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Lesson 8 Selective Breeding
Part1
１ For many centuries, dogs and humans have been living together. Humans
have enjoyed the companionship and loyalty that dogs provide. Dogs have
enjoyed the care and protection that humans give. Dogs, however, have been
used for more than companionship. For instance, humans have used the abilities
of dogs that make them natural hunters. Their ability to see clearly in low light is
useful in finding targets. Their great sense of smell is a good tool for hunting. In
addition to hunting, a dog’s strength and patience are useful to humans. Larger
breeds are often used as working dogs, mostly on farms, for carrying heavy loads
such as wood. In addition, it is common for people who are not able to see to
employ more intelligent and early-maturing breeds as guide dogs. Many services
that dogs provide have made them an invaluable part of human society.
Part2
２ Although dogs have many useful characteristics, humans have long bred dogs
to improve their natural abilities. The hunting dog is one example of selective
breeding. Pairs of dogs are chosen for mating based on the length of their noses
and the size of their nose holes. The babies of the breeding pair still require
training to become effective hunters, but they will have an advantage in becoming
an expert hunting or sniffer dog. Selective breeding is also done to improve on a
dog’s specific character, size, shape, and attractiveness. If it were not for selective
breeding, for instance, previous types of bulldogs would not have become as kind
as they are today, and most poodles would not have coats with different colors.
Over time, selective breeding of dogs has been good for humans. Many of the
dog breeds that we know today are the products of this process.
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Lesson 8 Selective Breeding
Part3
３ Selective breeding, however, has also had a negative effect. People have used
selective breeding in order to create larger, stronger and wilder breeds to serve as
guard or fighting dogs. For instance, the pit bull was bred for its strength and
ability to move quickly in order to hold down bulls in fighting rings. Although the
practice of bull-baiting is banned in most countries, this breed survives today,
often as a family pet. Many people believe this type of dog is dangerous to
humans because it was carefully bred. As a precaution, they believe these breeds
should be limited or banned. Those in favor of banning particular breeds say
strongly that genetics shape the animal to be naturally aggressive and potentially
dangerous.
Part4
４ Some people insist that aggression is part of a specific breed’s nature.
However, others believe that dogs are not naturally aggressive, but it is humans
who teach aggression. Just as some people choose cars or clothes to present an
image of being young or rich, dogs may also be used as a status symbol. For
example, people who want to appear strong and potentially dangerous may be
interested in specific types of dogs because of the breed’s perceived strength and
aggressiveness. In order to match the desired image, the dog owner may then
train the dog to act aggressively. These owners teach the dog that good behavior
includes barking, and in some cases, attacking. People who are against banning
breeds believe that it is not the breed that must be banned. After all, bad owners
will produce bad dogs, regardless of the breed. Many breed-banning challengers
say that owners should be required to get a license before owning and training a
dog.
５ It is safe to say that dogs will live side by side with humans for many years to
come, regardless of breed-banning debates. Dogs serve humans in many ways.
They are friends, hunting tools and help, as well as sources of entertainment and
realizations of a desired image. Beyond service, human adoration and love for
this animal guarantee the dog’s current and continued place in human society as
“man’s best friend.”
Questions
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