![]() ![]() That fact explains one of the most extraordinary friendships in the history of modern dog breeding. Often, our dogs provide a rare haven of predictability and security within its chaos. ![]() At its center was the forbidden city of Lhasa, home to its leader, the Dalai Lama or “Ocean of Wisdom”. Thanks to its inhospitable climate, rough terrain, and centuries of diplomatic indifference to the outside world, Tibet remained an impenetrable mystery. Those eclectic influences, combined with one of the world’s most challenging environments, resulted in several amazing breeds. Tibet, founded in the 7th century, represented an amalgamation of cultures from Siberia, Nepal, and Kashmir. Rather inauspiciously, these ancient Asian breeds made their European debut in the midst of this big ball of confusion.Īnd they all came prepackaged with complex histories. For instance, primitive breeds were crossed with working breeds and working breeds were miniaturized. Inevitably, this effort became increasingly problematic as the number of breeds grew and relationships between them became more complex. The experimentation that governed breed development since prehistory was suddenly subjected to rigid precepts that rarely meshed with reality. Although approximately half of them are now extinct, it’s estimated that over 800 breeds have existed since the dog was domesticated. Caius, who had authored his treatise on dog breeds way back in 1570.Ĭanine classification systems devised in the 19th century can fairly be called rough justice. Historically, canine classification systems reflected personal and national views, and deferred to the only acknowledged expert on subject, Dr. Modeled on the science of Zoology, efforts to classify and define canine types within the context of natural science was meant to standardize a heretofore chaotic process. To be fair, Cynology was a relatively new concept at that time. When it came to Asian breeds, they made a complete mess of it. Their genetic legacy would explain the long-coated puppies frequently noted by Victorian era Pug breeders.Ĭontrary to prevailing 19th century views, Western Europeans were not the penultimate authorities on canine evolution. Registered as Pugs, they were incorporated into foundation breeding programs, even though they were probably Pekingese. Before that, Lamb and Moss arrived from China in 1860. The Chin was classified as a spaniel, in spite of its complete lack of spaniel traits. The modern dog world eventually realized that these were different breeds, but the confusion did not end there. The Pug bears a much closer resemblance to the Pekingese and Japanese Chin, which were both labeled as Peking Pugs when they arrived in England in late 19th century. That theory was widely accepted despite a conspicuous lack of historical evidence or the unexplainable differences between Pug and Mastiff skull shape. When 19th century dog experts began speculating about its origins, it was considered a miniature mastiff. Their portrayals provide an ongoing record of Pug evolution in Europe. Luckily, the breed was immortalized by a series of major artists. It became known as the Dutch Pug due to its association with Holland’s House of Orange. Within a few decades Pug type deteriorated. When the first specimens arrived in Europe, their rarity inevitably led to crossbreeding with Bulldogs and Pinschers. ![]() When China resumed trading with the West in 1516, the Pug, known as the Lo-sze, had been well-established in China for centuries. Similar random imports accounted for much of the early stock. The naturalist Gilbert White first encountered the breed when his neighbor, an agent for the East India Company, returned to England with a pair of these curious dogs. But it was breaking news when it arrived in Europe in the eighteenth century. It was later introduced into China, where it became known as the Songshi Quan. However, accompanying information about them ranged from sketchy to ridiculous.įor instance, the Chow Chow is another ancient breed originated along the border of northern China and Mongolia about 4,000 years ago. Exotic breeds from India, Southeast Asia, and the Far East began trickling into Europe by the 16th century. The Western world was fascinated with Asian breeds long before kennel clubs appeared on the horizon. Unfortunately, that also became the case when they arrived in the West – thanks to possibly the biggest train wreck in kennel club history. Their histories have been entwined for centuries in the East. DNA analysis confirms that the Shih Tzu, Tibetan Terrier, and Lhasa Apso rank among the world’s most ancient breeds. It’s truly amazing that some breeds manage to surmount the hurdles along their path to recognition.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |