FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM APRIL 20, 2017 • PETS • THE QUEENS COURIER 43 pets Bred for purpose: History behind the show dog, and what makes your breed unique today It’s easy enough for any dog lover to fall for the silky coat of the Golden Retriever, a Siberian Husky’s striking blue eyes or a Dalmatian’s spots. In fact, most dog owners say it was the look of a breed that drew them to bring home that puppy in the fi rst place. “As beautiful as these dogs are, what’s often overlooked is essential information about their breed that goes much farther than ‘fur deep’,” says Jason Taylor, Royal Canin National Pro Sales Director and AKC National Championship Assistant Show Chairman. “If you take time to unlock the story of your dog, you’ll understand how your dog’s breed determines its energy levels, behaviors and even dietary needs,” Taylor says. “Armed with this information, you can become a much better owner to your four-legged companion.” Why do breeds exist? Originally, dogs were bred for a specifi c purpose or function. Th e most basic example is that farm dogs were bred based on qualities farmers liked and needed from a dog, such as strong physical ability and great work ethic. In Europe, hunters needed dogs that could retrieve birds and have a thick enough coat to be comfortable in an outdoor environment. Th us, the English Setter, for example, was born. Th e Doberman Pincher came about thanks to an accountant in Germany who needed a dog for protection. And sometimes, breeds were created to serve a diff erent need: strictly companionship. Pekingese were bred as lap dogs that, for a time, could only be owned by Chinese royalty. Eventually, a formal system was established to preserve the breeds for future generations. Today, a purebred dog that has had its family tree verifi ed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) can become an AKC registered dog. New breeds are still being recognized in the United States Globally, there are more than 400 breeds in existence today. As interest in new breeds grows in the United States, the AKC created a process for breeds to become formally recognized. Part of this process includes establishing a Breed Club, which is responsible for organizing the members, tracking family trees (pedigrees) to ensure that the dog’s lineage is recorded accurately, and holding breed events. Once all of the requirements are met, the AKC can offi cially recognize the breed in the United States. In 2016, three new breeds were recognized by the American Kennel Club. Th e Sloughi, the American Hairless Terrier and the Pumi. Th e Sloughi is a hunting hound originating in North Africa, and is especially adept at speed and stamina over long distances. Th e American Hairless Terrier is only the fourth hairless breed to be recognized by the AKC, and its ancestors were developed to hunt vermin. Th e Pumi is a Hungarian herding dog with a long and treasured history of working side by side with farmers. Currently, there are more than 50 breeds in the process of achieving full AKC recognition. Over time, we’ll see more of these breeds at dog shows, in television commercials and even as family pets. Dietary needs With these diff erent traits and tendencies, it’s easy to see how diff erent dog breeds will have diff erent dietary needs. For example, a small active dog such as a Parson Russell Terrier, would benefi t from a diff erent nutritional profi le than the more sedentary English Bulldog. Also, these foods are designed to fi t the physical traits of diff erent breeds. For example, with the Boxer’s jaw alignment and short muzzle, kibble that’s designed for easy pick-up makes dinnertime easier for this breed. If you’re interested in learning more about meeting the unique dietary needs of your canine companion, Royal Canin, a global pet food leader, has developed breed-specifi c diets designed to provide individual breeds with the most precise nutrition. Explore more at www.royalcanin.com. Which breed is right for you? When choosing a dog that’s the right fi t for your family, it’s important to look beyond its physique and appearance. Do some research and consider personality traits, trainability and energy levels. “It’s important for your dog to be just as happy in your home as you are,” says Gina DiNardo, Vice President of the American Kennel Club. “Finding the right dog for your family’s lifestyle can ensure that you and your dog have a long, loving and healthy relationship.” A Border Collie is one of the smartest dogs around, but do you have the time and open space to provide the exercise and stimulation he needs? On the other hand, you’ll want a dog that can give you the right amount of companionship you’re looking for. Afghan Hounds prefer to decide whether they want you to give them aff ection, and that may not be a great fi t for someone looking for an unconditional best friend. Meet the Magnifi cent To learn more about dogs and see the very best of the breeds, tune in to the AKC National Championship Dog Show presented by Royal Canin from 6-9 p.m. ET/PT on Monday, Jan. 23, 2017 on Hallmark Channel. With celebrity guest actor and dog-lover Jerry O’Connell, the dog show will feature winners from each of the competition categories, highlights from agility and dock diving competitions and culminates in the crowning of Best in Show. For more information, visit www.royalcanin.com/akcdogshow. by The Winning Edge Skillman Pets Your neighborhood store for pet supplies and accessories at our everday low prices 49-16 Skillman Ave • Woodside, NY 11377 (718) 803-3635 • SkillmanPets.com FOLLOW US ON STORE HOURS Mon - Sat: 10am - 7pm Sun: 11am - 5pm 10% OFF Accessories & Food with a Grooming Service Voted Best Pet Store
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