Occurring on six of the seven continents and mostly within our own homes, the domestic dog is the most widespread canine and a very diverse one at that with over 340 unique breeds and some wild ones like the Dingo. It is actually the only member of the Mammalian Order Carnivora represented in Australia! 

Dogs have descended from wild wolf ancestors over the course of the last 15,000 years with aid from our own human ancestors. As we lived quite different lives then, wolves and humans were able to foster a relationship and bond (domestication) that has lasted quite some time, even prior to human agriculture! Our shared success led to furthering the relationship between the species and on to selective breeding for a variety of reasons such as sensory capabilities, behavior/ temperament, physical attributes for aesthetic/ work or a variety of other reasons. Dogs truly are one of the most marvelous happenings of the modern world!

Canids or “Canines” are species such as fox, wolf, jackal, and more. The majority of these species are medium sized and actually quite omnivorous (high protein content however). Many of these animals have incredible endurance and tracking abilities in the pursuit of prey over long distances. Often times these animals are magnificently social creatures that work together in order to succeed which definitely displays their intellectual prowess! In captivity, the domestic dog have many of these unique adaptations too, especially through the various breeds and their roles within the realm of domestic dogs.
These animals are incredibly crucial to the modern world of humans too, responsible for even human lives being therapy dogs or being support creatures of various reasons such as scent-work for search and rescue, smelling cancer and other various ailments, as well other service related jobs. They are also responsible for herding, alarming, guarding, hunting/ retrieving, companionship, and so many other purposes, the list goes on! Dogs bring incredible enjoyment and purpose to human lives, the bond with these creatures is truly like no other!

This is a lecture style, interactive class with plenty of time to ask questions. Each week within this course, we will have a lesson and slide prepared about a breed of domestic dog. The history of the animal will be shared as well as other information about its biology, care, and role within the human world!

*No class 8/27/2024*
Week 50 as of July 30, 2024
Topics:
August 18- (Week 1): Chihuahua
September 1- (Week 2):Afghan Hound
September 8- (Week 3): Dalmatian
September 15- (Week 4): Alaskan Malamute 
September 22- Week 5: Shar-Pei
September 29- Week 6: Bloodhound
October 6- Week 7: Basenji
October 13- Week 8: Akita
October 20- Week 9: Shiba Inu
October 27- Week 10: Chow Chow
November 3- Week 11: Corgis
November 10- Week 12: Boxers
November 17- Week 13: Saluki
November 24- Week 14: Rottweiler
December 1- Week 15: Golden Retriever
December 8- Week 16: Poodles
December 15- Week 17: Doberman Pinschers
December 22- Week 18: Pointers
December 29- Week 19: Schnauzers
January 5-Week 20: Dachsunds
January 12- Week 21: Siberian Husky
January 19- Week 22: Beagles
January 26- Week 23: Spaniels
February 2-Week 24: Boston Terrier
February 9- Week 25: Pomeranian
February 16- Week 26: Bernese Mountain Dog
February 23- Week 27: Shih Tzu
March 2- Week 28: Vizlas
March 9- Week 29: Labrador Retriever
March 16- Week 30: Border Collie
March 23- Week 31: Havanese 
March 30Week 32: Bulldogs
April 6- Week 33: French Bulldogs
April 13- Week 34: Australian Shepherds
April 20- Week 35: Yorkshire Terriers
April 27- Week 36: German Shepherd Dog
May 4- Week 37: Belgian Malinois 
May 11- Week 38: Weimaraner
May 18- Week 39: Great Dane
May 25- Week 40: Irish Wolfhound
June 1- Week 41: Saint Bernard
June 8- Week 42: Shetland Sheepdog
June 15- Week 43: Jack Russell Terrier
June 22- Week 44: Greyhounds
June 29- Week 45: Rhodesian Ridgebacks
July 6- Week 46: Staffordshire Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire
July 13- Week 47: Pit Bull Terrier
July 20- Week 48: English Bull Terrier
July 27- Week 49: Setters
August 3- Week 50: Pugs 
August 10- Week 51: Mastiffs
August 17- Week 52: Maltese


No prior knowledge is needed in order to take this course. Feel free to jump in to whichever week as each is a new lesson!
Animal Friends (Pets) are welcome!