WORLDĀ DOG GROUP
No Breed Examples!
Roughly 80% of the dogs around the world are not purebreeds (or 'designer breeds'). You may think of them as mutts or mongrels, village or street dogs.
This group is for those dogs whose origins have largely been left to nature. Many may well fit the role of 21st Century pet dog better than the artificially selected pure breeds.Ā
NB This is not necessarily applicable to every rescue dog of undefined breed.
Ā
WHAT WE BRED THEM FOR
Primarily selected for their socialibility, these genetic dwarves of the dog world were a companion to the aristocracy in Medieval and Renaissance Europe as well as to Buddhist monks and Emperors in China and Tibet. They were used for everything from foot warmer to alarm system and found their way to a lasting place on our laps.
Before you read on ...
These group pages introduce you to ten newly described dog groups based on the latest science. Knowing what type of 'job' is in your dog's DNA can offer valuable insights into the type of life they'd most enjoy.
Treat this as a guide and a starting point for further research into the breed of dog to best suit you and your lifestyle. You'll find information specific to individual breeds here.
Note: this isn't a guarantee of how any individual dog will behave in future.
WHY YOU'LL FALL IN LOVE WITH A WORLD DOG
Flexibility
They adapt to change, go with the flow and make themselves at home in many environments.
Practical
They're observant, self-sufficient, undemanding, low-maintenance and efficient.
Good Natured
They tend to be tolerant, solicitous, cooperative, docile and level-headed.
WHY THEY CAN BE HARD TO LIVE WITH
Opportunistic
They're a trash scavenging machine.
Got Your Number
World dogs are human behaviour experts. They're reading and watching your every move.
Self-Serving
Their agenda and interests are their 'job'. Working for you is not (unless it happens to fit in with their primary objectives)!
YOU MAY NEED COACHING TO HELP WITH
- Chewing stuff that doesn't belong to them
- Getting on the furniture (if you'd rather they didn't)
- Barking
- Jumping on people
- Pulling on the lead
- Having their own agenda (which may more may not include following your directions).
YOUR RELATIONSHIP SURVIVAL KEY
Recognise that they're going to learn what things mean to them, what works for them and act accordingly.
Enjoy their adaptability to different environments.
Remember their heritage: natural selection has designed them to be an efficient freeloader – embrace their innocently selfish ways.
Your world dog will be one in a million, and your relationship unique.
