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The domestic dog is a mammal in the canine family of the Order Carnivora. Based on genetic evidence, dogs began from a single domestication of a now-extinct wolf-like canid in Western Europe 27 to 40 thousand years ago. Since this time, the dog has developed into hundreds of breeds with a great degree of variation in height and weight, coat color and texture, anatomical details and behavior. Dogs fill a variety of roles in human society and are often trained as working dogs. For dogs that do not have traditional jobs, a wide range of dog sports provide the opportunity to exhibit their natural skills. In many countries the most common, and perhaps most important, role of dogs is as companions. Dogs have lived with and worked with humans in so many roles that their loyalty has earned them the sobriquet "man's best friend." More about the domestic dog... A mixed-breed dog (also called a bastard, mutt (shortened from muttonhead), mongrel, tyke, mixed mutt, cur, or random-bred dog), is a dog that is a mixture of two or more breeds, or a descendant of feral or pariah dog populations. Except for extreme variations in size, dogs interbreed freely, mixed-breed dogs vary in size, shape, and color, making them hard to classify physically. Historically, all purebred dogs have been selected from a mixed-breed population. See Golden Retriever for an example. All possible body shapes, tongue color, ear types, and tail styles can appear in mixed breeds. Extremes in appearance, such as the flattened face of the English Bulldog or the extremely curled tail of the Pug, seldom survive even the first crossbreeding. Mixed breeds also tend to have a size between that of their parents, thus tending eventually toward the norm. It's important to note that all dog breeds are man-made creations. Dogs were traditionally bred for specific functions. Most existing dog breeds began as mixed breeds, either by random occurrence or by deliberate crosses of existing breeds. Border Collie A Border Collie correctly maneouvring through weave poles in dog agility. Border Collies are an extremely intelligent breed with an instinctive desire to work. They are also extremely energetic and require a lot of attention, but are very responsive to training. They are better off in a household that can provide them with plenty of exercise and a job to do. Working dogs Working dogs are those who perform jobs for people, as distinguished from companion dogs. Working dogs are of many types. Main article - Category Hunting dogs Any dog or breed who assists humans in hunting. There are several categories of hunting dogs. Main article Hounds, including Sighthounds and Scent hounds Gundogs, including Pointers, Retrievers, and Spaniels Feists Terrier Curs Pastoral dogs Any dog or breed who assists humans with livestock. Livestock guardian dogs, Herding dogs Sheepdogs Guard dogs Dogs used to protect people or property. Sled dogs Dogs whose job is primarily pulling sleds. Main article - Category Companion dogs  Dogs whose primary function is as a companion and friend. Many toy breeds. More groups Bulldogs Extinct dog breeds Fighting dogs Toy Dog breeds also can be grouped into similar types such as molossers, spitz types, pit bulls, or lurchers. Wikipedia Books: Dog Science Biology Cats Old English Sheepdog The Old English Sheepdog was formerly used for herding livestock, and now primarily kept as a pet. They are best known for their shaggy grey and white fur which also covers their face, including their eyes. It generally gets along well with children, other dogs, other pets, and visitors. Like all herding breeds, it requires plenty of exercise, both mental and physical. The long coat requires thorough brushing at least weekly, preferably from the base of the hairs to keep the thick undercoat tangle free. Famous Old English Sheepdogs include Martha, pet of Paul McCartney and featured in the song "Martha My Dear", Farley from the comic strip For Better or For Worse and The Shaggy Dog. Template:/box-header ...that the stray dogs Bummer and Lazarus (pictured) were so popular with the people of San Francisco in the 1860s that they were given special exemption from the leash laws? ...that Manuel Benito de Castro assumed the Presidency of Cundinamarca, with the condition that he would be allowed to leave Congress at a certain time to feed his dog? ...that the namesake for Hondo Dog Park in Hillsboro, Oregon, won an award for valor just weeks before being killed in the line of duty? ...that most of the dogs seen in the 2007 Thai film, Ma-Mha, were strays rescued from shelters and trained specifically for the film? ...that American president Lyndon Johnson owned two Beagles named Him and Her? ...that the domestic dog's health is possibly one of the best-studied areas in veterinary medicine? ...that the word "terrier" comes from the Latin terra, meaning "earth"? ...that Moose, a Jack Russell Terrier who played Eddie on the popular sitcom Frasier, was given away by his original owner because he was too active for them? List of dog breeds List of dog types List of dog breeds by country List of most popular dog breeds List of dog diseases List of famous dogs List of fictional dogs List of dog sports List of United States Presidential pets List of Guard Dog Breeds ▼ Dogs ► Dog breeding ► Dog breeds ► Dog equipment ► Fictional dogs ► Dog food brands ► Dog health ► Individual dogs ► Dog monuments ► Mythological dogs ► Dog organizations ► Dogs as pets ► Dogs in popular culture ► Dog-related professions and professionals ► Robotic dogs ► Dog shows and showing ► Dog sports ► Dog training and behavior ► Dog types ► Dog stubs WikiProject Dogs Here are some tasks awaiting attention: Article requests : Australian Shepherd Club of America, Cogan's cystic dystrophy, Coonhound event, Homeward Bound: TV series, Poitevin (dog). More... 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Wikify : American Akita, Austrian black and tan hound, Berger Blanc Suisse, Damchi, French Brittany (dog) Other : Tag and assess "dog" articles with {{WikiProject Dogs}} banner. See also Dog breeds WikiProject to do list. What are portals? List of portals Featured portals