History Of The Dog

The wolf, for thousands of years, lived alongside but separate from humans, scavenging from human kills and skirting the camp carefully. Eventually - some 15,000 years ago - the two species drew together, and a relationship began. The "dog" evolved slowly but by 12,000 years ago was distinct from the wolf: smaller, more playful and obedient, with a different-shaped head and a shorter intestinal tract.

The dog was treated differently around the world and at different times. In ancient China, the dog was respected; in the Peoples' Republic of China, ownership of a pet dog means heavy fines (which doesn't stop the dog lovers!) In Islam the dog was declared "unclean" (and Arab culture still discourages dogs as pets).

Dog Origins: Where Do Dogs Come From?
It is widely believed that dogs originated over 17,000 years ago; recent DNA testing and closer fossil examination is suggesting that dogs originated as far as 150,000 years ago.