GENERAL HISTORY OF DOGS.
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Home Family -> subcategory Pets.
General History of Dogs
Throughout history, dogs have been loyal companions to humans. From the earliest periods of human existence, people likely formed bonds with wild animals resembling our modern dogs. In exchange for protection from predators and assistance in guarding livestock, these animals received food and shelter, eventually becoming trusted members of human communities.
Origins of the Human-Dog Relationship
Initially, early dogs might have been gentle jackals or wolves seeking refuge from their packs. It's plausible that helpless pups were brought home by hunters to be raised by families, eventually integrating as family pets.
Distinct dog families trace back to nearly every part of the world, with exceptions like the West Indian Islands, Madagascar, New Zealand, and some Pacific Islands, where no indigenous canines seem to have existed. In ancient Oriental regions and early Mongolian cultures, dogs were seen as wild and untamed. They roamed in packs, much like wolves, showing little interaction with humans.
Early Civilizations and the Evolution of Dog Breeds
It wasn’t until advanced civilizations like Assyria and Egypt that distinct canine varieties emerged. In Palestine, dogs were often viewed negatively, and the Bible frequently refers to them with disdain. However, the Apocryphal Book of Tobit makes a rare mention of a dog as a companion.
The vast differences among dog breeds today?"from Mastiffs to Pomeranians?"make it hard to believe they share common ancestors. Yet, the diversity seen is no more surprising than the variations among horses or cattle. Dog breeders have long known how selective breeding can significantly influence size and type.
Similarities Between Dogs and Wolves
Understanding dogs' origins requires examining their structural similarities to wolves. The skeletal structure of dogs and wolves is remarkably similar, with similar vertebrae, ribs, and teeth. Their physical resemblance is so strong that a description of a wolf could also fit a large, lean dog.
Both species share behavioral traits. Wolves communicate with howls but can learn to bark when raised with dogs. They are primarily carnivorous but will eat plants when necessary, and use strategic pack hunting techniques, reminiscent of how some dogs hunt.
The Genetic Connection
The period of gestation in both dogs and wolves is 63 days, with litters resembling each other closely in development. The natural dogs of any region often mirror local wolf species in size, color, and behavior. This consistent resemblance supports the theory of a shared lineage.
The argument against dogs descending from wolves due to their ability to bark is weak. Wild canines like jackals can learn to bark, and domestic dogs that live in the wild may forget how. This flexibility in communication underscores the adaptability of these species.
Conclusion
In light of this evidence, Charles Darwin’s hypothesis seems likely: domestic dogs may have descended from multiple wolf species and some jackal species, with possible contributions from extinct canines. This complex ancestry flows in the veins of our modern breeds, connecting them to a rich, shared history.
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