, more athletic, and had longer legs. While they might not have been as cute as today's Pugs, they were undoubtedly much healthier. [Health Concerns] The current breeding standard causes many unnecessary health problems, such as various breathing difficulties and overheating due to the flat face, encephalopathy or various eye issues. Pugs are also prone to becoming obese. These health issues are a consequence of prioritizing appearance over well-being. [Appreciating Modern Pugs] This is not intended to insult modern day Pugs. We all know their charming personality. Pugs have super playful, loving and outgoing temperament, perfect for companion dog. And even modern day Pugs can be active companions and there are even individuals that compete in agility! And i think that is very important for the dog, to keep them active, to keep them moving. They should not lay on the coach all day long doing nothing. The Pug is famously nicknamed "multum in parvo," meaning much in little, or a big personality in a small body. While their appearance may have changed, their spirit remains intact. The Pug's endearing personality is what captures our hearts the most. It is also important to notice, that Pugs are not the only breed that radically changed over time. Bulldogs, Bull Terriers or German Shepherds look very different in historic photos as well. And just like the Pug, it is not a change for better.
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1) Origin
The Campeiro Bulldog has its origin in 16th and 17th century in the Brazilian region Rio Grande do Sul. In the 16th century, European immigrants brought many dog breeds with them to Brazil, and one of these breeds was the famous Old English Bulldog. In Brazil, the Old English Bulldog was bred to better meet the needs of local farmers as a catch dog and to be able to work in harsh rural Brazilian environment. Actually, the Campeiro Bulldog can be translated to English as a „rural Bulldog“. 2) Catch dog The main and traditional utilization of Campeiro Bulldog always was to be the best possible catch dog. Which means that they were trained to catch and hold the cattle, they traveled long distances to fetch cattle and they were also used to round up pigs. Later, they were used to work with cattle in slaughterhouses as well. To be good at this kind of utilization, the Campeiro Bulldog must be very durable and endurant, fearless and courageous, quite strong and they must be able to make good decisions on their own. 3) Almost Extinct In 1970s, it was banned to use dogs like Campeiro Bulldog in Brazilian slaughterhouses. Before this ban, the Campeiro Bulldog was very common in some Brazilian states, but after the ban, the breeds population declined rapidly, as they lost their main utilization. Brazilians could not use them for work and there was a big competition by foreign breeds for compenion pets. This resulted in almost extinction of the Campeiro Bulldog. Luckily, groups of enthusiasts decided to preserve the breed and already in the mid 1970s private breeding programm was commenced. And they were succesfull, as the Campeiro Bulldog is not on the verge of extinction anymore. One of the man credited for saving the breed is Ralf Bender Schein. 4) Loyal guardian Even today, the Campeiro Bulldog is still used to work with cattle. But it can also be trained to be reliable and loyal protector. They are strong and their mere presence could deter any intruders. But they are also absolutely loyal, brave and they are naturally suspicious towards strangers. This combination of personality traits is perfect for good guardian. And indeed, the Campeiro Bulldog would protect its loved ones from any kind of danger if needed. 5) Loving companion But of course, the Campeiro Bulldog is not only the tough worker, but also, and maybe surprisingly, very loving companion dog. The breed is typically very calm and relaxed around its own people, and it shows affection towards the whole family. They are known to be quite patient with kids as well, but of course, you should never leave any dog breed with a very young child unsupervised. Above all, the Campeiro Bulldog is known for its loyalty to its owner, they are loyal beyond the grave. 6) Size Accordingly to the official breed standard, the Campeiro Bulldog is standing between 19-22 inches, which is 48-56 cm, and its weight is usually between 68-93 lbs, which is 31-42 kg. Females are naturally slightly smaller than males. 7) Coat and Color The Campeiro Bulldog has short and smooth coat with a medium texture, which is neither too rough or too soft. The breed can come in any possible color and color combination with the exception of merle color. The most common colors are fawn, brown and brindle. 8) Maintenance Thanks to its short coat, the Campeiro Bulldog does not need almost any maintenance and grooming. Ocassional brushing will benefit the coat, as it will remove all the dead and loose hair and it will minimize the shedding. No other grooming is required. Just like with all dog breeds, you should regularly check their eyes, ears, nails and teeth and clean them or clip them if needed. 9) Exercise needs The Campeiro Bulldog has average exercise needs. They are not hyperactive dogs, but definitely not coach potatoes neither. Daily walks accompanied with some playtime or training will be enough for these dogs. But they are always ready for a long hike as well, they love outdoor adventures and they will love to accompany you to even harsh terrain hikes. It is important to provide them with some longer daily walks, so they stay in good shape, happy and healthy. 10 Health The Campeiro Bulldog is typically hardy and relatively healthy dog breed, capable of living in warmer climate than most other Bulldogs without problems. Of course, every dog breed can suffer from some health issues and the Campeiro Bulldog is no exception. The short nose of Campeiro Bulldog can be prone to becoming dry and crusty. The Campeiro Bulldog should not have that many breathing difficulties like some other Bulldogs. Just like all dogs, they can sometimes be prone to allergies and infections or some eye problems, but it should not be very common in this dog breed. Did you know that there are two Akita dog breeds? The original ancient Japanese Akita, also known as Akita Inu or Akita Ken and the younger American Akita, that was developed in the 20th century.
Let's start with a brief history of these two breeds, which will explain why there are two different Akita breeds. The Japanese Akita is an extremely old ancient dog breed that dates back hundreds of years. It was used to hunt elks, boar or even bears, later as a guard or as a companion for samurais. Due to the international isolation of Japan in the past, the Akita Inu lived exclusively on the Japanese islands and it was not exported to other countries. That changed in the 20th century. The first Akita Inu dog was brought to the USA by the famous Helen Keller in the 1930s. Since than, many Akitas were brought to other countries around the world, but most often it was Akitas that fell out of favour with the Japanese breeders, particularly the Dewa-types and dogs with the signature black mask or pinto marking. Many US military servicemen also took Akita dogs from Japan. To this day, many Japanese breeders do not consider the American variety as pure, as they are not bred by the more strict Japanese breed standard. In America, the Akita was bred to be bigger, better for guarding and fighting and stronger. Some American breeders even mixed the imported Akitas with various Mastiff dog breeds in order to achieve a taller and heavier dog breed. And the size really is one of the main differences between these two breeds. Here you can see the height and weight comparison of both Akita breeds. The difference is rather subtle, but on the first sight, the American Akita really looks larger and more powerful. The easiest way to recognize these two breeds apart is their head. The Japanese Akita has more pointy features on their head, such as the muzzle and they have slightly smaller heads. On the other hand the American Akita has a larger and boxier head. Most people will agree that the Japanese Akita has a fox-like face and the American Akita has a bear-like face. Both breeds have the same coat type, which is a fluffy, shorter double coat that sheds a lot. You will have to brush their coat regularly in order to minimize the shedding. The difference in the coat is in the coloration. The original Akita Inu is only accepted in brindle, white, sesame and red fawn color. You can find American Akita in the same colors, but they can also be black, pinto, gray or silver. Usually, the American Akita has a distinctive dark mask on their face, which is very rare in the Japanese Akita. There are some others, smaller differences. The Japanese Akita typically has a more tightly curled tail and their ears can sit further down in comparison to American Akitas' always pointed ears. The Japanese Akita has almond shaped eyes and the American Akita has smaller, deep set eyes. So now you know how to recognize the two Akita breeds apart. Now, let's look at their temperament. And it is very very similar. Both dogs are known for their extreme loyalty. If you saw the Hachiko movie, you know what I'm talking about. They are loyal beyond the grave. Both breeds are also extremely independent dogs, typically very alert, confident, smart, aloof towards strangers and other dogs. It is not a dog breed for novices, they need firm, but kind hands and proper training and socialization. With the wrong owner, these dogs might become aggressive. There really is not many differences in the behaviour of these dogs. I would say that the Japanese Akita is slightly more energetic, they might have a higher chasing instinct and I would say that they are more alert and distrustful towards strangers. This does not mean that the American Akita is friendly towards strangers. They also have a natural protective instinct and it takes them some time before accepting a new person into their life. But I would say that they are a little bit more relaxed, calm and possibly more tolerant. But again, these differences are very very small. Lets end the video with comparing the health of both breeds. The smaller Japanese Akita has slightly longer lifespan, typically around 12 or 13 years, while the American Akita has lifespan around 11 or 12 years. Those are pretty healthy dog breeds and they tend to have the same health problems, such as bloating, hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy or hypothyroidism. Both breeds have pretty sensitive stomachs and they tend to react badly to high energy food. Sometimes it can be hard to differentiate between the famous Pug and the lovable Brussels Griffon. These two dogs are both small and cute companions with pushed-in muzzles and large expressive eyes. However, there are some important differences as well, and in this video, I will show you all of them!
First of all, let's mention that there are three types of Brussels Griffon: the Griffon Belge, Griffon Bruxellois, and Petit Brabancon. The Griffon Belge and Griffon Bruxellois have longer, wiry coats, so you can easily distinguish them from the Pug. On the other hand, the Petit Brabancon has a smooth coat and looks much more similar to the Pug. If you're curious about the striking similarities in appearance between these two breeds, it's important to note that they are related. The Pug is an ancient Chinese dog breed that dates back thousands of years and arrived in Europe in the 16th century. The Brussels Griffon, on the other hand, is a much younger breed with a history tracing back to 19th-century Belgium. They were developed from a rough-coated dog known as the Smousje and were later crossbred with the Pug and King Charles Spaniel. So, while the Pug is not the main ancestor of the Brussels Griffon, these two breeds are related. At first glance, you can see the similarities between the two breeds. Both are small and have short, flat snouts. However, upon closer inspection, you will notice many differences in their appearance. The first difference is size. You can see the size comparison on the screen right now. The Pug is slightly taller but much heavier than the Brussels Griffon. Most of the time, this difference is visible, as the Brussels Griffon appears more athletic and lean, while the Pug looks more compact and robust. Both dogs have pushed-in noses and large eyes, but the Pug is known to have more wrinkles on its muzzle and face. Pugs also have slightly larger eyes compared to Brussels Griffons. Another major appearance difference is the tail. The tail of the Brussels Griffon is often docked. When undocked, it is carried upwards with the tip towards the back without reaching it or being curled. On the other hand, the Pug's tail should be tightly curled over the hip, and a double curl is highly desirable. As I mentioned earlier, there are different coat types for the Brussels Griffon. Some have wiry coats, which are easily distinguishable from the Pug. However, the Petit Brabancon type has a short coat similar to the Pug. This type of coat is harsh, flat, and gleaming. The Pug's coat is smooth, short, and glossy. The coat type is quite similar for both breeds. Despite the similar coat types, these two breeds come in different colors. Pugs can be silver, apricot, fawn, or black, with fawn being the predominant and most common color. The Petit Brabancon comes in red, black, or black and tan colors. They can have a few white hairs on the chest, and both breeds should have a black mask. Now let's talk about temperament. Both dogs have big personalities, but they are not the same. The Brussels Griffon is much more watchful and alert; they are very inquisitive and interested in their surroundings. The Pug is a more social dog and is typically friendlier to strangers. They just enjoy being around people. However, both dogs are extremely loyal to their owners. They are like shadows and want to be everywhere with you. Both can be good companions for kids and can be socialized to live with other dogs or pets in the household. The Brussels Griffon is slightly more energetic and active, always ready for any kind of outdoor adventure. However, even Pugs need daily exercise to stay in good shape, but they are not as demanding in terms of exercise as the Brussels Griffon. Both can be prone to health issues related to their large eyes and short snouts, but these problems are more prevalent in Pugs. Both breeds can suffer from breathing difficulties, heat stroke, various eye conditions, or cleft palate. In addition to that, Pugs can have problems with skin infections caused by their wrinkly skin, and many Pugs are prone to obesity. The average lifespan of the Brussels Griffon is around 13 or 14 years, while the average lifespan of Pugs is around 12 years. 1) Ancient dog
The Bankhar should not be called as a dog breed, but as a landrace. That means, that it evolved naturally over the time by adapting to its natural and cultural enviromnent. It is not a wild animal, it is still domesticated dog, but it can be said, that the Bankhar was not evolved by a man, but that it rather evolved next to a man. They co-evolved with humans for their specific utilization in specific environmental conditions. And it is undoubtedly extremely old and ancient dog, thousands of years old. 2) Livestock guardian Believed to be one of the oldest of all the livestock guardian dogs, the Bankhar may be considered the progenitor of all the livestock guardian dogs we have today. For thousands of years, nomadic Mongolian herders have relied on the Bankhar to protect their livestock from dangerous predators such as wolves and eagles. Bankhars live, sleep, and breathe alongside the livestock, willing to sacrifice their lives to ensure their safety. Most of the time, their mere presence is enough to deter intruders. They use their deep voice and scent marking to ward off potential predators. As livestock guardians, they are invaluable to Mongolian herders. 3) Special connection The bond between the Bankhar and its owner is truly remarkable, often described as a strong and special connection. In Mongolia, Bankhar dogs are believed to possess a spirit similar to that of humans. There is a belief that Bankhar dogs can reincarnate as humans in their next life, and vice versa, which is considered a great honor. When a Bankhar passes away, its remains are traditionally placed on top of a mountain, bringing them closer to the gods. Bankhar dogs hold a special place among Mongolian nomadic families 4) Companion While the Bankhar is a working dog, it is also a loving and loyal companion. They are never aggressive towards people and are docile and trustworthy with their own families. Similar to other livestock guardian dogs, the Bankhar is an independent thinker, making training a bit challenging. However, they can learn basic obedience commands fairly easily. Bankhars can be affectionate partners for children, but it's important to never leave any dog breed alone with young children unsupervised. With proper socialization from an early age, Bankhars can coexist with other dogs and pets. Socialization plays a key role in raising a strong and protective dog like the Bankhar. 5) Legend According to a Buryat legend, the Bankhar dog's origin is associated with a giant who descended from a mountain accompanied by an enormous dog. It is believed that all Bankhar dogs are descendants of this giant dog. 6) Rarity Bankhar dogs have accompanied Mongolian nomadic tribes for thousands of years, and due to the relative isolation of Mongolia, they have not been extensively crossed with foreign breeds. In the past, Bankhars were widespread in Mongolia. However, during the communist era in Mongolia between the 1920s and 1990s, the nomadic lifestyle was discouraged, causing many people to abandon their traditional lifestyle and their dogs. Consequently, most Bankhar dogs were released or exterminated.Also, some foreign breeds were introduced to Mongolia and the remaining Bankhar dogs were often time crossed with other breeds, such as the Tibetan Mastiff. There are only few remaining pure Bankhar dogs and this breed is extremely rare and it is almost impossible to find it outside Mongolia. But their numbers are slowly increasing and the future of Bankhar does not look the worst. 7) Size The Bankhar is strong, big and powerful, but it should not be overly masive. It should not be as huge as for example Tibetan Mastiff and the Bankhar should rather be more athletic, which is far better for their nomadic lifestyle and livestock guardian work. The average height is typically between 26-33 inch, which is 66-83 cm and weight between 80-125 lbs, which is 36-56 kg. Females are naturally slightly smaller than males. 8) Coat and color The Bankhar has a long and dense double coat that adapts to the weather. In colder regions of Mongolia, the coat is extremely thick, while in warmer regions, it is lighter. The Bankhar was not bred for a standardized appearance, so it can come in various colors. However, the most prevalent coloration is a combination of black and mahogany, often accompanied by mahogany spots above the eyes and a white patch on the chest. This coloring is also known as the "Mongolian Four Eye Dog." 9) Maintenance The Bankhar is very independent dog and it does not need much care from people. Even with limited maintenance, the coat of Bankhar will stay in decent condition. But of course, regular brushing will help to remove all the dead and loose hair, to redistribute natural oils all over the coat and it will keep the coat in best possible condition. No other grooming is required. Just like with all dogs, you should regularly check their eyes, ears, nails and teeth and clean them or clip them if needed. 10) Health The Bankhar is for such a big dog surprisingly healthy. It is most likely due to the fact, that they have very high genetic diversity and probably because they evolved naturally, basically by surviving of the fitest. Weak and unhealthy Bankhar dogs would have it very hard to survive in Mongolia. That said, the average lifespan of Bankhar is around 15 years, which is just excellent for big dogs. And they do not suffer much from any serious health issues, even the joint issues such as hip dysplasia are extremely rare. For over 50 years, dogs have been competing in the World's Ugliest Dog contest in California. In this video, I will showcase each winner from 1999 to the present day.
There are different opinions about this contest. Some say, that it is about making fun of ugly dogs and that it is decadent fun for bullies. The other, including the event organizers and i too am more inclined to this opinion, says that it is all about celebrating the imperfections of dogs, demonstrating that even an ugly dog can be a perfect companion. Many of these dogs are acutally adopted and as you probably know, cute puppies are often the first to find homes when they are at shelter. However, a cute face doesn't necessarily equate to a better dog, and this contest serves as a prime example. So this show can also encourage adoption of uglier dogs in the shelters. Sadly, many of these dogs suffer from serious health issues and many of them were born with health defects and conditions, which makes them look differently, and lets say uglier, than your typical puppy. And these defects can make these dogs less beautiful in some peoples eyes, but the truly ugly ones are those who would abandon or harm these dogs solely based on their appearance. Unfortunately, this is often the primary reason why many of these dogs end up in shelters. Furthermore, the deformities and health issues exhibited by some of these dogs are frequently caused by inbreeding and unscrupulous backyard breeders who prioritize profits over the well-being of the animals. Inbreeding can result in problems such as missing eyes, mismatched ears, abnormally curved backs, disproportionate body types, or dental issues. Thus, this contest not only promotes adoption and celebrates imperfections but also encourages people to consider purchasing dogs from reputable breeders, where the likelihood of obtaining a healthy puppy is significantly higher. Of course, it is not guaranteed, even a certified breeder can produce an unhealthy dog, but the chances of happening are much slimmer. So in conclusion, in my opinion, this contest has the potential to promote the acceptance of imperfections, encourage adoptions, and help individuals make informed decisions when acquiring a new dog. |