A friend has just returned from Spain and Portugal where she said they specialise in streetwise dogs, because the homeless mutts there don’t fight and aren’t phased by fireworks, which is a far cry from our phoofed and pampered pooches.

Now that would seem like quite a mystery but actually it’s not really, because dogs are social and “streetwise” animals by nature … although I sometimes wonder about the humans whose dogs often reflect their behaviour!

Hispanic dogs

But let’s get back to the issue of congenial Hispanic dogs which I’m sure, incidentally, do have the odd scuffle and squabble, probably over territories, food, bitches and hierarchy. I also bet many of their tiffs are amicably sorted by meaningful dialogue and posturing, both of which are very effective in getting the point across. “Hey Senõr Spaniél, check out my 42 cuchillos and tremble … now step away from my nachos or you’re castanets!”

They don’t fight because they can’t afford to be injured

Now remember, if these streetwise furkids get injured, especially in an avoidable fight, it means the Last Tango for them because they can’t get fixed by a vet but need all their body parts in perfect working order to earn a hard living in their ‘dog eat dog’ society. And all dogs, feral or not, have strictly controlled hierarchies which applies to Portuguese and Spanish speaking hounds as well. Furthermore, dogs, being pretty decent types, don’t use violence unless it’s a life threatening matter. You see, our domestic dogs fight because of our ignorance - we, in fact, inadvertently reinforce aggressive behaviour which has never been fully understood by humans … dare I say, even by many ‘enlightened’ dog trainers!

Why don’t the Spanish dogs mind fireworks?

And what about fireworks? Well again I’m not a rocket-scientist, but I guess the fittest have survived - meaning only those animals best adapted to their environment get to pass on their genes - in this case the bang-steady-gang thrived and multiplied and the wussies died out and never scored. Natural selective breeding occurred and only strong, streetwise, bomb-proof genes got through to continue the species, resulting in a ruff ‘n tuff nation with few phobias, strong, durable bodies and minds hell-bent on surviving, no matter what!

Cell memory

Another influence which may also have contributed to this phenomenon is cell memory. An example is maze-bright mice whose forerunners learned to negotiate complicated labyrinth puzzles and passed on this information to their offspring who were born knowing the code. And in much the same way, organ transplant donors often transfer their individual characteristics to recipients. Interesting stuff and we’ve only just scratched the surface … olé!