[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've enjoyed reading the post. Thanks for it

[mrandrei]

Let me just add that the first domestication of dogs from wolfs occurred in Persia, North America and possibly Northeast Africa.

[lil mutt]

what is Molecular systematics? This is a new term to me... i think ill be spending some of my time later checking google for more info about Molecular systematics.

The domestic dog has been represented in art for many years with the earliest being sculptures of dogs found in Iraq and dating back to 6500 BC. Dog bones have been discovered dated at around 8300 BC in the USA, 7500 BC in the UK with similar finds in Czechoslovakia. One thing is certain, the domestic dog spread rapidly all over the world.


----------------------------------------------
Various Dog Breeds, Dog Breeds Directory, Supplements Directory

Taming
It was the wolf that approached humans first for some kind of assistance in survival, it could not have been the other way around

American Indian Tradition has a lot to say about the Wolf, as a Protector, a Teacher, a Keeper of great secrets

The Dingo is a primitive dog which evolved from the Indian Wolf about 6000 years ago. It is thought to have been introduced to Australia some 3500 to 4000 years ago from southern Asia. In rainforest they have a home range of between 10 and 21 square kilometres. They prey extensively on the Red-legged Pademelon and other small marsupials.

I think the first dogs evolved somewhere in Asia, and migrated from there.

[wishbone]

If I would see the link again I will share it here about new theory that proving that wolf is not dog's ancestors.

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.

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!

good little brief history on dogs, thanks for the post

[greggypetty]

Cool post. It is interesting. I particularly enjoyed mamapajamas post.

[LindaLinda]

Interesting!

[woofah]

Well, I just checked Wikipedia for "Molecular systematics" and about the only thing I managed to learn was that there's a LOT of big words out there