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TrunksTheCanaan

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Hello All

I have only just come across this thread and wanted to introduce myself.

I am a complete dog lover with a particular interest in the more independent and natural breeds. I have been the proud carer of a Rottweiler, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Hungarian Kuvasz, Beauceron, Anatolian Shepherd and a Canaan Dog. I have my second Canaan currently. At some point I will probably get a companion for him. Not sure what yet. I am considering a Karelian Bear Dog, Azawakh, Australian Cattle Dog, Anatolian Shepherd and the Kai Ken; all for different reasons.

Many years ago, whilst studying for my MBA, I conducted research which led me to cross-reference dog breeds from around the world. Some dogs, genotypically and phenotypically similar to others, were called different names in different countries but to all intents and purposes were the same dog. Much of my research and findings would cause controversy, I am sure. Dog owners and dog breeders are passionate and rightly protective of what they know and believe or want to believe about their breeds.

I don't go near discussions about the differences between a Kangal and an Anatolian Shepherd. Similarly, I steer clear of discussions about what is and is not a Canaan Dog and whether dogs like The Filipino Askal are almost identical :)

Anyway, suffice to say, I love dogs and look forward to contributing to discussions, in between work.

Happy to be here :)
 
Interesting study.

Some dogs, genotypically and phenotypically similar to others, were called different names in different countries but to all intents and purposes were the same dog.

I'm sure I read somewhere that if dogs were able to breed non-selectively, they would eventually all end up as a short haired, medium sized, prick eared, brown dog.
 
Interesting study.



I'm sure I read somewhere that if dogs were able to breed non-selectively, they would eventually all end up as a short haired, medium sized, prick eared, brown dog.

Thank you JoanneF. I totally agree with that. I did not hear about the brown but that would make sense in many countries because the white colour would make them harder to disguise, which would make it harder to hunt and avoid predators and other dangers, e.g. rival dogs (and in quite a few cases, baboons - more on this later perhaps). I imagine mottled colouring, with patches would eventually dominate, a la many 'native', 'local' or 'village' dogs, as they are often called in LatAm, Africa and Asia.
 
Welcome from me too.
Well...that is quite a list of interesting breeds indeed. I don't know what part of the world you are, but certainly over here in UK, most of those would be very difficult to come across.
'Karelian' is native breed where I originate from and although I never had one, my grand parents did...so my experience with them is VERY limited. All the adults were little nervous around that one for it being 'unpredictable' with its friendliness. Some us kids never listened those warnings and we always wondered to is outdoor space for a fuss. :D All it really was a big working dog and anybody who didn't know how to behave accordingly around it, had good reason to be wary of it. Unfortunately that was its downfall too...wrong people were allowed to 'help' and the dog did react to one particular person and the dog was put down :( If only I would have been older and been able to have words about it, the outcome might have been different.
Other than that one incident....I've always have only positive interactions with big dogs like Rotties and Ridgebacks.
 
Welcome from me too.
Well...that is quite a list of interesting breeds indeed. I don't know what part of the world you are, but certainly over here in UK, most of those would be very difficult to come across.
'Karelian' is native breed where I originate from and although I never had one, my grand parents did...so my experience with them is VERY limited. All the adults were little nervous around that one for it being 'unpredictable' with its friendliness. Some us kids never listened those warnings and we always wondered to is outdoor space for a fuss. :D All it really was a big working dog and anybody who didn't know how to behave accordingly around it, had good reason to be wary of it. Unfortunately that was its downfall too...wrong people were allowed to 'help' and the dog did react to one particular person and the dog was put down :( If only I would have been older and been able to have words about it, the outcome might have been different.
Other than that one incident....I've always have only positive interactions with big dogs like Rotties and Ridgebacks.
Hi Finsky...I'm assuming you are Finnish. Lots of beautiful dogs originate from Finland. Beautiful country also.

I live in the UK, in leafy Surrey, where all kinds of --a-poos flourish :) I would have to import a couple of those on the list if i decided upon them. Your insight on the Karelian Bear Dog is consistent with my understanding of the breed. I believe they can be unpredictable, which is why I'm still researching and when I'm next in Turku, will make some time to go and visit some. I like much about their character.

I knew very little about dogs when my friend suggested getting a Rottie. I was in my early 20s, had bought a large house, was living on my own and was at the beginning of my recovery from clinical depression. My friend suggested that a Rottie would be a great breed for me. This was in the 80s, when there was a lot of bad press about them. I told him that 'Rotties eat people'. He convinced me they were soft, cuddly and gentle in the right hands.

So after buying lots of books (pre-internet), I went and rescued a 12 week old pup. I took a dog crate that in the end was about 1/3 of the size of Hustler. Hustler pretty much took up the whole of the backseat of my VW Golf on the way home. His head buried behind my back while my friend drove.

Being the obsessive type ( a friend mentioned that my home was devoid of plants. 3 weeks later I had nearly 40 plants, most of which were rare, and lots of books to match - I knew all their latin names and much about the lands from whence they came. Anyway, I then started looking for a companion for my Rottweiler, and got a female Ridgeback. My poor Rottie! She was a rescue also that was being considered for being put down, as she was of a very nervous disposition, grossly undershot, with white patches on her neck, straight hocks and could not find a home. So there I was, a novice with 2 demanding dogs of a similar age. Not many breeders would have allowed that to happen.

My Rottie remains the friendliest dog, I have ever met; totally adored children and other dogs. Never barked until he was about 10 months. When he did, I practically had a massive bowel evacuation. I was scared to leave my room :)

My Ridgeback was always timid; would hide behind the sofa when the doorbell rang and was only interested in her Rottie when we were out. They were well known in Harrow. Old ladies would compliment me on their looks and behaviour. I remember 2 old ladies said they loved the black and brown one; what was he? When I told them he was a Rottweiler, they initially jumped. Then asked why they had such a bad name. Bad owners right?

Anyway, I did indicate that I could talk about dogs forever. Apologies for digressing. It is unlikely I will get a Karelian but who knows. I really admire aspects about them.
 
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Hi Finsky...I'm assuming you are Finnish. Lots of beautiful dogs originate from Finland. Beautiful country also.

I live in the UK, in leafy Surrey, where all kinds of --a-poos flourish :) I would have to import a couple of those on the list if i decided upon them. Your insight on the Karelian Bear Dog is consistent with my understanding of the breed. I believe they can be unpredictable, which is why I'm still researching and when I'm next in Turku, will make some time to go and visit some. I like much about their character.

I knew very little about dogs when my friend suggested getting a Rottie. I was in my early 20s, had bought a large house, was living on my own and was at the beginning of my recovery from clinical depression. My friend suggested that a Rottie would be a great breed for me. This was in the 80s, when there was a lot of bad press about them. I told him that 'Rotties eat people'. He convinced me they were soft, cuddly and gentle in the right hands.

So after buying lots of books (pre-internet), I went and rescued a 12 week old pup. I took a dog crate that in the end was about 1/3 of the size of Hustler. Hustler pretty much took up the whole of the backseat of my VW Golf on the way home. His head buried behind my back while my friend drove.

Being the obsessive type ( a friend mentioned that my home was devoid of plants. 3 weeks later I had nearly 40 plants, most of which were rare, and lots of books to match - I knew all their latin names and much about the lands from whence they came. Anyway, I then started looking for a companion for my Rottweiler, and got a female Ridgeback. My poor Rottie! She was a rescue also that was being considered for being put down, as she was of a very nervous disposition, grossly undershot, with white patches on her neck, straight hocks and could not find a home. So there I was, a novice with 2 demanding dogs of a similar age. Not many breeders would have allowed that to happen.

My Rottie remains the friendliest dog, I have ever met; totally adored children and other dogs. Never barked until he was about 10 months. When he did, I practically had a massive bowel evacuation. I was scared to leave my room :)

My Ridgeback was always timid; would hide behind the sofa when the doorbell rang and was only interested in her Rottie when we were out. They were well known in Harrow. Old ladies would compliment me on their looks and behaviour. I remember 2 old ladies said they loved the black and brown one; what was he? When I told them he was a Rottweiler, they initially jumped. Then asked why they had such a bad name. Bad owners right?

Anyway, I did indicate that I could talk about dogs forever. Apologies for digressing. It is unlikely I will get a Karelian but who knows. I really admire aspects about them.

There is nothing wrong with being a good 'talker'..even a obsessive one, that's what this forum is for. One doesn't have to come here only for a help but all manner of rattle is good ;) And as from other obsessive dog & plant lover to other...it is good to have you here!:D
 
There is nothing wrong with being a good 'talker'..even a obsessive one, that's what this forum is for. One doesn't have to come here only for a help but all manner of rattle is good ;) And as from other obsessive dog & plant lover to other...it is good to have you here!:D
You are right and very kind. Thank you Finsky
 
You sound like my son - he'll get a new interest, turn into a complete geek, spend a shedload of money on fancy equipment, live, eat and breathe it... and then move on to something new, leaving us with boxes of 'stuff' as there's no room in his flat. So far we've had photography, cycling, quadcopters, coffee making, 3D printing...
 
You sound like my son - he'll get a new interest, turn into a complete geek, spend a shedload of money on fancy equipment, live, eat and breathe it... and then move on to something new, leaving us with boxes of 'stuff' as there's no room in his flat. So far we've had photography, cycling, quadcopters, coffee making, 3D printing...
I am so like that. however my love of animals, cooking and educating children has persisted for almost a lifetime :)
 

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