Author: Letho Maseko
The dog was not greatly appreciated in Palestine, and in both the
Old and New Testaments it is commonly spoken of with scorn and contempt
as an "unclean beast." Even the familiar reference to the Sheepdog in
the Book of Job "But now they that are younger than I have me in
derision, whose fathers I would have disdained to set with the dogs of
my flock" is not without a suggestion of contempt, and it is
significant that the only biblical allusion to the dog as a recognized
companion of man occurs in the apocryphal Book of Tobit (v. 16), "So
they went forth both, and the young man's dog with them."
In order properly to understand this, it is necessary first to consider
the identity of structure in the wolf and the dog. This identity of
structure may best be studied in a comparison of the osseous system, or
skeletons, of the two animals, which so closely resemble each other
that their transposition would not easily be detected.
The native dogs of all regions approximate closely in size, coloration,
form, and habit to the native wolf of those regions. Of this most
important circumstance there are far too many instances to allow of its
being looked upon as a mere coincidence. Sir John Richardson, writing
in 1829, observed that "the resemblance between the North American
wolves and the domestic dog of the Indians is so great that the size
and strength of the wolf seems to be the only difference.
They were just born to be a men's best friend, no matter how you treat
them, try to treat them with care because they will never leave your
side and will always be on your side.
On the collie dog
At the shows this type of dog is invariably at the top of the class. He
is considered the most tractable, and is certainly the most agile.
Second to this type in favor is the smooth-coated variety, a very hard,
useful dog, well adapted for hill work and usually very fleet of foot.
He is not so sweet in temper as the black and white, and is slow to
make friends. There is not a more graceful and physically beautiful dog
to be seen than the show Collie of the present period. Produced from
the old working type, he is now practically a distinct breed.
The muzzle should be of fair length, tapering to the nose, and must not
show weakness or be snipy or lippy. Whatever the color of the dog may
be, the nose must be black. The teeth should be of good size, sound and
level; very slight unevenness is permissible. The jaws Clean cut and
powerful. The eyes are a very important feature, and give expression to
the dog; they should be of medium size, set somewhat obliquely, of
almond shape, and of a brown color except in the case of merles, when
the eyes are frequently (one or both) blue and white or china;
expression full of intelligence, with a quick alert look when
listening. The ears should be small and moderately wide at the base and
placed not too close together but on the top of the skull and not on
the side of the head. When in repose they should be usually carried
thrown back, but when on the alert brought forward and carried
semi-erect, with tips slightly drooping in attitude of listening.
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