The Origin of Man's Best Friend

One of the oldest breeds is the basenji, which originated in central Africa and is use... ... middle of paper ... ...opulation, and then the wolfs started to adapt to the humans niche (Wayne). Constance says that it is called Miacis, the genus that became the ancestor of the animals known today as canids: dogs, jackals, wolves, and foxes. Miacis did not leave direct descendants, but doglike canids evolved from it. She says that it is likely that wild canids were scavengers near tribal camps at the same time that ancient humans discovered someone to hunt with in the animals that lived close by. In ancient Egypt, dogs were thought to possess godlike characteristics (Vanacore).

Wang et al. (2013) suggested that domestication of dogs may have been a continuous process beginning with commensal living and hunting between humans and scavenging wolves that were excluded from hunting packs. A series of evolutionary events selecting for genes in dogs, as well as parallel selection of genes in humans and dogs, lead to the modern day fully domest... ... middle of paper ... ...on phenotypic traits were more intense for breeding programs compared to behaviour traits. Conclusion: Dog domestication origin appears to be highly complex and can still not be fully understood from a genetics perspective. Geographic origin of dog domestication as somewhere in southeastern Asia, and Chinese Native dogs most closely related to ancestral dogs was a consistent finding among researchers (Wang et al.

It would be difficult to provide provisions for such an animal and if one were unsuccessful, they befall a risk of becoming their pet wolf’s next meal. In present day, people adopt canines for numerous reasons. The most common reported reason for acquiring a canine is for companionship, followed by promotion of exercise, proceeded by protection, and finally for breeding or showing (Jagoe & Serpell, 1996). A study performed by Andrew Jagoe and James Serpell (1996) revealed that dogs acqui... ... middle of paper ... ...ell, V. (2008). Inside animal minds.

2011. Web. 12 Feb. 2014 . Wikipedia contributors. "German Shepherd."

Why did we make wolves into our buddies? Why not chimps or some other kind of primate? The answer lies in a few different reasons. Our old pals, even going back to Canis lupus, the gray wolf (the original ancestor of most modern dogs), have human-like qualities. Wolves are clever hunters and gatherers, especially the gray wolf.

the dog has been around for many years they are careing loving animals but they also have a darkside. Dogs have been considered mans best friend for many many years; but do they really fit in the category as mans friend. DOgs have been known to turn on there owners and cause chaos throughout homes even neighborhoods. should they really be let in our homes and if so haow close can we really get to the vicious creatures? Domestic Dog, mammal generally considered to be the first domesticated animal.

Guide Dogs of America: An International Guiding Eyes Program. Web. 20 Oct. 2013. . Halley, Patrick. Guide Dogs of America: A History.

If other animals, like silver foxes, domesticate similarly to the way a dog evolves then why were dogs domesticated rather than a different species? The topic of dog domestication poses many unanswered questions. When and where did wolves first interact with humans? How did these two different species interact and why? Even with the species barrier, humans and wolves have a lot in common.

Why did they wander away from their pack? How far would they wander off to? A wolf pack has a basic social unit and it starts with the mated pair, or alpha male and female, then the pack consists of their offspring, and then their offspring going down the line. Wolves are generally committed, mated pairs typically remain together for life, unless one of them dies. Unmated females are uncommon, since, males often prevail in any wolf population.

Das, Darshana, and John Higgins. "Narwhal (mammal)." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 Dec. 2013. Web.