The dog, the first animal tamed by humans, is a carnivorous mammal belonging to canidae family. Until recently they believed that the taming of this animal took place 14–15,000 years ago. Recent discoveries of some canidae skulls at Goyet (Belgium) and Razboinichya Cave (Siberia) attest that dogs were tamed by more than 33,000 years ago.
Romfilatelia introduces into circulation the postage stamps issue “Dog Breeds”, being one of the most appreciated philatelic themes dedicated to the most beloved animals.
On the postage stamp with the face value of 4.50 lei is illustrated a Short Haired Dachshund (Teckel) known ever since the Middle Ages as a hunting dog. There are 3 Dachshund breeds, depending on the length and texture of hair (short haired, wire-haired and long haired). It is a perseverant and highly affectionate dog having lots of energy and it is a good company both for children and hunters.
On the postage stamp with the face value of 5.00 lei is illustrated a dog belonging to Golden Retriever breed that has become very popular in recent years due to its special qualities of a pet and hunting dog. It is full of energy, intelligent and a very good swimmer.
The Romanian Mioritic Shepherd, illustrated on the postage stamp with the face value of 8.10 lei, belongs to a dog breed that evolved naturally without the humans’ intervention until 1985, the year when they established the first standard of the breed. A characteristic of its long hair (up to 20 cm) are the dead hairs which by matting with the others form a real protection shield for the fights against wild animals (bears or wolves). Otherwise, it is the only dog that may fight against the Carpathian brown bear and have real survival chances.
On the postage stamp with the face value of 9.10 lei is illustrated the Romanian Carpathian Shepherd dog. It also belongs to a dog breed that evolved naturally without the humans’ intervention until 1985, the year when they established the first standard of the breed. It is a dog that loves children, a good guardian and it may be easily trained.
These two shepherd dog breeds are the only Romanian dog breeds homologated and recognized worldwide.
The philatelic document – created into a limited edition of 160 copies, equipped with the postage stamps of the issue, numbered and cancelled with the “first day” postmark.
The issue is completed by a set of 4 Maxicards.
