Dog
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==History of canine domestication by man== | ==History of canine domestication by man== | ||
| − | Modern dogs are generally believed to have genetically diverged from their wolf ancestors roughly 15,000 years ago. It is not known whether this was a result of humans actively domesticating the wolf, or rather the result of evolutionary pressure that favored canines who were less frightened by, and therefore more willing to approach, humans. | + | Modern dogs are generally believed to have genetically diverged from their wolf ancestors roughly 15,000 years ago. It is not known whether this was a result of humans actively domesticating the wolf, or rather the result of evolutionary pressure that favored canines who were less frightened by, and therefore more willing to approach, humans. In any event, the relationship between dogs and humans greatly improved the chances of survival for both species. |
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| − | In any event, the relationship between dogs and humans greatly improved the chances of survival for both species. | + | |
Over time, the selective breeding of canines by man has resulted in the many different breeds of dog that we know today. | Over time, the selective breeding of canines by man has resulted in the many different breeds of dog that we know today. | ||
Revision as of 03:28, 14 May 2010
The domestic dog (canis lupus familiaris) is the most widely kept companion animal in human history. Dogs are commonly referred to as "man's best friend," due to their versatility and their loyal nature.
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History of canine domestication by man
Modern dogs are generally believed to have genetically diverged from their wolf ancestors roughly 15,000 years ago. It is not known whether this was a result of humans actively domesticating the wolf, or rather the result of evolutionary pressure that favored canines who were less frightened by, and therefore more willing to approach, humans. In any event, the relationship between dogs and humans greatly improved the chances of survival for both species.
Over time, the selective breeding of canines by man has resulted in the many different breeds of dog that we know today.
Dogs, wolves, coyotes and dingos are currently regarded as all being the same species.
Misconceptions
Some people have asserted that the fact that there are so many different breeds of dogs is somehow proof of creationism.img
Dogs versus cats
Dogs are believed by some to make way better pets than cats. The main reason for this is, well, suppose you were to die unexpectedly in your own house. Your dog will sit by your body and mourn your death, and he will likely stay there until he starves if no one intervenes. Your cat will start to feed upon your carcass after a day or two with no intervention. Think about that shit.
Speaking of shit, dogs also have the ability to learn to poop outside, while choosing to own a cat will usually involve a willingness to keep at least one box of scat in your house.
Practical uses for dogs
- Killing vermin
- Guarding property and livestock
- Herding livestock
- Providing assistance to the handicapped
- Rescue operations
- Detecting explosives, drugs, and cadavers for law enforcement
- Carrying messages
- Beasts of burden
- Tracking by scent
- Pursuing and retrieving game for hunters
- Transportation (such as dog sleds)
- Providing warmth on cold nights while camping (also known as "spooning")
Practical uses for cats
- Killing vermin
Famous dogs
- Argos, the faithful dog of Odysseus
- Cerberus, the three-headed hound of Hades
- Goofy
- Hooch
- Lassie
- Scooby-Doo
- Brian
