Dogs are part of the Canidae, a family including wolves, coyotes and foxes, thought to have evolved 60 million years ago. Domestic dogs of today are direct descendents of wolves which, it is believed, entered the towns & villages of the Northern Hemisphere about 12,000 years ago in search of food.

Early Man exploited dogs for their own needs, such as guarding, herding and hunting. Particular characteristics were selected depending upon what task they were expected to perform, and now, the various Kennel Clubs worldwide, have split the breeds into various groups i.e. Hounds; Working; Terrier; Gundog; Pastoral; Utility and Toy.

The Saluki, recognised as a dog of grace, great speed and endurance, appears on the ancient tombs of Egypt and is thought to be the dog mentioned in the Bible. This breed is classed as a Hound under the Kennel Club regulations and was originally used for hunting, either by scent or sight. They require a significant amount of exercise but make trustworthy companions.

Above: The Saluki, (a Hound dog).
Please click here for our stock of books on Hounds

The Dalmatian, however, comes under the class of Utility Dogs, a miscellaneous breed of dogs, mainly of a non-sporting origin. The term 'utility' means fitness for a purpose and the Dalmatian was trained to run along with horse and carriages in the mid 1800s and became known as Carriage Dogs. Their job was to guard against other dogs which would frighten the horses and chase the carriages. The Dalmatian also became a mascot of the Fire Service.

Known universally as 'Man's Best Friend', dogs play an important part in our lives and have become instilled as one of the family. Recent research has shown that the number of households in the UK owning a dog was 4.8 million, with 21% of households owning more than one dog. As well as the many physical and psychological benefits owning a dog has proven to have on people, dogs provide us with loyalty, companionship, love and affection. The very least we can do in return is to keep them in the best of physical health and psychological happiness.

Left: The Dalmatian (Utility dogs)
Please click here for books on Utlilty Dogs

Some countries, however take their love of dogs to the extreme, like Japan for example. This is one country which panders to the every whim of their pet or indeed the desires of Man. Their dogs are the best dressed in designer clothes of all descriptions from Doggy Jackets to Wedding Finery, they even have boutiques where dog and owner can go to choose and try on outfits before purchasing!

They run classes for dog owners to teach them how to cook for their pooch, have interactive boarding kennels with visual and audio links so that dog and owner are never truly apart and run special wedding and funeral services for their four-legged loved ones. In Japan, for those who are unfortunate enough not to be able to own a dog, people can 'hire' one - by the hour, day or week!

Right: From a 17th century miniature showing the Indian Emperor hunting with Saluki hounds.
Illustration from The Dog's Tale: A History of Man's Best Friend.

Here at Stella Books we are blessed with our very own Stress Buster in the shape of Abigail, who comes to work every day with her owner Sonia. Abigail is a labrador-collie cross of advancing years (though she certainly doesn't behave like it on occasions!) who begins her day by making sure she has said 'Good Morning' to everyone in the office.

She wears a jacket to work, but nowhere near the designer standard of the ones the Japanese produce, for Abigail is a Hearing Dog and her owner Sonia the recipient of her specialised training.

For more on Hearing-Dogs please click here.

Left: Abigail, Hearing-Dog of the Month!