A Brief History of Dogs
It is likely that humans befriended some form of an
aboriginal dog in the earliest period of their habitation on Earth. This animal
was probably a gentle jackal or a wolf that had been driven out of its wild
pack and into alien surroundings. As early hunters brought helpless help home
to be tended and reared by women and children, dogs gradually became members of
the family.
The only parts of the world that have no sign of an
aboriginal dog, wolf, or fox are the West Indian Islands, Madagascar, the
eastern islands of the Malayan Archipelago, New Zealand, and the Polynesian
Islands. The ancient Oriental lands and early Mongolians never attempted to
allure dogs into human companionship, and it was not until the higher civilizations
of Assyria and Egypt that distinct canine varieties emerged.
Although the vast differences in dog breeds' size,
points, and general appearance make it difficult to believe that they could
have had a common ancestry, dog breeders know how easy it is to produce a
variety in type and size by studied selection.
The wolf and the dog share the same structure and
habits, and their period of gestation is 63 days. The native dogs of all
regions closely resemble the native wolves of those regions. The similarity is
too significant to be a mere coincidence.
In conclusion, humans have been in the company of dogs
for thousands of years. From early hunters and farmers to the present day, dogs
have been faithful companions, protectors, and workers. Today, dogs are a vital
part of society, providing various services, such as search and rescue,
emotional support, and law enforcement.
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