Dogs were possibly the first animals domesticated by humankind, perhaps as early as 12,000 BC. Despite the romantic tone generally given to stories of canine-human relations, all evidence suggests that the earliest dogs were not bred for hunting nor herding, and certainly not for companionship. They were simply a ready source of protein (and a very efficient source, dogmeat having the same amount of protein as--and less fat than--lean pork). The strongest evidence to support this claim is the hard fact that canine consumption has been common from antiquity in all parts of the world, from the Aztecs to the Romans, and it is still common in some areas today, most notably in South East Asia and parts of Africa, but also in the Americas, where people are likely to deny the practice due to its taboo nature in the West.

Domestication of animals involves, to a large degree, the stupification of the breed in question in order to make the creature easier to work with. Those of you with some knowledge of genetics are already aware of the complexities and dangers involved in modification of a species. For example, alteration of the gene that controls eye pigmentation may adversely and unexpectedly affect other genes, such as those that control bone density. This is why domesticated animals look so different from their wild cousins, and why some breeds are known to suffer specific maladies (e.g. Dachshunds are prone to back trouble and obesity, Retrievers are prone to hip dysplasia, and the Chinese Crested is prone to ugliness). It is not surprising, then, that as humans bred dogs to be more compliant and less crafty, the animals declined in stature as well as brains.

Once domestication of the dog was complete, humans began training and breeding for other purposes such as herding, hunting and companionship. The animal quickly became so ubiquitous that it earned the title "Man's best Friend", a phrase that is not peculiar to English, by the way, but is found in several languages. Different breeds became specialized to different tasks, and humans continued selective breeding for desirable traits such as affectionate demeanor, awkward shaped eyes and ease of transport in a handbag. This has produced a wealth of dog types with astounding variety in both features and personality. Let us examine some of these now.







Dog Haiku:
Today I sniffed
Many dog behinds -- I celebrate
By kissing your face.