Dog Sheep Dog 20cm - Cuddly Toy

Physical Characteristics
Despite their many shapes and sizes all domestic dogs, from Newfoundlands to pugs, are members of the same species-Canis familiaris. 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. Although they have domestic temperaments, these dogs are related to wolves, foxes, and jackals. Size: Height at the shoulder, 6 to 33 in (15 to 84 cm) 79 kg) Weight: 3 to 175 lbs (1 to79kg)

Habitat
Domestic dogs live all over the world. African wild dogs once inhabited much of Sub-Saharan Africa, but are now most prevalent in south-central and eastern parts of the sub-continent. Wild dogs live among varying habitats, including deciduous woodland, long and short grass savannah, and thorn woodland.

Behaviour
Domestic dogs serve as more than companions; many earn their keep by working hard. Dogs herd livestock, aid hunters, guard homes, and perform police and rescue work. Some special animals even guide the blind - a poignant symbol of the dog's longstanding role as man's best friend. Vocally, dogs communicate with a cacophony of sounds including barks, growls, and whines.

Breeding
Different breeds have different size litters, but in general, the average size of a dog litter is about 6 puppies.

Diet
Dogs are carnivores. 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.

Strange and Interesting Facts
Toto the dog's role in The Wizard of Oz was played by a female Cairn Terrier named Terry. Dalmatian puppies are pure white at birth.