Selective Breeding: Dogs

What is Selective Breeding? Selective breeding in plants and domesticated animals is the process of developing a breed over time, and selecting qualities within individuals that will be passed on to the next generation.

The History of Selective Breeding in Dogs. Wolves: Fossil and genetic evidence confirms that all dogs are the descendants of wolves. In fact, skeletons of the earliest dogs and their wild wolf cousins can be tough to tell apart.

How did we do that? It appears that dogs all can be traced back to a group of tamed wolves in China 15,000 years ago. Genetic studies show that 95% of dogs come from 3 females!

More History While we have been living with tame wolves for a long time, most intense selective breeding in dogs began about 500 years ago.

Natural selection, the natural way There are two theories regarding the rapid evolutionary leap from wolves to dogs. Both theories hinge on human participation. The first theory states that wolves found that scavenging near human encampments was an easy life. Wolves more tolerant to humans could scavenge more. Eventually, dogs came of this. took infant wolves from their natural habitats, bred only the wolves who could tolerate human contact. The wolves were invaluable to early man. The second states that the first steps were taken when humans

This process was repeated for several generations. Over time the wolves no longer had the “wild” personality. This process is called domestication.

The first breeds of dogs Ibizan hound was found in Egyptian tombs around 5000 years ago.

We saw that we could control the dogs characteristics Hunting dogs: were one of the first type of dog groups. They were breed to help hunters with specific types of game. They would hunt rabbits, raccoons, coyote or other game. These dogs got their name from what they hunt.

Hounds Boarhound “Great Dane” Wolfhound Coonhound

Working Dogs Working Group: These dogs were breed to be powerful and have the ability to work with endurance. Ex. Dobermans, boxers and rottweilers.

Herding Dogs They were created to herd cattle and sheep. They use the wolves characteristics for hunting in packs. Welsh Sheepdog

Terrier Were breed to go into holes or burrows and flush out rats or small game. They have small long bodies and powerful jaws. Fox Terrier Rat Terrier

Toy Groups They were made to be cute!

Other Chow Chow: How do you think we got the word chow! Sad times! They were used as food! They were also used as guard dogs.

Bulldogs They were used as guard dogs or to corral bulls. The short face and wrinkles were breed to help the dog to breath when biting a bull.

How long does it take for selective breeding to occur. Siberian Fox Study The foxes in the study are the descendants of 100 vixens and 30 male foxes brought together in 1959 as a breeding colony on a Siberian research station in Novosibirsk.

Selection, humans at the helm Taming the Siberian fox was an experiment in evolution, powered by selection It took 15 generations to get a Siberian fox ranked “5” on a tameness scale – rapid evolution at the hands of humans.

These tame foxes had other strange characteristics. Their fur changed colors. They also demonstrated pup like behavior. They began wagging their tales and barking!

Can you guess the breed? This breed was developed by Lord Tweedmouth in Scotland and includes the Tweed Water Spaniel.

And the….. Irish Setter Blood Hound

All of these dogs were selectively breed to create the…….. Golden Retriever What characteristics do these dogs share with the previous dogs?

Can you guess the breed? This breed was developed by Loui of Apolda, Germany and started with the German Pinscher for it’s alertness and aggressive behavior.

And the….. Rottweiler – for its stamina and tracking ability Manchester Terrier – for it’s markings

All of these dogs were selectively breed to create the…….. Doberman Pinscher

CHAPTER 5 REVIEW Textbook Pages Answer Questions 1-23 Chapter 5 Exam Tomorrow!!