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Dogs - History of Dogs - Types of Dogs

The dog is part of the family Canis, a number of similar animals that include wild hunting dogs like the African hunting dog and Australian Dingo. Coyotes, Foxes, Jackals and Wolves that share common characteristics. Any of these wild dogs have been claimed as the domestic dog's wild ancestor but in truth the exact origins of the dog and domestication history of the dog are really uncertain.

Many archaeologists and paleontologists have agreed that the prehistoric Miacis, a large weasel-like animal, is the ancestor of the canids as well as other families such as bears, cats, civets, hyenas and raccoons. From the Miacis evolved the Cynodictis, a nearly dog-like animal from which later evolved the dog family.

Canids share many common genetic characteristics - they all bear live young, have similar (canine) dental structures and walk on their toe pads rather than the soles of their feet. Canids are also homeothermic which means they are able to maintain their body temperature fairly constant.

The natural hunting instincts of the dog has been utilised by man over the years to hunt a variety of prey. Hunting dogs were developed by man to suit their hunting environments. Different groups of dogs became different dog breeds. Gaze Hounds were an early group of dogs developed. These dogs were used to spot prey from a distance and then to sprint swiftly and silently to run down prey in open, treeless terrain.

Then came such dog breeds as the Afghan, Greyhound and Saluki. Scent Hounds with an exceptional sense of smell were developed in Europe . These dogs were not bred for speed but stamina. They were used to scent track prey over long periods of time. From this group dog breeds such as the Basset, Blood, Elk and Otter hounds developed. In Britain terrier dogs were developed to hunt burrowing prey and to control vermin. These dogs needed to be energetic and spirited. Most breeds of terrier are descended from the extinct Old English Black and Tan Terrier and the White English Terrier.

Over the decades two distinct types of terrier have developed: small earth terriers with short legs who would go to ground after badgers, foxes and rabbits and the larger terriers for hunting otters, water rats and wildlife that lived near rivers and around farms. With the invention of the gun, Gundogs with sensitive noses were developed to indicate the location and flush out prey. After the event retrieve the prey without damaging it any further. To this end pointers and retrievers were developed.

Although hunting was mainly responsible for the original development of dogs, they were also used to protect and work with other domesticated animals kept by man. Guard dogs and herding dogs were developed along with burden, guide and rescue dogs. Not forgetting the toy dogs developed as companions.

For further information and dog registration you can contact The Kennel Club online here