Tracking human ancestors is daunting enough; equally so for the ‘canids’, or as we know them, canines. But the interesting thing is they do actually move through history paw-in-hand, as it were – although the popular theory is that many breeds we see today result from the rise of Victoriana kennel clubs around 200 years or so ago.
A wolf-mix perhaps is our favourite lineage for the furry four pawed beast. After all, they look more similar. Darwin’s theory was that automatic selection, over a period of time, meant ‘the best will prevail’. Evolving to suit habitat. Climate. Domestication.
Mr & Mrs Ug, sitting by the fire, suddenly find a scraggy animal in need of food has joined them, gradually becoming a ‘pet’. The Ugs have a guard dog, hunting pal and sympathetic friend when required, earning a place by the fire. The spice trade, exploration, nomadic tribes all contribute to the expansion of the breed and type of canine.
The first domestic dogs would be more hound-like for hunting. Long snouts, sharp pointed ears, rough coats and bright alert eyes. That’s where the familiarity will stop. Podengo, small wiry. Retrievers, medium, hairy. Mastiff, large, lumbering but all efficient. Breeding occurring when and where nature takes its fancy.
The classification of hunting dogs comes down to sight, sound, smell. Specialising in boar, ducks, humans.
The Association for Protection of Animals Algarve (APAA) has come across many breeds in their rescue, after-care, re-homing. Jenny Clarke, APAA President, knows the canine mating game is often discreet.
“Many people think human when thinking dogs and procreation. Unfortunately, dogs are not selective, whether it be a different breed, taller, smaller, fatter. It’s just a female on heat.”
Another human mistake is that dogs do not mate with their own family. Mother, sister. “Wrong, they do!” Jenny smiles. A mistakenly left open door and two minutes can be all it takes. APAA’s Spaying & Neutering Programme (SNiP) is available for young animals before they get to the mating season. A brand-new breed could be born on your watch? SNiP first, ask later.
APAA’s second 2026 ‘Pop Up’ shop is coming up at ‘O Tasco’ in Senhora do Verde, near Portimão. Make sure you mark up your diary. Monday, March 23 (chicken piri-piri day). Bring and buy! Ornaments, hand-made jewellery, household goods. Paintings, prints, books. Pet corner.
APAA charity shops
- Alvor: Dunas de Alvor: Mon-Sat, 10.30am-2pm
- Silves: Rua Elias Garcia 20, Mon-Fri, 10am-2pm (Sat 1pm)
Real bargains! Books, gifts, handmade jewellery, ornaments, homemade chutneys, jams, marmalades, pickles and cookies. Glassware, dinner services, cutlery. Everything you need for your home or rental. Spoil yourself! All proceeds raised for SNiP (animal sterilisation) and abandoned animals. Having a clear-out? Good, unwanted gifts and clothes always needed. Bring, browse and buy!
- Jackie’s lunches & events: events.apaaportugal@gmail.com
- Pets: info.apaaportugal@gmail.com – Pet Plan ‘Legacy’, mark for Anita
- Please check out APAA’s Facebook!
