Canines Are Man's Best Friend

Dogs are thought to be descendants of wild wolves. Ancient male most likely brought home cub wolves to raise as family pets. One of the earliest recognized type of pets is the Salukis, which were reproduced by Egyptians thousands of years earlier as searching pet dogs.

Pets assisted to pull loads, herd cattle and sheep, and secure their master and the master's home. The Ancient Greeks developed small lap pets, which were meant to be held in a woman's lap to help keep her stomach warm. In more recent years, pets have been trained as seeing eye pets for the blind.

Today numerous pet dogs, such as the Poodle or Chihuahua, no longer look like the wolf. Other pets, such as the Siberian Husky and the German Shepherd still reveal a strong similarity to the wolf. The highest canines are Great Danes and the Irish Wolfhound.



In the United States, one out of 3 families owns one or more pet dogs. Most dogs live anywhere from 8 to fifteen years. When pets are one year old, they are as physically mature as a 15 year old human.

Despite which type of pet dog you choose- huge, little, smooth haired, shaggy, quick, slow, spirited or dignified, dogs make fantastic buddies. Enjoy their companionship and remember they need plenty of petting, love, and attention to be happy!