Dogs Were One of the First Domesticated Animals!
All dogs can be traced back 40 million years ago to a weasel-like animal called the Miacis which dwelled in trees and dens. The Miacis later evolved into the Tomarctus, a direct forbear of the genus Canis, which includes the wolf and jackal as well as the dog.
(The Miacis)
(And the Tomarctus!)The oldest known dog bones were found in Asia and date as far back as 10,000 B.C. The first identifiable dog breed appeared about 9000 B.C. and was probably a type of Greyhound dog used for hunting.
It didn't all start with humans. though!
In fact, the first dogs were self-domesticated wolves which, at least 12,000 years ago, became attracted to the first sites of permanent human habitation...
To coincide with this, the earliest European images of dogs are found in cave paintings dating back 12,000 years ago as well, in Spain.
Ancient Rome and Greece also played a big part in the life of dogs.
Mosaics meaning "Beware the Dog" have been found on doorsteps in ancient Roman cities, and the term
"dog days of summer” was coined by the ancient Greeks and Romans to describe the hottest days of summer that coincided with the rising of the Dog Star, Sirius.
However, It wasn't only fun and games for dogs there. Kennels of dogs were kept at the sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus in Ancient Greece. Dogs were frequently sacrificed there because they were plentiful, inexpensive, and easy to control. During the July 25 celebration of the kunophontis (“the massacre of dogs”), dog sacrifices were performed to appease the ancestors of Apollo’s son, Linos, who was devoured by dogs.
Not to mention, the ancient religion Zoroastrianism includes in its religious text titled the Zend Avestaa section devoted to the care and breeding of dogs
(The symbol of Zoroastrianism)Dogs were, much like cats, also revered in Ancient Egypt
When a pet dog would die, the owners shaved off their eyebrows, smeared mud in their hair, and mourned aloud for days.
Even the Mayans and Aztecs held dogs in high esteem - symbolizing every tenth day with the dog, and those born under this sign were believed to have outstanding leadership skills.
Dog trainers in ancient China were also held in high esteem. A great deal of dog domestication also took place in China, especially dwarfing and miniaturization.
Dogs in The Middle Ages
Dogs played a big part in almost everything during The Middle Ages.
Great Danes and Mastiffs were sometimes suited with armor and spiked collars to enter a battle or to defend supply caravans.
Also, mixed breeds of peasants’ dogs were required to wear blocks around their necks to keep them from breeding with noble hunting dogs. Purebred dogs were very expensive and hunting became the province of the rich.
And you know those dogs found in airports to sniff out drugs, and those owned by the police force?
Well... Bloodhound dogs have actually been used since the Middle Ages to track criminals! Their powerful sense of smell meant they could track criminals for miles once they found the scent!
Other Interesting Dog Facts
It costs approximately $10,000 to train a federally certified search and rescue dog.
Dog nose prints are as unique as human finger prints and can be used to identify them.
The Beagle and Collie are the nosiest dogs, while the Akbash Dog and the Basenji are the quietest.
However, the most intelligent dogs are reportedly also the Border Collie and the Poodle, while the least intelligent dogs are the Afghan Hound and the Basenji.
Continuing on from that, French poodles did not originate in France but in Germany (“poodle” comes from the German "pudel orpudelhund", meaning “splashing dog”). Some scholars speculate the poodle’s puffs of hair evolved when hunters shaved the poodle for more efficient swimming, while leaving the pom-poms around the major joints to keep them warm!
Anywho, hope you learnt something new! :D
Dragina, Over and Out! XP
