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The Epic Interactive Encyclopedia 1998
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Epic Interactive Encyclopedia, The - 1998 Edition (1998)(Epic Marketing).iso
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D
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Dog
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1992-09-04
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A dog is a carnivorous, domesticated MAMMAL
of the family Canidae. It is distinguished
from other canines, eg: the WOLF, the FOX, by its
Worldwide distribution in close association
with humans and by the enormous genetic
variability within the species. It is
probable that the dog was the first animal to
be domesticated over 10,000 years ago and
that the earliest dogs resembled the
Australian DINGO. For centuries dogs have
been selectively bred for special purposes,
notably to pursue and retrieve game, as draft
animals, as guides, and as companions. There
are systems for classifying and breeding
dogs throughout the world, many using a
variation of British system. There are more
than 200 breeds of domestic dogs and these
are grouped into 6 classes including
Sporting dog, Hound, Terrier, Working dog,
Toy dog and Non Sporting dog. A purebred dog
is one that conforms to the standards of a
certain breed and whose pedigree has been
recorded for a certain period of time. Dogs
of mixed origin are called mongrels. Dogs
mate about every six months; Their gestation
period is about nine weeks, and litters vary
from 2 to 10 puppies.
Subject by: Vince Pike