Dogs
Dogs are a member of the canidae family of animals which includes foxes, wolves and jackals. Many experts today believe that the dog evolved from the grey wolf, being at least partially domesticated roughly 15,000 years ago. Dogs are carnivores and hunters and are well adapted to hunting prey, having good sight and hearing and exceptional sense of smell.
Learn more about dogs and the canidae family
- Canidae (Dogs, wolves, coyotes, jackals and foxes) and Evolution from Wolf to Dog from Grizmek's Animal Life
- Search our catalogue for canidae, wolves, jackals, foxes, dingos and wild dogs
Dogs as pets
Our relationship with dogs has a long and complex history. A favoured theory is that wolves began hanging around human settlements from which they scavenged food and eventually developed into a partnership where they were used for hunting and as watchdogs. Its also possible that young animals were deliberately captured to be pets.
Evidence suggests that this domestication occurred about 15,000 years ago and since then dogs have become highly oriented towards human society. Today there are more than 350 recognised breeds of domestic dog (as opposed to wild canines such as wolves) and the dog is the most varied animal species in terms of size, shape and behaviour.
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Dog safety
We all want our dogs to be safe and to be safe around people. As a dog owner you have a responsibility to ensure that your dog has exercise and sufficient food, water and shelter. You're also required to ensure that your dog isn't a nuisance or danger to other people and animals. Before you get a dog you should consider:
- Preparing your home for your dog:
- Is your property adequately fenced to keep your dog in?
- Where will your dog sleep? eat? Dogs need their own space where they can rest and eat without being disturbed.
- Where will your dog be if you're all out? Your dog needs a secure area with food, water and shelter to spend time in while you're out.
- Preparing your self and your family. By adopting a dog you are adding a new member to your family, and one which has particular physical and emotional needs
- your dog needs regular exercise, experts recommend at least an hour a day, every day. You need to know who is going to provide this exercise and how and where.
- you, your family and your dog may also need special training. Your library has loads of books and other resources about dog training and our community database lists trainers and facilities.
Dog care and training links
- Dog safety
- Doglinks, includes a page about microchips
- Search CINCH for dog clubs, training and related organisations
- Pet links from our Internet gateway
- BANG! Fireworks frighten animals from the RSPCA (UK)
- Fourth of July Tips from Cesar Milan the Dog Whisperer
Extra doggy fun
Many dog owners enjoy the social and competitive aspects of having a dog. Search CINCH for dog clubs & trainers.
Search our Catalogue for resources about:
Dog control: registration and microchipping
The Dog Control Act 1996 requires all dogs over 3 months old to be registered with their local council every year by 1 July. Dog-owners have their details recorded on a National Dog Database and some dog-owners may have to microchip their dogs. Microchipping was introduced in July 2006 and provides a simple, lifelong way of identifying dogs and linking them to their owner, making dog control easier and more effective. Microchipping of dogs in supported by laws that deal with owners of dogs found attacking people, stock, domestic animals and protected wildlife.
All dogs registered in New Zealand for the first time (except working farm dogs, which are exempt) are required to be microchipped using an approved microchip, correctly inserted. Microchipping is required for:
- Dogs first registered since July 2006, except farm dogs used for working stock,
- dogs classified as dangerous or menacing, including dogs classified since 1 December 2003,
- unregistered dogs that are impounded,
- registered dogs that are impounded twice.
Dog control links
Department of Internal Affairs
Christchurch City Council
- Dog owner responsibilities
- Dog parks and exercise areas
- Dog registration and micro-chipping
- Microchipping Dogs - The Facts
