Horses, Horse Pictures, Horse Facts
Horses and humans have an ancient relationship. Asian nomads probably domesticated the first horses some 4,000 years ago, and the animals remained essential to many human societies until the advent of the engine. Horses still hold a place of honor in many cultures, often linked to heroic exploits in war. Wild and Domesticated There is only one species of domestic horse, but around 400 different breeds that specialize in everything from pulling wagons to racing. All horses are grazers. While most horses are domestic, others remain wild. Wild horses generally gather in groups of 3 to 20 animals. The Przewalski's horse is the only truly wild horse whose ancestors were never domesticated.
Dog
Etymology and related terminology The term "domestic dog" is generally used for both of the domesticated and feral varieties. The English word dog comes from Middle English dogge, from Old English docga, a "powerful dog breed".[9] The term may possibly derive from Proto-Germanic *dukkōn, represented in Old English finger-docce ("finger-muscle").[10] The word also shows the familiar petname diminutive -ga also seen in frogga "frog", picga "pig", stagga "stag", wicga "beetle, worm", among others.[11] The term dog may ultimately derive from the earliest layer of Proto-Indo-European vocabulary, reflecting the role of the dog as the earliest domesticated animal.[12] Taxonomy In 1753, Carl Linnaeus listed among the types of quadrupeds familiar to him the Latin word for dog, canis. As of January 2014, a mtDNA study of extant and extinct dog and wolf specimens raises a question about this classification. Origin Roles with humans Early roles As pets A young male border terrier with a raccoon toy. Work
Domestic Dogs, Domestic Dog Pictures, Domestic Dog Facts
Dogs were probably the first tame animals. They have accompanied humans for some 10,000 years. Some scientists assert that all dogs, domestic and wild, share a common ancestor in the small South Asian wolf. Today humans have bred hundreds of different domestic dog breeds—some of which could never survive in the wild. Despite their many shapes and sizes all domestic dogs, from Newfoundlands to pugs, are members of the same species—Canis familiaris. Domestic dogs still share many behaviors with their wild relatives. Many pet dogs also bury bones or favorite toys for future use, just as their wild relatives sometimes bury a kill to secure the meat for later feasts. Dogs communicate in several ways. Domestic dogs serve as more than companions; many earn their keep by working hard.
Homing pigeon
White Homing pigeon, sitting The homing pigeon is a variety of domestic pigeon derived from the Rock Pigeon (Columba livia domestica) selectively bred to find its way home over extremely long distances.[1] The wild rock pigeon has an innate homing ability,[2] meaning that it will generally return to its nest and mate. This made it relatively easy to breed from the birds that repeatedly found their way home over long distances. Flights as long as 1,800 km (1,100 mi) have been recorded by birds in competitive pigeon racing.[3] Their average flying speed over moderate distances is around 50 miles per hour but speeds of up to 90 miles per hour have been observed in top racers for short distances. Sexual dimorphism[edit] Male and female pigeons also show different behaviours. Reproduction[edit] History[edit] Stamp for early Pigeon-Gram service [edit] Various experiments suggest that different breeds of homing pigeons rely on different cues to different extents. Roles[edit] As carrier pigeons[edit]
Domestic Cats, Domestic Cat Pictures, Domestic Cat Facts
About the Domestic Cat Domestic cats, no matter their breed, are all members of one species. Felis catus has had a very long relationship with humans. Ancient Egyptians may have first domesticated cats as early as 4,000 years ago. Plentiful rodents probably drew wild felines to human communities. Like their wild relatives, domestic cats are natural hunters able to stalk prey and pounce with sharp claws and teeth. Cats communicate by marking trees, fence posts, or furniture with their claws or their waste. Domestic cats remain largely carnivorous, and have evolved a simple gut appropriate for raw meat.
Pedigree Cat Breed Profiles
Cats are becoming the most popular household pets worldwide. There are about 100 million cats in the Western world and this figure is on the increase. There are many reasons for feline popularity and one reason in particular is that cats make affectionate, extremely devoted companions. There are also over a hundred recognised breeds of domestic cat. On this page I've listed the main pedigree breeds of cat recognised today. Please Note: Not all pedigree cat breed profiles are completed yet. I would also like to say thank you to everyone who supplied photos and information for the different pedigree cat breeds and allowed me to use them on this site.
Dog Breed Info Center®, DBI
