Is That Really a Dog?

This world is absolutely chock full of bizarre creatures. Any time an ecosystem is closed off from the rest of the world by some kind of geographic boundary (such as a mountain range, a river or even a fast moving current inside a river), there are bound to be oddities that emerge. Over time, the same species can evolve along completely different paths, eventually turning into two separate, distinct species. Along those same lines, even the critters in your own home can have vastly different physiologies – don’t give your Siberian Husky PetMeds meant for your Pomeranian.

The Bedlington Terrier has been described as “a dog that looks like a lamb.” Truth be known, I wouldn’t have even gone that way with it. With its fluffy legs, giant natural pompadour on its head, and tiny tail, it reminds me how little mammals have changed since we were all rats. Yep, it’s a three foot tall rat.

Any type of animal that requires special terminology applicable only to it has got to be “special.” The Chinese Crested breed is, well, odd. It has a plume (tail fur), a crest (a hard rocker mop of fur on its head), and four socks (paw fur)… but is completely bald nonetheless. Truly, a mostly bald dog is an abomination which should be cleansed from this world; In my opinion.

Quick quiz: how do you tell if a Neapolitan Mastiff is really, really old? For the record, I have naught a clue. See, Neapolitan Mastiffs are COVERED in wrinkles, especially on their heads and faces. While they do carry a sort of maturity, the idea of being mauled by a Supreme Court Justice doesn’t sit all that well with me. Pardon the “sit” pun – it’ll play dead now.

When I saw the picture of a Puli, I could’ve sworn Bob Marley had just grown a snout. Apparently, their “cords” (which are basically dread locks) start growing at 9 months old, and just keep going until they resemble a very large mop head. I bet their groomers earn a really nice tip.