ANS 150: Cats and Dogs

When were the oldest wolf-human bones found in China? 

300,000 years ago

When were the oldest wolf-human bones found in England?

400,000 years ago

When were dogs domesticated?

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

What animals were the main precursors of modern dogs?

Wolves or jackals

When did distinctive dog breeds appear?

3,000-4,000 years ago

What is a female dog called?

Bitch

What is an intact male dog called?

Stud

What is the term for dog birth?

Whelping

What is spaying?

Removal of ovaries and uterus

Average length of estrus in dogs?

9 days (range 3-21)

Average time between estrous cycles?

183 days (very variable)

What breed has 1 cycle per year?

Basenji

What structure in the stud allows penetration before erection/

Os penis

What is the “tie”?

The swelling of the penis inside the vagina that locks the pair together

Is the tie essential for pregnancy?

No

What percentage of intact bitches show pseudopregnancy?

50-75%

What is the ecolutionary purpose of pseudopregnancy?

Helper females nurse puppies in wild canine packs

What ancient animal is an ancestor of cats?

Saber-tooth tigers

When did domestication of cats begin?

~4000 B.C. in Egypt

What species is the likely ancestor of modern domestic cats?

African bush cat

When did cat breeds and pedigrees begin?

Mid-1800s

What is a female cat called?

Queen

What is a male cat called?

Tom

What is the birth process in cats called?

Queening

What is “calling”?

Sound queens make when in heat

Are cats induced ovulators?

Yes

What triggers ovulation in cats?

Vaginal/cervical stimulation during mating → LH release

Average length of estrous cycle in unmated queens?

13-15 days (range 10-22)

What does the tom’s penile spurs do?

Stimulate cervix to induce ovulation

What does barking usually signal?

Territorial behavior or communication

What does whining signal?

Care-seeking, pain, fear, frustration

What does growling signal?

Aggression or warning

What is howling used for?

Long-distance communication with other dogs

Tail up, ears up, standing tall indicates what (dogs)?

Arousal/interest

Tail tucked, ears back indicates what (dogs)?

Fear

Belly exposed, crouched position indicates what (dogs)?

Submission

Weight forward, teeth exposed indicates what (dogs)?

Aggression

What is a purr used for (cats)?

Social bonding

What is a squeak used for (cats)?

Play or greeting

What does a shriek indicate (cats)?

Pain or aggression

What is the meow commonly used for (cats)?

Greeting or attention-seeking

Tail high means what (cats)?

Greeting or investigating

Tail low with tip twitching means what (cats)?

Hunting mode

Arched back, raised hair, teeth exposed indicates what (cats)?

Aggression

Dilated pupils indicate what (cats)?

Fear/defensive state

Constructed pupils indicate what (cats)?

Aggression

What dog breed ranks highest in obedience?

Doberman Pinscher

What breed ranks lowest in obedience?

Chow Chow

What breed is least likely to snap?

Golden Retriever

Which breed is most likely to snap?

Pomeranian

What breed is most likely to dominate owners?

Scottish Terrier

What breed is least likely to dominate owners?

Golden Retriever

What are the major causes of destructiveness in dogs?

• Boredom

• Separation anxiety

• Breed tendencies

• Barrier frustration

What are three common destructive behaviors in cats?

• Clawing

• Wool sucking

• Plant eating

What causes wool sucking to increase?

Fasting

What can reduce wool sucking?

Providing food (e.g., bones) for oral stimulation