Table of Contents
In the beginning, there was the wolf
Most Scientists believe that dogs are descendants of wolves, this is pretty wide and common knowledge, but WHEN they became domesticated is much more complicated. Somewhere between 20,000 and 40,000 years, dogs were tame and working alongside humans. The wolf remained a wild animal while the dog became the first domesticated animal.
Dogs: Status Symbol
In the 15th Century, dogs became popular with the wealthy as status symbols. Many portraits at the time contained photos with dogs. It is likely there were many dogs that were used as companions and working animals to the common man as well.
More and more dogs
By the 19th Century, Selective Breeding became popular and the world was beginning to see many new breeds of dogs. Not only were dogs bred for looks, they were bred for function and temperament as well. The middle of the 19th Century introduced us to the very first dog show. The first dog show was the Westminster dog Show in New York in 1877 and there were 35 breed entries. In 2020, 204 dog breeds were allowed to enter the show. With just over 300 breeds of dogs, the dog is the most diverse animal on earth!
Dogs – a woman’s best friend
Regardless if you have a purebred dog or just a garden variety mutt, I am sure you will join me in singing praises to my favorite animal of all time, the domestic dog. Even though we may not be sure who or even when the dog was domesticated, I am sure we are all grateful for this amazing and remarkable animal!
Wags and Wiggles:
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