It's About Work...

I am a member of a very informative listserv called the Canine Genetics list. Its' purpose (as stated on the introduction) is "an attempt to acquaint breeders of domesticated Canidae (dogs) with the dangers of inbreeding and the overuse of popular sires. Both lead to the indiscriminate loss of genetic diversity and increase the frequency of genetic problems in the population. These abuses have not been restricted to dogs, but have also occurred in horses, cattle and many other domestic animals, largely as a consequence of outdated beliefs dating back to the early days of genetics. Even their wild cousins have been the unfortunate victims of genetic malpractice by zoos. Fortunately, zoo biologists have recognized the dangers to these and many other species, and species servival plans have been developed for many."

The list is sponsored by Yahoo Groups and can be found at the following link:

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/Canine-Genetics/

Today, one of the postings discussing working qualities in dogs listed some of the known "working functions" of dogs, so I thought it would be interesting to look at some of the varied ways in which dogs are used for work...

* Tracking/trailing Search & Rescue dog

* Airscent Search & Rescue dog

* Urban Search & Rescue dog

* Water search dog (drowning victims)

* Water rescue dog (retrieve swimmers in distress)

* Avalanche dog

* Guide dog for the blind

* Signal dog for the deaf

* Mobility assistance dog

* Service dog for the disabled

* Police service dog

* Police tracking/trailing dog

* Dual purpose police dog

* Evidence dog

* Narcotics detection dog

* Explosives detection dog

* Guard dog

* Watch dog

* Accelerant (Arson) detection dog

* Military working dog (various roles)

* Cadaver dog / Human remains detection dog

* Termite detection dog

* Vine mealybug detection dog (grape vineyards)

* Mine detection dog

* Natural gas detection dog

* Lost pet search dog

* Sled dog

* Sighthound

* Wildlife detection dog

* Cancer detection dog

* Seizure alert dog

* Livestock herding dog

* Livestock guardian dog

* Multipurpose farm dog

* Agricultural produce detection dog

* Terrier

* Upland hunting dog - pointer

* Upland hunting dog - spaniel

* Hunting retriever

WOW!