Fascinating Facts – Where Do Dogs Come From?

It seems most likely that our domestic dog is evolved from the wolf and that the process started around 14,000 years ago. Why? We can only guess. Maybe the wolf decided that it was in his best interests to come closer to human encampments, where he would have access to leftovers and remains.

Maybe man decided that it was good to have the wolves around, as security from other predators. Wolves could run faster than man, so teamwork between dog and man meant increased efficiency in hunting. Both benefited from this alliance, and early man developed his own breeding programme. Nervous, aggressive or independent wolves would not be selected as breeding stock. The friendliest puppies were chosen and protected, and man’s association with the dog began.

Through recent studies with foxes, it has been found that breeding for behavioural traits also affects physical characteristics. After a few generations of selective breeding, the foxes were retaining their juvenile characteristics, such as a domed head and big eyes. As we have strongly influenced the breeding of dogs through many generations, we have made substantial alterations from the basic model of the wolf, It is these changes that have enabled the dog to become the successful pet that he is today.

Physically, we have changed the wolf to suit our purposes. When looking at a German Shepherd Dog or Siberian Husky we can see some similarities, but compare the Dachshund, the Old English Sheepdog or the Great Dane and it is hard to find many resemblances. Some of the changes include:

Eye colour: many wolves have striking light-coloured eyes. ‘When a wolf looks at you, you know about it. Most dogs have brown eyes.

Noise: wolves rarely bark hut barking is one of the features that humans have selected to communicate with each other. Domestic dogs tend to howl less, but they have a whole range of other vocalizations, including barking and whining.

Contrary to popular opinion, wolves are not highly aggressive towards each other. A stable pack exists around a well defined hierarchy which allows the wolves to cooperate with each other. It would not be in the best interests of the pack for members to harm, each other.

Should I allow my siberian huskies to be able to come inside the house?

I would like to allow my siberian huskies inside my house but I am worried about them spreading us diseases, parasites, and other health problems… is this something I should worry about?
I have 3-4 month old puppies and currently following up on their vaccinations but my mom just wants to be sure we wont catch any illnesses from them..

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