Interesting Facts About History and Evolution of Dogs

Dogs are probably descendants of the grey wolf. Recent DNA research has shown that dogs are more closely related to the grey wolf then previously thought. In fact in 1993 because of this research dogs were reclassified fron Canine Familiaris to Canine Lupus. Our modern "best friend" is in fact so closely related to the grey wolf that they can still interbreed and produce fully viable offspring.

The first signs of relationships between man and wolves dates back 10,000 to 15,000 years. Some evidence indicates it may be as long as 100,000 years ago, before people left Asia. When and where dogs first began their partnership with humans is under considerable debate at this point in time. There is evidence suggesting that dogs had been domisticated by 10,000 BC. Like humans, wolves live in groups with one leader and are very social. These traits may have made them suitable and attractive as companions to early man.

As are understanding of genetics developed, man started to breed dogs for many specific traits. Because of this we have developed hundreds of varied breeds showing more behavorial and physical variations than any other land mammel.

Dogs and clothes

I must say I was pretty shocked to learn that doggy clothes date back to the stone age. Yes, that's right!! There is actual archeological proof. So now you can dress your pooch with pride knowing there is a long history of dog dressers behind you. And believe me, you can find some really fine clothes now for all sizes of dogs. Silks, satins, laces and ribbons in an incredable array of designs and styles just for dogs.

Most Popular Dog

The dog at the top of the list is the Labrador Retriever, but second in popularity in the US is the Yorkshire Terrier. This little dog averages between three and six pounds. He has a longer then usual life-span,of about 15 years. Did you know that this breed of dog was originaly designed for hunting mice, rats, voles and other pests around the home. However over time their sweet and loving nature, and enthusiasem led them to great popularity. These dogs are considered good pets for people with allargies. The type of hair that makes up their coat and the fact that they shed less then other types of dogs makes them less irratating to people with allargies. Because of these two traits they also make excellant therapy dogs. In fact, during world war two, a little Yorkie named Smokie, was so good at helping her mistress recover from illness that she went on to a 12 year career as a therapy dog.

Dogs and Cars and Harnesses

Lets go for a ride!! Well, we all know how much our dogs love to ride in the car but it's a lot different then yesteryear when we just held the door open and we were on our way.  Today traffic is so fast and accidents so frequent and so serious that now our dogs must be belted in like our kids.  The answer is a dog safety harness for your car. Did you know that one in every seven people is invloved in an automobile accident? Just heard that this morning on the radio. And if you think about it a car harness for our beloved dog is a lot less costly then a Vet visit. A visit to the Vet is almost as much as taking our children to the docter and can easily run several thousand dollars if its a serious injury to the dog. So," fore-warned is fore-armed " or "A stitch in time saves nine". In other words even though its another nit-picking, time consuming thing for us to do it is the best answer. There are many designs, colors and prices. Sizes for the smallest dogs to the largest. There are even booster seats for small dogs so they can see out.

Lost or Wandering Dogs

We love our dogs almost like children, be they big or small. In our modern society it is a real challange to keep them contained. Years ago we had larger lots and smaller communities, without the kind of traffic we have today. We knew our neighbors, making it easier to find a wandering pet. We now have a device on the market that will really help to keep track of our dog. They are GPS collars, and work on the same principle as a car GPS.

RoamEO tracking collar is a good one. It does not use cell phones but instead uses MURS band 154.6 MHZ as modem. You can use this any place on earth where there is no cell phone coverage. Can track up to three pets within one mile in any direction. And since it does not use cell phones there are no monthly fees.

Another unit is the Garmin Astro. This uses VHF radio signals. It has a handheld GPS device and a transmitter that shows your dogs location. As many as ten dogs can be located at one time within a five mile radius.

A more affordable , but still efficient dog tracking system is the PuPPOD tracking collar. PETSAFE collars are also available which will alert you by emails when your dog runs away.

Don't confuse these with microchips which only identify the pet and his owner. GPS collars are the best equipment for owners who don't want to lose their pet, mans best friend.