Basic Dog History

03-19-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by admin

Molecular systematics indicate that the domestic dog is descended from a wolf-like ancestor, and dogs and wolves can still interbreed. The domestication of the dog probably occurred at least 14,000 years ago, and perhaps long before that. There is archaeological evidence of dog remains, showing the characteristic morphological differences from wolves, from at least 14,000 years ago, while wolf remains have been found in association with hominid remains that are at least 400,000 years old.

The molecular genetic data suggest that the domestic lineage separated from modern wolves around 150,000 years ago. In the early 2000s, some research indicated that domestication in fact had already begun to occur as early as 100,000 years ago. Dogs were, and are, valued for their aid in hunting. Dog burials at the Mesolithic cemetery of Svaerdborg in Denmark indicate that, in ancient Europe, dogs were valued companions.

I totally agree with what you say.

03-26-2009

Thank you for this great mini-lesson, Admin! I did my degree work in anthropology/prehistoric civilizations, and can't think of a single prehistoric site in the world where humans were not living with their long-time companions.

I recall reading somewhere during my coursework when I was in college back in the Stone Age (LOL!) that some units of the ancient Roman army used to keep kennels of both Rotties AND Maltese (!!!) on hand. The fuzzy, innocuous little Malties were released first to sniff out enemy positions; the enemy usually did not react to these way-too-cute little dogs, and sometimes played with them, so the Malties usually got well behind enemy lines. The Rotties, on the other hand, were trained to track the Malties, and in this way led their handlers straight to hidden enemy positions. Talk about sneaky...

But most of the time dogs have been companions... partners in work and play... and what companions they are!