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Dog Ancestry Table of Contents
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Back to TopPanelontologists... ?Paleontologists and archaeologists have determined that about 60 million years ago a small mammal, rather like a weasel, lived in the environs of what are now parts of Asia. It is called miacis, the genus that became the ancestor of the animals known today as canids: dogs, jackals, wolves, and foxes. Miacis did not leave direct descendants, but doglike canids evolved from it. By about 30 to 40 million years ago Miacis had evolved into the first true dog--namely, Cynodictis. This was a medium-size animal, longer than it was tall, with a long tail and a fairly brushy coat. Over the millennia Cynodictis gave rise to two branches, one in Africa and the other in Eurasia. The Eurasian branch was called Tomarctus and is the progenitor of wolves, dogs, and foxes. It is believed that the early dogs dating from about 12,000 to 14,000 years ago came from a small strain of gray wolf that inhabited what is now India. Thereafter, this wolf--known as Canis lupus pallipes--was widely distributed throughout Europe, Asia, and North America. It is also possible that some of the dogs of today descended not from the wolf but rather from the jackal. These dogs, found in Africa, might have given rise to some of the present native African breeds. No matter what their origins, all canids have certain common characteristics. They are mammals that bear live young. The females have mammary glands, and they suckle their offspring. The early breeds had erect ears and pointed or wedge-shaped muzzles, similar to the northern breeds common today. Most of the carnivores have similar dental structures, which is one way paleontologists have been able to identify them. They develop two sets of teeth, deciduous ("baby") teeth and permanent teeth. Canids walk on their toes, in contrast to an animal like the bear, which is flat-footed and walks on its heels. Dogs, like most mammals, have body hair and are homeothermic--that is to say, they have an internal thermostat that permits them to maintain their body temperature at a constant level despite the outside temperature. Fossil remains suggest that five distinct types of dogs existed by the beginning of the Bronze Age (about 4500 BC). They were the mastiffs, wolf-type dogs, sight hounds (such as the Saluki or greyhound), pointing dogs, and herding dogs. Domestication It is uncertain when the first dog became a companion of humans, but it is likely that wild canids were scavengers near tribal campsites at the same time that ancient humans discovered a hunting partner in the animals that ventured close by. In ancient Egypt dogs were thought to possess godlike characteristics. They were pampered by their own servants, outfitted with jeweled collars, and fed the choicest diet. Only royalty was permitted <!--index favorite-->to own purebred dogs, and upon the death of a ruler his favorite dog was often interred with him to protect him from harm in the afterlife. Illustrations of dogs dating from the Bronze Age have been found on walls, tombs, and scrolls throughout Europe, the Middle East, and North America. Often the dogs are depicted hunting game with their human counterparts. Statues of dogs guard the entrances to burial crypts. In many cases these dogs clearly resemble modern canines. Such relics are indelible testimony to the importance that humans have given to the dog throughout the ages. General characteristics Dogs come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. It is difficult to imagine that a large Great Dane and a tiny poodle are of the same species, but they are genetically identical with the same anatomic features. All dogs have 78 chromosomes, or 39 pairs of chromosomes (humans have 23 pairs), and one member of each pair comes from each parent. The normal temperature (rectal) of an adult dog is 100-102.5º F. Finding your best friend.... Acquiring a dog is a major decision, because the dog becomes totally dependent on its owner for its care and welfare. This responsibility continues throughout the life of the dog. Thus, the initial decision should be based on a serious consideration of whether one's lifestyle truly lends itself to owning a dog--that is, whether a dog would be an asset rather than a liability. Best type of dog for you....
Exercise... All dogs need exercise, some more than others. Achieving good health and sound temperament demands that dogs be given the opportunity for regular stimulating exercise. Puppies should be allowed to run at will without restraint and without being pushed beyond their limits. As dogs mature, jogging or walking on a lead can be introduced, but any forced exercise should be withheld until the dog is fully grown. The most common cause <!--index behavior-->of a dog's destructive behavior in the house is lack of exercise. Behavioral problems such as tail chasing, chewing, and excessive barking and whining can in most cases be traced to confinement for long periods of time without respite. The ability to provide adequate exercise is one of the most important considerations that prospective dog owners must face before acquiring a puppy. Exercise, however, does not mean allowing the dog to run at large. Dogs ought to be supervised at all times when outside: they either should be accompanied by owners using a lead or have a securely fenced area in which to play. The term companion animal means that dogs need company. They are happiest when allowed to be an integral part of the household. Puppies thrive and learn when they are included in the household routine at an early age. Training becomes easier when the unique bond between human and dog is strengthened from the beginning.
Back to TopDog Years... ?DOG YEAR'S
Dog
Years Compared To Human Years 5 months 10 years 8 months 13 years 10 months 14 years 12 months 15 years 18 months 20 years 2 years 24 years 3 years 28 years 4 years 32 years 5 years 36 years 6 years 40 years 7 years 44 years 8 years 48 years
9 years 52 years 10 years 56 years 11 years 60 years 12 years 64 years 13 years 68 years 14 years 72 years 15 years 76 years 16 years 80 years 17 years 84 years 18 years 88 years 19 years 92 years 20 years 96 years 21 years 100 years
Back to TopOverheating.. ?Overheating It is only common sense to avoid hot places. Just as a human can suffer from heat, your dog can also become sick or even die. Always provide a source of drinking water. Make sure it is fresh and cool. Remember, dehydration can occur with dogs just like with humans. Your dog gets rid of heat through panting, or through the pads of its feet. Also - if you leave water in a bowl, consider a spill proof bowl. Make sure there is a good source of ventilation (moving air), shade, and a place where they can cool off. If your dog is in a pen, consider purchasing a fan, There are sun covers also available to provide shade without sacrificing ventilation. There are also products named as "cool mats" or similar which are designed to hold water for a long time without spillage and provide a cool resting place. These have even been used in cars as the mat in a crate, etc. Avoid strong exercise in the warmest part of the day. Early morning or evenings are the best time. Limit the time according to the temperature. Never leave a dog in a parked car. The temperatures can reach over 150 F (66 C). Heat stroke, or death can result. It is a common error to believe that leaving a window partly open will eliminate problems with heat. Other travel may require special precautions. If flying, make sure your flight is direct. Dogs have been injured by being held in baggage compartments on hot runways (sometimes with ventilation cut off while the plane is parked). If traveling in a car, make sure you are prepared for feeding a water (and an occasional break for potty and exercise). Watch out for your dog's safety, allowing them to stick their head out the window (wind, dust and particles blowing in their face) can result in eye or nose damage or even swallowing something that may block their windpipe. Also, remember that your dog can get injured in car accidents just like a human. Most experts suggest having them ride in a crate or using a dog body harness. Never let them ride in the open back area of a truck If you leave your pet at home, make sure someone is there to supervise him and provide him with his needs. Consider using day pet care, or boarding kennel for longer trips. Outside might not be a good idea if left alone - not only is hot weather a concern, but also summer storms can be dangerous or cause anxiety. The common signs of heat stroke are:
If any of these occur you should seek veterinary assistance immediately. But you should first cool the dog by using cold water, either with towels soaked in cool (not cold) water, using a hose, or even a cool bath. Make sure there is plenty of ventilation. Ice packs or cool towels can be applied to the dogs chest, neck and head areas (only). you can give them sips of cool water or a few licks on ice cubes. A trip to the vet could save your dog's life. Avoid walking or leaving your dog on hot surfaces such as sidewalks, asphalt or sand. These tend to reflect heat, and also may burn the paws. Not all dogs are swimmers - make sure you supervise your dog if near a lake. Also remember that your dog may drink dirty water and become ill from parasites or other undesirable contaminants. Drinking sea water (salt water) can be deadly in quantity. Some lakes and most pools are treated with chemicals - this is not a good place to get a quick drink. Dogs can get sunburn just like humans. Use sunscreen, There are products available for dogs, but a good hypoallergenic product can be used on noses and other exposed areas. You may also wish to consider products for the coat which protect from harmful UV exposure (and they will prevent damage to the coat as well). Summer is the season for insects. Protect against flees, ticks and heart worm. Consult your veterinarian for recommendations in your area. Warm weather also brings on allergies from pollen, grass weeds and fleas, etc. If your dog is chewing on himself, consult with a veterinarian. Careful of what dogs might drink - antifreeze can poison your dog and a little puddle might be tempting to drink (it tastes sweet and seems to attract dogs) Use common sense.
Back to TopThe Problem With Teacup Puppies... ?
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