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| Version | User | Scope of changes |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 26 2006, 12:52 AM EDT (current) | pangaya | 34 words added, 1 word deleted |
| Mar 29 2006, 10:58 AM EST | wetpaint |
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From primeval wolves to today’s pampered pooches, dogs have long co-existed with humans—and have even earned eventful histories in their own right. The Russian dog, Laika, for example, was the first living creature to orbit the earth.
The New York Times Science section recently reported that the latest genetic studies suggest that all domestic dogs evolved from the Gray Wolf.
Dogs are widely regarded as the first animals to become domesticated around 14,000 years ago—though some researchers suggest the canine-human friendship began as long as 150,000 years ago.
Historic artifacts found throughout the world indicate that dogs were generally held in high esteem by their human companions. For example, Roman consul Quintus Aurelis Symmachus wrote his brother in A.D. 391 to say thanks for the gift of seven Irish Wolfhounds. His letter said that "All Rome viewed them with wonder".
Types of Dogs
Dogs have evolved from selective breeding to serve human needs over thousands of years. Dog breeds can be categorized according to their purpose:
The New York Times Science section recently reported that the latest genetic studies suggest that all domestic dogs evolved from the Gray Wolf.
Dogs are widely regarded as the first animals to become domesticated around 14,000 years ago—though some researchers suggest the canine-human friendship began as long as 150,000 years ago.
Historic artifacts found throughout the world indicate that dogs were generally held in high esteem by their human companions. For example, Roman consul Quintus Aurelis Symmachus wrote his brother in A.D. 391 to say thanks for the gift of seven Irish Wolfhounds. His letter said that "All Rome viewed them with wonder".
Types of Dogs
Dogs have evolved from selective breeding to serve human needs over thousands of years. Dog breeds can be categorized according to their purpose:
- Protection – Certain dogs were bred to guard either their owners or the property of their owners. This includes dogs as different in appearance as the Lhasa Apso and the Doberman Pinscher
- Hunting – includes pointers, setters, retrievers, spaniels, hounds and terriers, such asAfgans, Beagles, and West highland TerriersTerriers, Rat terriers.
- Working – typically larger dogs such as the Doberman Pinscher, Siberian Husky, and Great Danes
- Fighting – Some breeds were developed to fight one another, or other animals, also known as “baiting”. These breeds are generally bulldogs, Mastiffs, and terriers. The Conquistadors used Mastiffs to instill fear and terror in the hearts of those they conquered.
- Companionship – usually smaller dogs such as Shih-Tzus, Bichon Frise, and the ever-popular Yorkshire Terrier.
- Traveling – Some breeds were developed to run beside and guard horse-drawn carriages, such as Dalmatians, Collies, and Sheepdogs. Or to run the barge as in the Skipperke or "Little Captain".
- Herding – Border Collies, sheepdogs, and German Shepherds are part of this group
- Assistance – Certain breeds have been trained to help people with various physical or mental disabilities. These breeds are usually Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers.
