Let's talk about dogs
 

by Ruwini Jayawardana

Man's best friend, a loyal companion, the perfect playmate... Need I say more or are these words enough to ring a bell? The dog has been humanity's oldest companion at work and play for thousands of years. No animal lover can fail to admire this versatile and enduring creature with its strong personality, intelligence, and amiable.

The gradual recognition of the many different ways in which the dog could contribute to the association has led to the development of an enormous variety of dog types. All varieties of dogs are members of a single species. It is the most varied of any species known, ranging from the tiny Chihuahua to the massive Irish wolfhound.

Although every breed of dog is generally expected to be domesticated, certain type characteristics tend to persist through many generations, and these are not just characteristics of conformation. For instance, if you buy a Great Dane puppy of around 8 weeks, it will grow into a very large dog.

If you buy a terrier of whatever breed, it will have terrier behaviour characteristics, inherited from its working ancestors.

When you decide to buy a dog, it is essential to look into all the breed characteristics, consider them carefully, and then decide on what type of dog is suitable for you and your social background. A dog may live for between 10 and 20 years. Therefore, it is yours to care for over a good part of your life.

NEXT WEEK: TIPS ON HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT FURRY FRIEND FOR YOU!