History of Dogs? Or Maybe Wolves?

Origin

Do you know that the adorable little puppy you bought home last week could possibly be a descendent of a wolf? It may well be true! In fact, many theorists believe that wolf is the direct ancestors of domestic dog. Nevertheless, there are just as many who argue that it seems impossible to have over 400 varieties of dogs descended from just one species.

-Anatomically, the make-up molecules of the wolf over the centuries have remained unchanged, and research revealed that the DNA of wolf and dog are almost identical! The general pattern of dogs' skeleton is still very similar to those of wolves in terms of their components, but significant changes can be detected, most obviously in the shape of the skull and the length of some of the limb bones.

The divergence in physical appearance could possibly be the result of mutation or even during cross breeding. Today, breeds such as the Alaskan malamute still retain a strong affinity with the wolf, in terms of their facial appearance and underlying skull structure.

-Behaviorally, both dogs and wolves bury bones; turn in circles before settling down for sleep; howl at the moon and frequently leg lift to mark territory. Both gestation periods is 63 days each, and the birth and development of their young is also almost identical

-Structurally, dogs and wolves are also extremely similar. Both also live in a pack-like hierarchal system where they are comfortable with a top dog, or Alpha role model. With regards to domestic dogs, Alpha (leader) role should belong to the owner they live with.

Whatever the theory, it isn't difficult to spot the similarities between dog and wolf. Although, in some cases, the appearance of the domestic dog has diverged significantly from that of its "suspected" ancestor, most dogs still retain many of the traits of their ancestor.

Man's Best Friend

Early cave drawings show us that wild dogs and wolfs were with humans even in prehistoric time. One of the earliest documentations of man and canine was noted more than 12 000 years ago on an ancient site in Egypt when the fossilized remains of a man and a small puppy were found in a grave in hugging position. Although, it is doubtful whether the puppy was that of dog or wolf, this is not an important issue.

Today, Scientists recognize and agree that the process of domestication of the dog has existed for 14 000 years, however they are not in agreement as to how domestication occurred:

-Some believe that man adopted offspring of the wolf and through natural selection chose to keep those that were less aggressive and that craftily begged for food.

-Others believe that wolves adapted themselves in following man because they could get a good meal.

Whatever the case, it's hard to distinguish if wolves just tagged along or if they were invited. From ancient time till today, man and dog are inseparable who lived together and changed together.

In earlier times man was only concerned with gathering food. However, over time he began to become involved in hunting for food, turning his canine to "friend" as he helped immensely in hunting activities, this occurred some 12 000 years ago.

Later, man realized that not every animal should be his prey, but that some should be kept alive in order to domesticate for his purposes. At that time, domesticated animals needed to be protected from predators, this responsibility was taken up by dog becoming the guard dog, and this new role occurred some 7000-9000 years ago.

Dog Breeding

Dog breeding began when humans started to emphasize certain characteristics in dogs. Long-legged dogs, for instance, could be used to chase prey, heavy-set animals made better guard dogs. Several types of dogs emerged at the time of the New Kingdom in Egypt (circa 1570 B.C.) and drawings began to show dogs with drop ears, curly tails, straight tails and many coat patterns. Soon people all over the world were breeding and using dogs to suit their own needs.

The Greeks and Romans were training heavy-set dogs for sports, the Far East saw the toy dogs as prized possessions and the Europeans were developing sporting dogs for particular uses ? smaller dogs to go to ground, stronger dogs to hunt. Dogs started to be grouped by appearance or function for convenience and were then even further divided into workers, herders and sports.

By 15th & 16th centuries, dogs began to gain popularity, not only for being functional, but by becoming a popular pet. The commercial importance of dogs and dog breeding escalated quickly as they became fashionable. During the 19th century, the number of new breeds grew quickly, with the first dog shows beginning in the 1850s.

Today, although there are roughly over 350 different breeds of dogs acknowledged by the FCI classification, all of them have one common quality that follows them throughout history and that is their unconditional love and loyal relationship to man.

This is without a doubt the oldest friendship recorded in history!

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. ~Roger Caras

About the Author:
Moses Chia is a dog lover and owner of DogsObedienceTraining.com ? The dog training resource site for a happier and healthier dog.

You are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.

---

A Cat Tale

My son and I have a cat. Her name is Princess, aka Sugar Bear or Bear. She is part Himalayan and part Siamese. I was just thinking, I rarely, if at all have... Read More

Horse Training Facts And Maxims

To the uninitiated horse owner, there are timely facts about horses they should know. In fact, when someone first gets a horse these timely facts should be studied and learned.These timely facts come... Read More

Immune System Booster for Your Pets

Many chronic diseases commonly seen in pets result from immune suppression. Diabetes, allergies, breathing difficulties, thyroid disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, recurrent ear infections, and even cancer, are all examples of an immune system... Read More

Is He Chasing His Tail? What You Always Wanted To Know About Fleas

My dog has fleas. That one statement is enough to make any visitor to my house run back down the walk to their car.If you own a pet it's one of those unwritten... Read More

Crate Training Your Puppy or Dog

Introducing your puppy to the crate should be an easy and fun process. First, start by putting the crate somewhere the puppy enjoys being. Try the family room or wherever everyone "hangs out".... Read More

Pet Services Are A Multi-Billion-Dollar Industry

There are many of us who consider our pets as part of the family, and this is evidenced by a recent statistic that states 65% of all U.S. homes own at least one... Read More

Dog Anxiety - Fear of Thunderstorms, and Other Dog Fears

How to Deal With Anxiety in Your DogAnxiety in dogs can be caused by any number of things - illness, travel, thunderstorms, death in the family, separation, or they may develop unexplained phobic... Read More

Ensure a Good Relationship Between Your Cat and Your Kids

Many parents know that the best way for children to learn compassion and the importance of keeping commitments is by helping to care for a pet. Children learn from watching the adults in... Read More

Scottish Terrier Dogs - Important Facts

Scottish Terriers are short-legged dogs, at a height of ten to eleven inches, comparatively heavy-boned, yet deceivingly trim. They are agile and sporty pets. Moreover, their intelligence, playfulness and loyalty make them popular... Read More

Does Your Dog Miss You Too Much?

Your dog seems to be driving you up the wall lately, exhibiting serious behavior problems -- and no amount of verbal correction seems to work. She chews the furniture, gnaws on shoes, turns... Read More

What You Should Know About Your Puppy And Play Biting

The main ways a puppy will play with another dog or puppy are chasing, wrestling, and biting.When your puppy eventually becomes separated from his littermates, he will most likely carry on his playful... Read More

3 Tips For Dealing With Dog Emergencies

Have you ever thought about what you need to do should your dog ? or another dog ? ever suffer a serious, life-threatening injury? What if they have a severe allergy to an... Read More

How To Use Leading Your Horse To Get Control And Response

I've been around many people who try to lead a horse by controlling their head with a lead rope. They end up pulling or jerking the lead rope and the horse will typically... Read More

Pet Tracking Devices

It was the Saturday morning of August 20, 2004 and my two kids saying that they couldn't find our cat Nala anywhere waked me up. I didn't pay much attention, because it was... Read More

Flea Control for Pets

Flea control can be a very hard thing to do especially if you live in areas where fleas are largely populated. Weather has a lot to do with fleas and trying to keep... Read More

Choosing Dog Tags for Your Canine

Remember when you first met your dog? He was fresh and new, and you were just getting to know each other. You went through training together, perhaps even ate together. With time, you... Read More

Your Dog and the Dentist: Learn the Drill

While "late is better than never," sooner is better than later, at least when it comes to your dog's dental health. Dental disease gets worse over time, and the longer you wait, the... Read More

Dog doors ? dog and owner reprieve

Buying dog doors onlineIf you need to buy a dog door then have some fun doing it online. Not only will you find discount prices but you'll have a huge selection of colors,... Read More

Dog Crate Buyers Guide - How to Choose the Right Crate and Accessories

Why use a crate:When used properly and not abused, crates are the fastest and most humane method of housebreaking dogs. Dogs are den animals that will instinctively seek out a small, cozy place... Read More

Symptoms of Pain and Illness in Dogs

Dog owners, who recognize the early signs and symptoms of illness or pain in their dogs, will not only relieve their loved one's suffering but may also be able to save themselves an... Read More

The Top Five Reasons to Rescue a Boxer

What if you want a Boxer, but cannot stomach the thought of housebreaking, chewed up shoes and boundless puppy energy? Have you ever heard of Boxer rescue? These organizations provide loving care (and... Read More

Crate Training Dogs: The Right Way and the Wrong Way - Part One

Part1: There is Actually a "Wrong" Way to Crate TrainCrate training dogs, (or crate training puppies) if approached correctly is by far one of the most effective tools you can use to form... Read More

Buyer Beware: Purebred Dog Myths

Every month I am approached by dog owners of my breed who complain about how poorly behaved, how sickly, how untrainable, and generally my breed is and how deeply they resented spending money... Read More

Our Pets Behavior

Behavior can be a huge iisue with our pets. If each dog and cat owner in the United States took the time to understand the root of their animals'behavioral issues, our animal shelters... Read More

Pampering Your Favorite Puppy

I was doing some research on dog health when I came across a site for Dog Spa's. This soon set me on the path of thinking of all the different ways you could... Read More

The Top Ten Reasons You Can - And Should - Hold an Equine Educational Event

Boarding, Breeding, Training & Showing Stables:1. You need to fill stalls.2. You want to generate some public awareness about your operation.3. You want to create new potential clients.4. You want to separate your... Read More

Online Guide For Training A Dog

Guide for training a dogSo you can use a guide for training a dog. At one time or another we all did. There's no more joy and a certain amount of fun especially... Read More

How To Avoid Bad Doggy Behavior, And Teach Your Puppy Some Manners

A poorly trained dog can embarrass its owner and offend other people - or even make them feel threatened.Teaching your dog some manners is just common-sense. You did it with your children and... Read More

Want to Feel Better? Go Stroke Your Cat!

Stroking your cat can be good for your health! It has long been known that pet ownership is good for you, we all need someone or something to love. It is also believed... Read More