Cynology
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Cynology in English is a term sometimes used self-referentially by dog trainers[1][2] and hobbyists who informally study the dog,[3] or, more often, in a humorous, mocking, or pedantic manner to refer to the study of dogs.[4] It is not a field of science, although the use of the Classical construction (linking of two Greek or Latin based words) in English is used to imply that it is science or scientific. There is no recognized scientific discipline with this name in English. The word does not appear in standard English dictionaries. There are no standards that apply to calling oneself a cynologist (compare to cosmetologist, another word that is a Classical construct referring to a non-science, that does have standards for use of the term.)
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[edit] Etymology
Cynology is a Classical compound word (from Greek: κύων (gen. κύνος) , kyn, "dog"; and λόγος, logos, "knowledge") referring to the study of dogs. The word is not found in major English dictionaries and it is not a recognized scientific discipline. The word appears to be from the French (cynophilie, dog hobbyist; cynologique, of dog studies, probably back-formed from the title of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, a dog registry and show-giving body, not a scientific organization.) κυν is also the source of the English word cynic, and is indirectly related to canine and hound.
[edit] Usage in English
The suffix 'ology' in English words refers to an academic discipline or field of scientific study. English Classical compound words of this type are also used humorously, or to confer an impression of scientific rigor on a non-scientific occupation or profession.
Usage in English of the word cynology is found in the names of dog training academies, with cynologist sometimes being used as a title by some dog trainers or handlers. People who informally study the dog may refer to themselves as 'cynologists' to confer an impression of scientific work. There is no recognized scientific discipline with this name in English.
[edit] The study of dogs
Scientific studies of dogs are carried out by geneticists, behaviourists, and other scientists, and veterinarians. The word 'cynology' is not used to refer to a field of scientific study.
Informally, dogs are studied by those with no relevant scientific training, such as breeders, trainers, police dog handlers, animal communicators and others, through folklore, anecdote, and personal experience. Many useful books and videotapes for the public have been produced through informal study of the dog, although the term "cynology" is seldom used.
Those who refer to themselves as cynologists may informally study such things as breed development, dog behavior and training, and the history of dogs. The study of dogs was virtually non-existent prior to the last quarter of the nineteenth century, when purebred dog registries began to be organized, starting in 1873 with the founding of The Kennel Club in the United Kingdom.
[edit] Usage in other languages
Cynologist may have other connotations or use in languages other than English, but is generally found to refer to dog trainers and handlers.
- A similar word is used to refer to dog handlers and dog trainers in Russia.[5][6]
- A veterinary clinic in Armenia offers a 'cynologist' to assist with dog training.[7]
- A magazine in the Baltic states described as 'dedicated to the development of cynology in the Baltic countries' covers dog training, dog shows, and veterinary advice (a hobbyist magazine, not a scientific journal.)[8]
[edit] Notes and reference
- ^ James O'Heare. Cynology College. advertisement. Retrieved on 04/18, 2008. “Member, Association of Pet Dog Trainers”
- ^ Kinship Dog Trainer Training. Become a Trainer. Retrieved on 04/18, 2008. “Receive a Canine Companions Diploma in Cynology and Certification as a Canine Companions Cynologist!”
- ^ P. Burns. German Hunt Terriers. The Terrierman. Retrieved on 04/18, 2008. “Gruenewald was a "cynologist" (a self-styled dog man with an interest in genetics)”
- ^ Three quotes are used in the Wiktionary to justify inclusion of the word cynology, and all are used in a pompous or pendatic or humorous way.
- 1951, The American Mercury, 'Students of cynology can trace in the dictionary the dog's remarkable rise in the public esteem in this century.'
- 1985, The Complete Dog Book, published by the American Kennel Club, 'The annals of cynology make no further mention of the breed until 1901 when a combined Rottweiler and Leonberger Club was formed.'
- 1990, Austin Farrer, in his introduction to G. W. Leibniz’ "Theodicy: Essays on the Goodness of God, the Freedom of Man and the Origin of Evil"; quoted in Charles Taliaferro’s 2005 Evidence and Faith (online) 'Now neither probatology nor cynology could hope to be universal — the world is not all sheep nor all dog: it would have to be hylology;'"
- ^ Alexander Lyutin. ON EXPERTS IN SYSTEM OF RUSSIAN ORGANIZED HUNTING DOG BREEFING. Retrieved on 04/18, 2008. “"expert cynologist certification" requires an "educational level not less then high school graduation"”
- ^ Customs Services. Dogs's noses are not anachronism. Retrieved on 04/18, 2008. “Two years ago the cynologist group was filled up with the English cocker-spaniel assistants.”
- ^ Veterinary clinic in Armenia. Zoosalon. Retrieved on 04/18, 2008. “Our professional cynologist will help with your dog training.”
- ^ Amberdog. Retrieved on 04/18, 2008.
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