1. Dogs Origins

Dogs, our adorable pals, are a special kind of wolf called Canis lupus familiaris and have as cousins foxes and jackals! Did you know they’re the most beloved pets worldwide? Over 12,000 years, they’ve been right by our side as hunting buddies, guardians, and best buddies.

From just one type of wolf, humans create over 400 different dog breeds! We breeding them to be perfect for different jobs or just to be super cute. Back in the day, dogs were all about hunting with their sharp senses, but humans helped shape them into the diverse breeds we know today.

Now, we see dogs in varies breeds around the globe. In places like the US and Europe, we treat them like family, spending billions on their care and goodies. But in other parts, they might be used for different things like guarding, working, or sadly even as food. Crazy, right? In ancient Egypt, they were considered sacred!

But no matter where you go, one thing stays the same: dogs are loyal, loving, and totally deserving of all the belly rubs and treats in the world.

2. Dogs Ancestry

Let’s make this journey through the history of our furry friends a bit friendlier!

So, back around 60 million years ago, there was this little creature that looked like a weasel, living in what is now parts of Asia. It is called Miacis and it is not around anymore, but it’s the grand ancestor of today’s canids: dogs, jackals, wolves, and foxes.

Around 30 to 40 million years ago, Miacis evolved into what we can call the OG doggo, Cynodictis. Picture a medium-sized cutie, longer than tall, with a bushy tail and coat. Over time, Cynodictis split into two branches, one hanging out in Africa and the other in Eurasia, called Tomarctus, which gave rise to wolves, dogs, and foxes.

Now, genetic clues tell us that dogs came straight from wolves! The wolf lineages that led to dogs split from modern wolves about 27,000 to 40,000 years ago. The magic of domestication likely started somewhere in northern Eurasia, maybe around 14,000 to 29,000 years ago. Wolves, being the clever scavengers they are, probably cozied up to nomadic folks, munching on leftover game.

3. Dog domestication

Domestication wasn’t a one-time thing, though—it was a slow over thousands of years. Dogs popped up in different parts of Eurasia at different times, mingling with wild wolves and early dog groups. Some studies even suggest that the very first doggy pals were hanging out in China or India thousands of years ago!

Now, whether they’re descended from wolves, jackals, or somewhere in between, all canids have some things in common. Think perky ears, pointy muzzles, and the ability to maintain a cozy body temp no matter the weather.

Fast forward to the Bronze Age, around 4500 BCE, and we’ve got a whole doggy diversity show! Mastiffs, wolf-like pups, speedy sight hounds, pointers, and herders—all strutting their stuff.

Back in the day, dogs were like our trusty sidekicks, helping us hunt and keeping us safe from sneaky predators. And when we started raising livestock about 7,000 to 9,000 years ago, dogs were right there, herding and guarding sheep, goats, and cows like champs.

But dogs aren’t just about work anymore! Nowadays, they’re all about spreading joy and being our pals. They’re guides for folks who can’t see, they help out the police, and they’re even lending a paw in therapy sessions at nursing homes and hospitals to help folks feel better.

Humans breeding all sorts of dogs tailored for different jobs and lifestyles. And thanks to better vet care and how we take care of them, they’re living their best lives.

In ancient Egypt dogs weren’t just pets; they were practically treated like royalty! They had their own servants, wore blinged-out collars, and dined like kings. Only the big shots could have those fancy purebred pups, and get this—when a ruler passed away, sometimes their favorite dog would join them in the afterlife!

From the Bronze Age, you can spot them chilling on walls, tombs, and scrolls all over Europe, the Middle East, and North America. They’re often shown hunting alongside humans, and some even stand guard at the entrance to ancient tombs. It’s like a snapshot of our long-lasting friendship with these awesome animals!

Once folks realized that dogs were like super versions of themselves—faster, stronger, with better eyesight and hearing—they started mixing and matching the ones with those awesome qualities. Over in the Middle East, fancy folks were all about speedy sight hounds, while in Europe, they were all about big, tough dogs like mastiffs to keep homes and travelers safe.

As time went on and life shifted towards farming and not just hunting, we started seeing different kinds of dogs popping up. Farmers needed pals to help herd and guard their animals, while noble families wanted cute little buddies to keep them company. Think fluffy lapdogs like the Pekingese in China or teeny tiny cuties like Chihuahuas.

Then there are the terriers, bred in England to be the ultimate mouse-catching machines, clearing out pesky rodents from barns and granaries. And don’t forget about the pointer and retriever types, specially trained to help hunters snag their game. Some of these breeds have been around since forever, while others are relatively new, only showing up as recently as the 1800s.

See, dogs aren’t just our pals; they’re like a whole bunch of specialized superheroes, each with their own unique talents and traits!