Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) are domesticated mammals, not natural wild animals. They were originally bred from wolves. They have been bred by humans for a long time, and were the first animals ever to be domesticated. There are different studies that suggest that this happened between 15.000 and 100.000 years before our time. The dingo is also a dog, but many dingos have become wild animals again and live independently of humans in the range where they occur (parts of Australia).
Today, some dogs are used as pets, others are used to help humans do their work. They are a popular pet because they are usually playful, friendly, loyal and listen to humans. Thirty million dogs in the United States are registered as pets.[5] Dogs eat both meat and vegetables, often mixed together and sold in stores as dog food. Dogs often have jobs, including as police dogs, army dogs, assistance dogs, fire dogs, messenger dogs, hunting dogs, herding dogs, or rescue dogs.
They are sometimes called "canines" from the Latin word for dog - canis. Sometimes people also use "dog" to describe other canids, such as wolves. A baby dog is called a pup or puppy. A dog is called a puppy until it is about one year old.[6]
Dogs are sometimes referred to as "man's best friend" because they are kept as domestic pets and are usually loyal and like being around humans. Dogs like to be petted, but only when they can first see the petter's hand before petting; one should never pet a dog from behind.
Appearance and behaviour
Dogs have four legs and make a "bark," "woof," or "arf" sound. Dogs often chase cats, and most dogs will fetch a ball or stick.
Dogs can smell and hear better than humans, but cannot see well in color because they are color blind. Due to the anatomy of the eye, dogs can see better in dim light than humans. They also have a wider field of vision.
Like wolves, wild dogs travel in groups called packs. Packs of dogs are ordered by rank, and dogs with low rank will submit to other dogs with higher rank. The highest ranked dog is called the alpha male. A dog in a group helps and cares for others. Domesticated dogs often view their owner as the alpha male.
Dogs have been with humans since prehistoric times. The ancient Egyptians thought dogs were holy. The ancient Romans kept watchdogs. In the palaces of ancient China, people kept small dogs in the sleeves of their robes.
Over the years, people developed different breeds of dog for different purposes. Toy dogs, including the poodle and the pug, were meant to be pets. Other dogs were meant to do certain jobs. The cocker spaniel and other sporting dogs helped people to hunt birds. The beagle and other hounds hunted animals. The Siberian husky pulled sleds. Sheepdogs herded farm animals. Terriers caught rodents. Some of these dogs are now mainly pets. Others still do their traditional jobs.
Working dogs do many other jobs today. Some sniff bags in search of explosives or drugs. Others track missing people. Guide dogs help blind people to get around.
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