Qatari Street Dog
Qatari street dogs are free-roaming pups that typically congregate in cities or towns with plentiful resources. They share many basic traits with pet dogs, but they lead primarily independent lives outdoors.
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Qatari Street Dog Traits
General Appearance
Qatari street dogs can come in all shapes and sizes. However, street dogs generally tend to be medium-sized.
Coat and Coloring
Though any combination of coat colors, patterns, and lengths is genetically possible, street dogs typically have short, brownish coats.
Distinctive Physical Traits
Qatari street dogs do not follow a breed standard—no set of traits links them together. That said, common characteristics of street dogs include prick ears and pointed noses.
Qatari Street Dog Temperament
Street dogs must learn to fend for themselves. As a result, they tend to be scrappy, intelligent, and adaptable—all skills that support independent survival. Because they've never had to rely on humans, they may be fearful or skeptical of people who have not earned their trust.
Qatari Street Dog History
Like all dogs, the Qatari street dog is a descendant of the gray wolf. After a number of wolves became domesticated, people began depending on them to perform jobs (such as herding sheep and protecting livestock), provide companionship, or both.
As a result, people started selectively breeding dogs for certain traits—a practice that led to the hundreds of purebred dogs we know and love today. But the majority of dogs around the world—including Qatari street dogs—do not belong to a particular breed. Instead, they've evolved on their own in their native environment.
Today, many semi-feral dogs exist in Qatar—some of which are sick, injured, or mistreated—and shelters and rescue organizations are overwhelmed. Local governments have recently implemented programs to vaccinate, neuter, and find homes for stray dogs.
Qatari Street Dog Care
Nutrition
A Qatari street dog's diet typically consists of whatever they can kill or find—small farm animals, scraps from trash cans, handouts from kind strangers, and so on. If you're leaving food out for a street dog, they'll benefit from commercial diets formulated for pet dogs.
Because they fend for themselves, street dogs aren't usually at risk of becoming overweight. However, if you take a street dog under your roof, keep an eye on their food intake to avoid overfeeding. Guidelines on dog food packages are a good starting point when determining daily portions.
Grooming
If you've adopted a street dog that's comfortable being handled, regular brushing and nail trims will help them look their best. Good dental hygiene is also important for any dog. Professional cleanings and at-home dental care will keep their mouths healthy and reduce the risk of related health issues.
Exercise
All dogs need exercise to stay physically and mentally fit, and street dogs are no exception. Qatari street dogs that are on their own will get adequate exercise during their daily roaming. Pet dogs, however, need access to the outdoors to stretch their legs and get mental stimulation. Playing in a fenced yard and going for leashed walks are great ways for your dog to release energy.
Training
Street dogs are not accustomed to obeying commands from people. In fact, many may avoid close contact with humans. Before attempting a training program, start by building trust and respect with your dog. Slow and steady is the best approach to making inroads with a street dog.
Breed Group
Middle Eastern and African
While this ancient group shares many of the characteristics of the Hound Group, their origins, as the name would suggest, are concentrated in Africa and the Middle East unlike the hound group that has no true geographic center.
