A brief story of the development of the Domestic Dog
The dog (Canis) is not ancient,
although dog like animals existed twenty million years ago. It is not thought
that the domesticated dog existed before the late Pleistocene Age. This makes
the existence of dogs no more than a million years.
There are five types of true dogs
These animals are similar and can interbreed with each other. They also are structurally the same, have similar dentition and similar cranial formation.
The Dingo is thought by some to be the sole ancestor of the domestic dog. Others feel it is a true domestic dog gone wild.
By the late Neolithic Age, true dogs (Canis familiaris) were completely domesticated.
The conquest of the dog by primitive man, was one of his greatest achievements. This allowed the subjugation of wild cattle and sheep, resulting in the production of meat, wool and leather.
The dog became man’s first animal servant.
As time went by, the dog advanced from a shy scavenger that followed man, to a crude alarm and guard dog. Eventually, the dog became a partially trained hunting dog that enjoyed some companionship with man.
For a few thousand years, man coaxed any dogs having fleetness of foot, and keen sight into helping him chase wild animals for meat and clothing by allowing them to participate in the kill. The dogs were given a part of the kill as a reward.
As time went by, slower dogs with a keener ability to sense smell, were selected and bred to track large game.
Other dogs showing the greatest of strength, were trained for guard and battle work.
As time went by, these varieties were catalogued, and much enlarged by the fourteenth century. The first kennel club was formed in 1873.There are now over 850 separate breeds and varieties that exist.
Did you know, that the star Sirius, is also called the Dog Star. The ancient Greeks noticed that in the middle of summer (July), the dog star and the sun were in the same place in the heavens. That's the reason "Dog Days" is referred to as the hottest time of the year
The most famous dog of all time, was Rin Tin Tin, the German Shepherd. His date and place of birth are unknown. He was found in a German Dugout in France during the 1st World War, by Captain Lee Duncan (U.S.A.F.) who adopted him. He was trained as a Police Dog, and had a distinguished war record, carrying out sentry, despatch, and general duties for the Red Cross. After the war his master trained him, and in 1923, he was in his first movie, called "Where the north begins". The film was immediately successful, helping Warner Brothers back on their feet after a series of financial setbacks. He went on to make over forty films. His popularity rivalled Fairbanks and Chaplin! By 1927, it was reported that he was earning 400 pounds (English) per week! In January 1931, there was international concern when it was reported the he was going to retire. Rin Tin Tin never retired. He died in America of old age, on the location for the serial "Pride of the Legion", in 1932.
N.B. There are several versions of the Rin Tin Tin Story. Above is the English Version which we believe is the most accurate.
Rin Tin Tin in "A Race for Life"
Argus, written by Homer (from the Odyssey)
Thus, near the gates conferring as they drew,
Argus, the dog, his ancient master knew;
He, not unconscious of the voice and tread,
Lifts to the sound his ear, and rears his head;
Bred by Ulysses, nourished at his board,
But ah! Not fated long to please his lord,
To him, his swiftness and his strength were vain;
The voice of glory called him o’er the main.
Till then in every sylvan chase renown’d,
With Argus, Argus, rang the woods around;
With him pursued the youth the goat or fawn,
Or trace the mazy leveret o’er the lawn;
Now left to man’s ingratitude he lay,
Unhoused, neglected in the public way.
He knew his lord – he knew, and strove to meet,
In vain he strove to crawl, and kiss his feet;
Yet (all he could) his tail, his ears, his eyes,
Salute his master and confess his joys.
Soft pity touch’d the mighty master’s soul,
Adown his cheek a tear unbidden stole.
His dog whom Fate had granted to behold,
His lord, when twenty tedious years had roll’d,
Takes a last look, and, having seen him, dies;
So closed forever faithful Argus’ eyes.