Surprising predictions part 4

 A Dog's History: From Feral Canines to Furry Companions

Dogs have been living with humans for over 30,000 years, and in that time have gone from pure carnivores to pure furballs who love sitting around and playing fetch. How did ouourr canine companions change so much? We’re going to explore the history of dogs and how they were domesticated by man to become our favorite pets. From foxes to greyhounds, we’ll look at the evolution of the dog over the last few thousand years. Let’s begin at the beginning – let’s start at the beginning!

The Archaeological Evidence of Dog Domestication

The earliest evidence of dogs comes from a cave in southwestern France, where a fossilized canine jawbone was discovered. Carbon-dating techniques place the age of the bone at approximately 31,700 years old, making it the oldest known remains of a domesticated dog.

Other canine remains found in Europe date back about 19,000 years, although it's unclear if these are dogs or wolves. The first undisputed dog remains were found in Siberia and date back about 12,500 years. It's believed that dogs were domesticated independently in both Europe and Asia.

Over the millennia, dogs have been bred for different purposes and characteristics. In ancient Egypt, for example, toy breeds were popular among the upper classes, while mastiffs and other large breeds were used for guarding and hunting. The Mongols prized their Tibetan mastiffs not only as guardians but also as hunters. During medieval times, dogs were often trained to fight bears and other animals in brutal spectacles called bearbaiting. Dogs also served as shepherds, guarding sheep against predators such as wolves and helping herd them along. Dogs were useful workers on farms throughout history; they herded livestock, retrieved things on command, helped police estates by chasing away intruders, hunted vermin such as rats and badgers, hunted game animals including birds like quail and pheasant—and served (among many other tasks) during wartime. If you liked this blog post, check out A Dog's History: From Feral Canines to Furry Companions

Roman Times and Ancient Egypt

Dogs have been man's best friend for centuries, and their history is as long and varied as our own. It is believed that the first dogs were domesticated in either ancient Egypt or Rome, with most historians leaning towards the latter. In Rome, dogs were used for hunting and guarding, and were often treated quite well. They were even allowed to dine with their owners on occasion! Ancient Egyptians also revered dogs, and many of their gods were depicted with canine features. Dogs in Egypt were mostly used for hunting, but were also considered sacred animals. Indeed, some Egyptian deities were said to take the form of a dog, including Anubis and Thoth. The Greeks favored large hounds for hunting and fighting, while in Japan it was common practice to use small dogs like terriers for ratting. The Arabs bred large mastiffs which they called alans (presumably after Alexander the Great) who guarded farms and homes from thieves. Mastiffs continued to be popular guard dogs until relatively recently, when German Shepherds became more widely used by police forces. Mastiffs are still popular today among private security firms and wealthy families looking for imposing guardians of their property. In Africa and Asia today, there are still breeds which maintain close ties to ancient breeds of domestic dogs; Basenjis resemble Egyptian hunting dogs, Shar-Peis originate from China and resemble Pekingese brought over by Europeans during the Opium Wars, Afghan Hounds come from Asia Minor where they were originally bred for hunting game such as ibexes and wolves. All these breeds can be traced back through history - all the way back to antiquity - in one way or another. Even the Poodle - so often made fun of for its comical haircut - traces its roots back to France and Germany, where it was bred originally as a water retriever. But not every breed has had a storied history. Some breeds have gone extinct, such as the Tchiorny Terrier of Russia and the Clumber Spaniel of England. Today we recognize fewer than 150 different breeds around the world. While some people want to establish new breeds, others argue that purebreds should be preserved and not mixed with other types. We may never know what really happened on the day the dogs came, but we do know this: just about everyone loves dogs

The Middle Ages

Dogs have been our loyal companions for centuries, but their history is a bit of a mystery. It is believed that dogs first originated in the Middle Ages. At this time, they were mostly used for hunting and guarding. In fact, many noblemen kept large packs of dogs for these purposes. However, not all dogs were so lucky. Many ferals roamed the streets, scraping by on whatever they could find. These tough canines were the ancestors of today's street dogs. They are known as mongrels or curs. They would sometimes mate with other animals, such as wolves or jackals, which may account for some modern dog breeds. Mongrels tended to be larger than other breeds because it was more difficult for them to hunt small prey like rodents or rabbits since they lacked an instinctive killer instinct - though there are records of mongrels hunting deer in packs. 

Mongrels also tended to live longer than purebred dogs due to their hardy nature - often up until ten years old! But at the same time, this meant that very few puppies survived into adulthood because they had no pack mates around them after puberty- leading again to a decline in population numbers

The Renaissance and Civil War Era

In the Renaissance era, dogs were more than just animals--they were seen as symbols of status. In paintings of the time, noblemen and women were often depicted with their furry companions by their side. But not everyone could afford a dog; they were a luxury item reserved for the wealthy. During this period, there was also an uptick in dog-fighting and other animal-related blood sports like bull-baiting. These activities would lead to some nasty practices that we still see today such as forcing dogs into fighting matches or training them to fight with bears or other large mammals. The end result was that in 1835, England passed legislation banning any activity involving cruelty towards animals in an effort to stamp out these practices once and for all. The law did little good though because at the same time in America, animal fights were becoming popular spectator events featuring bloodthirsty spectators who came from all over the country. As more states joined this trend by hosting these contests, it became apparent that there was no going back--the violence had become ingrained into society itself.< br> During the Civil War era, soldiers found many uses for dogs on the battlefields, including using them as weapons against Confederate troops. It is estimated that during these battles nearly 100,000 stray and feral dogs roamed through Virginia countryside scavenging whatever they could find while dodging gun shots from either side. Many Union troops took pity on these homeless animals, but others regarded them with contempt. They described these poor creatures as base brutes undeserving of sympathy and shelter (Nash). Those who saved strays relied on dog soup made up of beef bones mixed with rice to give starving strays a proper meal (Reeves). Feeding and taking care of these canines proved difficult for families living on the front lines because supplies were scarce. 

What eventually led to reformations in regards to treatment of dogs happened when Southern troops found themselves outnumbered due to heavy losses sustained by Union forces. Outnumbered, outgunned, and cut off from supplies - yet refusing to surrender - many Confederates resorted to desperate measures including releasing prisoners and even livestock onto enemy lines. Along with horses, cows, sheep, goats, pigs and chickens ran hundreds of dogs - barking wildly, biting at feet or clambering onto unsuspecting targets. The spirit of pandemonium, one soldier wrote in his diary (Huston). The frenzy and chaos of these animals was so great that for days afterward the ground was littered with dead and dying animals. The event, which seemed bizarre to those unfamiliar with how much dogs are valued in certain cultures, served as a wake-up call to Americans about the true nature of these base brutes. Up until that point, most of them were mere pests to be chased away or killed. This event helped to change people's perceptions of dogs by making them understand that they are sentient beings capable of feeling emotions and desires just like humans (Gorman). Following the war, this idea was further supported by the rise of animal-rights activism. For instance, in 1868, writer Anna Sewell published her story Black Beauty to illustrate the moral development of a horse. At the time, it was unprecedented for an animal to be at the center of a novel and many readers were deeply moved by this work (Dixon). Around that same time, organizations like The Royal Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) in England and SPCA in New York began advocating for reforms that would protect animals from all forms of abuse. It wasn't long before some American states adopted new laws on animal cruelty and created agencies whose sole purpose was to enforce such legislation. It is important to note that the 19th century also saw more humane ways of managing stray dogs. One example is how humane societies opened their doors to keep track of stray animals while providing a safe haven for abandoned ones. It also became popular during this era for citizens to offer shelter in their homes should they find strays on their property (Rutherford). This practice, called 'dog sitting,' continued into the 20th century but it was often disrupted by another major milestone of modern history: World War II. As in other wars, soldiers relied heavily on four-legged creatures to perform tasks ranging from carrying messages to delivering supplies to sniffing out mines and booby traps. Sadly, many of these dogs were simply forgotten once hostilities ceased. In fact, after spending years locked up inside military compounds overseas, thousands upon thousands of these loyal companions languished without food or water and died there (Fitzgerald). When peace finally returned home after 1945, there were still tens of thousands of unclaimed canine veterans roaming America's streets - now increasingly viewed as a menace rather than a mascot.

The Industrial Revolution Era

The Industrial Revolution ushered in a new era of mass production, and with it came a demand for cheap labor. Many poor families turned to their children to work in factories or mines, and dogs were no exception. Working dogs were put to work in all sorts of industries, from guarding property to pulling carts and wagons. While some working dogs managed to find loving homes after their careers ended, others were simply abandoned or put down. Notable events include the American Kennel Club’s introduction of the show dog category in 1877, which led to extensive breeding practices that inadvertently created unhealthy dogs. Some breeds suffered from as many as four genetic defects at once due to an unbalanced gene pool—the Basset Hound had syringomyelia (a spinal cord disease), skin allergies, glaucoma, and hip dysplasia; the Bulldog had trouble breathing; and the Dachshund’s back became painfully arched due to elongated spine. As more people grew conscious about animal welfare issues like these and began supporting adoption programs instead of purchasing pets, America saw its first drop in pet ownership since 1908. It was around this time that breeders finally started to reconsider selective breeding and how certain traits could be passed on. Within five years, the number of purebred dogs dropped by half. Nowadays, the popular breeds have less than 25 genetic health problems each. 

However, while they may not have inherited health problems from their parents, plenty of shelter animals are still facing challenges getting adopted. Even though 75% of Americans would consider adopting a shelter pet over one from a breeder or pet store, there is still an unfortunate stigma attached to homeless animals--oanimals--onene that tells prospective adopters they are taking care of someone else’s problem. But this couldn't be further from the truth--in fact, only 1-2% of shelter animals come through public animal control shelters. The rest arrive there because of owners surrendering them when they can no longer take care of them or rescue organizations take them in when necessary. Shelters also offer services such as spaying/neutering, vaccinations, microchipping, behavioral assessment, and vet care before rehoming the animals to new families. In addition to caring for pets who need temporary housing while looking for permanent homes, shelters help address the issue of companion animal overpopulation by providing resources such as low-cost spay/neuter clinics and resources on finding affordable veterinary care. And what's more? Adopting a shelter pet might even save you money! On average, dogs cost $1,800 and cats cost $1,200 to own over their lifetime. That includes things like food, medical care, boarding fees, and more. On the other hand, a shelter pet usually costs between $150-$400 for the entire lifetime of the animal. You'll spend more money in the beginning--for things like vet visits and any initial supplies--but that's a small price to pay for giving an animal a happy home. And by the way, with a shelter pet, the new family doesn't have to worry about sudden behavioral changes or training. Shelter animals have already had the basic training they need to be well-behaved members of your household and will fit in seamlessly with your current pets. If you're on the fence, take a moment to consider that as of 2018, 20 million animals are euthanized in shelters every year. Sure, it's easier for them to get adopted if they're cute and fluffy--but that doesn't mean they don't deserve just as much love as their more photogenic counterparts. With a few simple clicks on Petfinder or Rescue One Search or your local animal shelter's website, you could be the one to give them that second chance.

The Modern Age

Dogs have been our faithful companions for centuries, but how did they go from feral canines to furry friends? It all started with the domestication of wolves. Over time, dogs were bred for specific purposes, such as hunting or herding. In the 1800s, dog shows became popular, and different breeds were developed for aesthetic purposes. Today, there are over 400 recognized breeds of dogs, each with their own unique history and characteristics. Whether you have a chihuahua or a great dane, your pup is part of a long line of canine companions that have brought joy (and sometimes hair) into our lives. So in honor of National Pet Day on April 11th, here’s a timeline celebrating some milestones in the evolution of man’s best friend. Cave paintings depict early evidence of humans cohabitating with wild animals, including bears and wolves. It's estimated that the wolf domestication process began 12,000 years ago. After several thousand years, what we now know as the Basenji breed emerged from Africa. The United Kennel Club was established in 1884 by American zoologist Dr. Henry Bergh to register purebred pedigree dogs; Bergh founded the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals shortly after this event too. The Labrador Retriever became America's most popular breed thanks to its versatility during World War II when it served alongside British servicemen; before then, it was primarily used by fishermen on Canada's Atlantic coast and Newfoundland. Beagles became popular hunting dogs in England around 300 AD, while Bull Terriers came about because of the need for an effective ratting dog. And if you're interested in learning more about the world's largest dog show, AKC reports that more than 20,000 people attended this year's Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show! If these stats haven't convinced you to get a dog yet, keep in mind that owning one has been proven to increase lifespan, provide companionship, and decrease stress levels. Happy National Pet Day! Here are five facts you might not know about dogs: 

1. According to Forbes, An English bulldog named 'Hank' set the Guinness World Record for longest living dog at 29 years old. 

2. Puppies spend nearly 1/3 of their life sleeping and average 10 hours a day in total. 

3. Roughly 25% of all households in the U.S., have at least one pet - whether it be a cat, bird, fish, or even snake! 

4. One of ten new animal species discovered every year is a mammal - mostly rodents - many of which are completely new varieties of mice! 5. Every dog breed in the world is descended from the grey wolf, with the exception of domesticated foxes. This makes the domestication of wolves one of the most remarkable natural occurrences in history. 

We know that domestication took place about 12,000 years ago, as evidenced by cave paintings in Indonesia. The dogs and humans depicted in these images are believed to have lived together on a daily basis. 

Some scientists argue that domestication is a mutualistic relationship between wolves and humans, with both groups benefitting from their association. 

Others believe that the shift from wolf to dog was abrupt and happened because of certain circumstances: climate change or human settlement patterns for example. Regardless of their origin, dogs are indisputably among our oldest companions, having been documented on everything from Egyptian tombs to Greek pottery. So now you're probably wondering how they were first used? As guards? Watchdogs? Pest exterminators? Or did they just curl up in your lap and sleep there patiently until you got up again? Well... if you answered yes to any of those questions, you're partially right! Dogs have historically served an important role as hunters, herders, and rescuers. But more than anything else, dogs are companions. Whether you own a Dachshund or Doberman, German Shepherd or Golden Retriever- these furry friends love spending time with their owners more than anything else. But not only do they love cuddling up next to us on the couch- dogs can also provide therapeutic benefits such as lowering blood pressure and helping us manage stress levels. It’s no wonder then that there’s an expression man’s best friend! For centuries, dogs have loved, provided protection, and offered comfort to their owners. And today, when people go home after a long day of work or school, the last thing they want to do is leave their pets behind. That's why a lot of people prefer to adopt animals instead of buying them from a breeder. Not only does this save thousands of animals from unnecessary deaths each year, but it helps you find the perfect pet for you and your family! After going through a list of pros and cons, it's up to you to decide what's best for you. But before making that decision, think carefully about what type of lifestyle your dog will need. Will they need space to run around or would they be happier in an apartment? How much time will you be able to devote to caring for your pet? Do you have the resources (money and free time) to provide your dog with the attention they deserve? 

If you're a college student, the responsibility of owning a pet may seem like too much. This is where rescue organizations come in! If you're considering adopting a dog, consider contacting your local shelter or rescue organization first- these non-profit organizations are always looking for new homes for their dogs. Be aware that these organizations are often underfunded and rely on volunteers, so it's crucial to be patient and ask a lot of questions. 

And remember- dogs don't come with a manual! You'll need to figure out the best way to care for your pet based on their individual needs. You may have to do some research or consult with your veterinarian.

Where We Are Now

Dogs have been our faithful companions for centuries, and their history is deeply intertwined with our own. It is believed that dogs were first domesticated from wolves over 15,000 years ago, and since then they have played an important role in human society. Today, there are over 400 million dogs in the world, and they come in a vast array of shapes, sizes, and breeds. Though they may vary in appearance, all dogs share a common ancestry and are descendants of the same wild canine ancestor. Genetic studies suggest that dogs diverged into two main lineages - one leading to modern wolves, and one leading to modern dogs - around 100 thousand years ago. Around 20 thousand years ago (10 thousand BC), man’s best friend began living in close proximity with humans. These proto-dogs would have followed early nomadic hunter-gatherers as they roamed across Eurasia during the late Paleolithic era. Over time, these ancient animals adapted themselves to new environmental challenges like farming communities and changes in climate, resulting in a variety of dog breeds suited for various tasks such as hunting or herding livestock; this process continues today! As people migrated out of Africa and into other parts of the world, their canine companions often went along for the ride. Dogs continued to change and evolve alongside us, growing more varied in size, shape, and temperament depending on where they lived. In areas like Europe where large game was plentiful but predators were not much of a threat due to natural geographic boundaries (the mountains and seas) most dogs became smaller than their wolf ancestors. But in places like East Asia where resources were scarce, dog populations evolved much larger bodies to help them hunt small prey more efficiently; as a result, these dogs can grow up to twice the size of wolves. There are also regions throughout North America, South America, and Africa where native dog breeds developed independently from European ones. The Australian dingo is thought to be descended from domesticated East Asian dogs brought by Austronesian settlers who arrived in Australia 4-5 thousand years ago. Similarly, native Mexican breeds like Xoloitzcuintli trace their lineage back to Spanish colonists who arrived with Old World breed types and indigenous North American canines around 500 AD. Finally, even though dogs no longer play the vital roles they once did in human society, they still remain an important part of our lives. Thousands of years after their first meeting, we still rely on these furry friends for many things including emotional support, protection, search and rescue operations, as well as companionship. Although there will always be debate about whether we should keep breeding different kinds of purebreds while so many stray animals need homes, it’s undeniable that without the domestication of these animals thousands of years ago, we might not have achieved what we have today. So, the next time you see a dog walking down the street with its human companion, remember that we are truly fortunate to have these animals in our lives. In 15 thousand years, the relationship between dogs and humans has changed a lot. When we first domesticated these animals from wolves, they primarily served as watchdogs for our property. However, as time passed and humanity progressed, dogs took on a new role - companions to our children. Nowadays, people mostly use their pets for companionship. Some argue that we are raising a generation of lonely children with these animals because they are not interacting with others like they used to in the past; meanwhile some question how well-suited these animals are for that task given their wild origins. Regardless, it's clear that the history of dogs is intertwined with our own and there is still much to learn. For example, recent research suggests that wolves and dogs may have begun interbreeding as recently as 40 thousand years ago. This theory is supported by genetic evidence suggesting that the gene for amylase (an enzyme that breaks down starch into sugar) first entered the dog genome from wolves around 35 thousand years ago; these genes are present in both domesticated dogs and wolves, but not in wild canines. This discovery could explain why modern breeds of dog still retain the ability to digest starches like their ancestors, although they rarely consume anything other than meat in the wild. And speaking of modern dogs...even though there are over 400 million worldwide, many people forget to spay and neuter their pets. This lack of population control has led to a serious problem in countries like the United States. In fact, there are more dogs than children in America, with around 67 million canines living in households today. With the number of animals living among us at an all-time high, shelters and animal rescues have seen an increase in the number of abandoned pets; for example, according to the ASPCA (American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), as many as 1.4 million healthy dogs and cats enter U.S. shelters every year and half of those animals are euthanized because they cannot find new homes.