ANS 150 Companion Animals: Cats and Dogs

What species were likely precursors to modern dogs?

Wolves or jackals

When were dogs domesticated?

About 12,000 years ago (~10,000 B.C.)

Where were dogs likely domesticated?

Around modern-day Germany

What were dogs domesticated for?

Companionship and hunting

When did distinctive dog breeds appear?

Around 3,000–4,000 years ago

By what time were most main dog breeds intact and defined?

By the Roman Empire

Define "Bitch" in dog terminology.

Female dog

Define "Stud" in dog terminology.

Intact male dog

Define "Puppy."

Young dog of either sex

What is whelping?

The birth process in dogs

What is spaying?

Removal of ovaries and uterus (ovariohysterectomy)

Average duration of estrus in dogs?

About 9 days (range 3–21 days)

Average estrous cycle length in dogs?

About 183 days, but highly variable

How do breed differences affect the estrous cycle in dogs?

German Shepherds cycle every 4–4.5 months; Basenjis only once per year

What is the os penis?

A bone in the bulbus glandis of male dogs aiding penetration

When does erection occur in canine breeding?

After penetration, causing the “tie”

Is the “tie” essential for pregnancy?

No, it is not essential

What is pseudopregnancy?

False pregnancy; 50–75% of intact bitches experience it

Why does pseudopregnancy occur?

It’s a “normal abnormality” from canine ancestors allowing non-mothers to nurse pups

What was the prehistoric ancestor of domestic cats?

Saber-tooth tigers

How long ago did saber-tooths exist?

About 35 million years ago

When did cat domestication begin?

About 6,000 years ago (~4000 B.C.) in ancient Egypt

Why were cats domesticated?

Religious reasons and companionship

What was the likely ancestor of modern cats?

African bush cat

When did cat breeds and pedigrees begin?

Mid-1800s

Define "Queen" in cat terminology.

Female cat

Define "Tom" in cat terminology.

Male cat

Define "Queening."

Birth process in cats

What is “Calling” in cats?

Sound made by queens associated with mating

Are cats induced or spontaneous ovulators?

Induced ovulators

When do cats ovulate?

Only when bred by a tom

What is the average estrous cycle of unmated queens?

13–15 days (range 10–22 days)

What feature helps toms induce ovulation?

Spurs on the penis that stimulate the vagina and cervix

What triggers LH release in induced ovulators?

Stimulation of vagina and/or cervix nerves sending signals to the brain

Name the four main dog vocalizations.

Bark, Whine, Howl, Growl

What does barking generally indicate?

Territorial call or communication

What does whining signify in dogs?

Pain, fear, or mild frustration (care-soliciting)

What does growling indicate?

Aggression or distance-increasing signal

What is the likely purpose of howling?

Verbal communication between dogs

How do dogs communicate emotion through posture?

By using tail, ears, face, mouth, and body position

Describe a neutral dog posture.

Tail down, ears down, standing upright

Describe an aroused/interested dog posture.

Tail up, ears up, standing on toes or with one leg raised

Describe play soliciting posture in dogs.

Tail up/wagging, ears erect, slight movement with paws

Describe active greeting posture.

Tail wagging widely, ears erect, exaggerated paw movement

Describe aggressive dog posture.

Tail up, ears erect, weight forward, exposed teeth

Describe fearful dog posture.

Tail tucked, ears back/down, weight on rear, exposed teeth

Describe submissive dog posture.

Tail tucked, ears back/down, crouching or exposing belly

Which dog breeds rank highest in obedience?

Doberman Pinscher, Standard Poodle, German Shepherd

Which dog breeds rank lowest in obedience?

Beagle, Fox Terrier, Chow Chow

Which breeds are least likely to snap at children?

Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever

Which breeds are most likely to snap at children?

Chow Chow, Pomeranian

Which breed is most dominant over owners?

Scottish Terrier

Which breed is least dominant over owners?

Golden Retriever

What are the main types of cat sounds?

Pure sounds and complex calls

What is a murmur in cats?

Soft exhale noise; greeting or request

What is a purr?

Soft buzzlike sound; used in social situations

What is a growl (cats)?

Harsh, low-pitched sound during aggression

What is a squeak (cats)?

High-pitched sound for play or greeting

What is a shriek (cats)?

Loud, high-pitched sound of pain or aggression

What is a mew?

High-pitched sound in mother-kitten interactions

What is a moan (cats)?

Low-frequency “o” or “u” sound for begging or frustration

What is a meow?

Typical cat sound used as a greeting

How do cats show emotion through posture?

Using tail, face, ears, and body stance

What does a high tail mean in cats?

Greeting or curiosity

What does a low wagging tail mean in cats?

Hunting mode

What does walking on tiptoes with arched back and raised hair indicate?

Aggression

How do cats’ pupils indicate emotion?

Small pupils = aggression; large pupils = fear/defense

What are common destructive behaviors in dogs?

Chewing, separation anxiety, barrier frustration, boredom

What are main causes of destructiveness in dogs?

Young owners, less daily contact, breed, or anxiety

What are common destructive behaviors in cats?

Clawing, wool sucking, plant eating

What causes clawing behavior?

Territorial aggression, new pets/people

What may cause wool sucking in cats?

Possibly early weaning; worsened by fasting

What helps reduce wool sucking?

Providing food or chew items

What causes plant eating in cats?

Poorly understood; best solution is offering safe plants