Evolution Of The Modern Dog

In the prehistoric ages, there were no dogs - only wolves. These animals were among the first to be bred as pets. Early man started this by bringing home wolf cubs and raising them as pets. The wolf cubs would grow up and become tough guards against bigger animals like bears. For instance, the Saluki, which is one of the world's oldest breeds, started as a hunting dog in ancient Egypt. Other age-old dog breeds include the Dalmatian and Greyhound.

The dog is a very useful animal as illustrated by their different uses in centuries past. For instance, dogs have been used as guardians of life, limb and material possession, as well as working animals moving heavy loads around. There have even been oddball uses of dogs, like the miniature "lap dogs" of the Ancient Greeks. Another one would be the use of bulldogs - not the usual bulldogs, but those with shorter noses and bigger jaws - to grab a bull's throat and hang on to it. The sight-challenged have benefited as of late from specially trained seeing eye dogs. And there are also police-trained dogs who can sniff out drugs and explosives.

There are very few dogs these days that still resemble the wolf in appearance. Older breeds, like German Shepherds and Husky dogs, still have some wolf-like features that make them look similar to their predecessors. These days, there are practically thousands of dog breeds and varieties, with different sizes (i.e. the small Beagle and the larger Irish Setter), features and purposes. A dog like the Beagle can adjust well to city living, while active dogs like Collies and Irish Setters are best for the country. Great Danes and Irish Wolfhounds are the tallest breeds of dogs. Since these are long, large dogs who love running around, they would be best suited for places with lots of room for play.

About a third out of all families in the USA own at least one dog. Dogs normally live for a good number of years, usually from eight to fifteen. A dog exactly one year old is comparable to a human aged fifteen. Dogs are considered color blind, despite the fact they can detect some colors. But dogs are much more sight-perceptive in darker, faintly-lit areas. Dogs make good help to law enforcement because they have strong smelling capacities. Dogs can smell objects really well - up to a million times better than we do.

A dog, most of all, is considered man's best friend from the animal kingdom due to its loyalty and companionship, just as it was ages ago. Be very caring and affectionate to your dogs and they will love you right back and respect you as their dedicated owner.