The origin and history of the dog

The domestic dog is an adaptable carnivorous mammal belonging to the Canidae family. It was the first animal to be domesticated by humans and remains a faithful companion to us today, aiding us in various situations.

Biological classification:

Domain: Eukarya

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Mammalia

Order: Carnivora

Family: Canidae

Genus: Canis

Species: Canis Lupus

Subspecies: Canis lupus familiaris

The biological classification of the domestic dog

Canis lupus familiaris, the domesticated dog, is listed as one of thirty-nine subspecies of Canis Lupus (the Grey Wolf). Other subspecies include animals such as the closely related Dingo and the Eurasian Wolf, which is the nominate subspecies.

Whilst many people are of the impression that dogs were directly domesticated from wolves, this theory has been under speculation for some time now. It is becoming more widely believed that domestic dogs may have descended from a common ancestor of both wolves and dogs, which is now extinct, but not from wolves themselves; this theory has been backed by fossil evidence and genome research, which gave evidence to suggest that dogs are more closely linked genetically with each other, rather than with wolves. In a large study conducted on genomes of domesticated dogs and wolves, there was no evidence to suggest that dogs are linked to today’s living wolves at all. Although there is a ‘genetic overlap’ of sorts between wolves and dogs, this theory suggests that this is due to interbreeding after the domestication of the dog had already begun.

An interpretation of a domesticated dog ancestry theory

The early roles of dogs have been assumed to have been of mutual benefit to dogs and humans; dogs gained easy food sources and shelter, while humans gained protection, warmth and hunting assistance. In today’s society, dogs are still used to aid humans, but they are also commonly used as companion and family dogs.

An example of a working dog

Domesticated dogs are the most varied domestic animal in relation to size, shape and behaviour; through selective breeding in recent evolutionary history, dogs have evolved to perform specific functions alongside humans, separating them into the breeds that we see today. These functions include and are not limited to: Hunting, gathering, protection, herding, search and rescue and companionship. Dog breeds are separated into groups to fit their breeding purpose; the UK Kennel Club recognises seven groups, which are:

• Gundogs – hunting dogs, including breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, English Springer Spaniels, Irish Setters and Weimeraners.
  

• Hounds – mostly hunting dogs, including breeds such as Beagles, Bloodhounds, Basenjis, Dachshunds (all types) and Greyhounds.
  

• Pastoral – dogs bred to work alongside livestock, including breeds such as Border Collies, Samoyeds, German Shepherd Dogs, Shetland Sheepdogs and Belgian Shepherd Dogs.
  

• Terriers – originally bred for vermin control, including breeds such as Parson Russell Terriers (not Jack Russell Terriers), West Highland White Terriers, Fox Terriers (smooth and rough), Border Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
  

• Toys – mostly originally bred as lapdogs or smaller dogs, including breeds such as Chihuahuas, King Charles Spaniels, Pugs, Yorkshire Terriers and Bichon Frisés.  
  

• Working – dogs bred for direct work with people, like search and rescue and guarding, including breeds such as Boxers, Dogue de Bordeaux, Siberian Huskies, Mastiffs and St. Bernards.
  

• Utility – miscellaneous dog breeds, including breeds such as Bulldogs, Poodles (Toy, Miniature and Standard), Schnauzers (Miniature and Standard), Chow Chows and Akitas.
  

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