It’s not “how much is that puppy in the window” but “where did the puppy in the window come from?” In researching the history of dogs, I found almost as many opinions as there were people to ask. One would think in this age of DNA, computers, and high-tech technology that the true history of dogs would be easy to trace. Apparently this is one time “cat” outgrew “dog”, as cats can be traced back as far as 11 million years ago.
It has been said, however, that micacis a weasel-like animal that existed over 50 million years ago was the father/mother of all carnivores that included dogs, cats, bears, raccoons, and others. I’m not sure if it was a mythical or real animal, however, the story also mentions that from Micacis, a dog-like animal named cynodictitis,which eventually became the dog as we know it.
Many researchers and ordinary people firmly believe that the dog evolved from the wolf. There are so many characteristics shared by coyotes, jackals, and other carnivores that it makes it very difficult to put together a family tree that shows the change from wolf to dog. Archaeologists have found the remains of both the wolf and the dog in ancient camps.
Dog-shaped jaws and other skeletal remains have been found in Germany and elsewhere within Central Europe, dating back 14,000 years. While researchers debate the dates of the dog’s arrival, with some researchers saying 135,000 years and others 14,000 years, one thing is pretty certain: When humans crossed the Bering Strait about 10,000 or 12,000 years ago, dogs were with them. This of course has now opened up a whole new debate about Old World dogs and related New World dogs. The answer for the moment is yes.
The highlight of this discussion is that we may have more definitive answers in the next few years. In September (2005) the National Human Genome Research Institute placed dogs on a high priority list for genetic research, this means not only new data for genetic research, but for the study of dog evolution.
Now that we’ve digested all that information, let’s think about dogs in a different way. The first settlers of our country were not the best examples of loving parents with pets, in fact, the Indians, the Spanish and even the first white settlers used dogs for food. The Spanish trained dogs to hunt and kill Indians. They even brought Indian slaves to serve as food for the dogs. Dogs in general were treated very cruelly. The Slavs and Indians considered it an insult to be called “dog”.
It took until the 18th century for a change in people’s thinking about dogs and other animals to occur. Slowly but surely, as time went by, people began to realize that dogs and horses were important in their lives. It was shown many times that a dog’s loyalty and devotion were far more trustworthy than that of most humans. A dog is a natural hunter and humans have used their hunting instincts for centuries. The use of the dog as a hunting companion has led to the development of special breeds.
In areas where there were no trees it was necessary to have a dog that could see the prey in the distance and then hunt it silently and quickly. This need led to the development of a group of dogs known as “sight hounds” or “gaze hounds.” These dogs had long legs and a keen sense of sight. Irish Wolfhounds, Greyhounds, Afghan Hounds, Basenjis, and Rhodesian Ridgebacks are some of the breeds that grew out of that need.
Some hunters needed dogs with stamina and a good sense of smell to track animals. Speed was not of great importance, but endurance was. As a result, a breed with large nostrils and floppy ears was created. The ears were considered important in keeping the scent close to the dog’s face and nose. These dogs were slower and had deep barks that could be heard in the woods.
Some of the breeds that were developed are Basset Hounds, Beagles, Bloodhounds, Dachshunds and Coonhounds of which there are several breeds. These dogs were the backbone of the rural hunter.
Over the years other types of hunting dogs were developed as there was a need for a type of dog to hunt burrowing animals that were destroying crops. These dogs were supposed to have a high energy level and be very playful, so with the help of the British, we have what is known as the Terrier breed. There are small terriers that hunt badgers, foxes and rabbits and large terriers that hunt otters, pralines and wildlife that live around the water in rural areas.
As civilization grew and the needs of the population changed, the types of dogs also grew and changed. We now have herding dogs, guard dogs, dogs that help humans, working dogs like sled dogs, guide dogs, and rescue dogs, the list goes on and on.
Dogs of all shapes and sizes have met the needs of their humans. Dogs are now not only considered for the work they can do, but for the pleasure they bring us every day. You cannot find a more loyal and trustworthy companion than your dog. Your secrets are safe, they will keep you warm on a cold winter night and no matter what the outside world thinks of you, your dog will always love you.
In this world of so many uncertainties there is one thing we are sure of and that is The world is a much better place thanks to dogs.
