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.