Dogs have been our companions for longer than history, long enough so that we have developed many different breeds to answer many different needs. From 'way back, dogs have guarded us and our property, warmed our feet, and found and fetched everything — game, livestock, sticks.
There's even been time for breeds to become extinct, like the cart dog, a big, easy-going guy who worked as advertised, and the spitsturner, a long quick pup that cooks used to power a big hamster wheel that turned the meat over the fire.
Bo, the first dog I chose to be mine, was a pure-bred Labrador Retriever. Back in the early '70s, duck hunters knew what a Lab looked like, but most other people didn't. Since then, this breed has become quite popular, which is unfortunate for the breed.
We in the US expect breeds. A lot of us recognize German shepherds, beagles, Chihuahuas, poodles, collies, and sheep dogs. If we see a well-maintained dog with someone, we almost assume that it is a particular breed. There are those who are quick to open a conversation based on someone's dog. Like that guy at the gas station: "That's a nice dog. What is it?"
Or the girl at the drive-through: "What a cute dog! Is it an, uh, er...?"
It seemed to be a question that one or more someones got around to asking wherever we went — concerts, parties, downtown.
"What is it?"
"It" was Bubba Skid, peering out of the car window, or watching everything closely, or sniffing at passing people.
"He's a Bubba Dawg," I'd say, before admitting that he was a plain old mutt and starting a conversation based on his possible genetic heritage. >>
