How long have dogs and human beings lived together? One accepted estimate, based upon the scientific dating of fossil findings from Russia, has been approximately 14,000 years. However, a study published in the Journal of Archeological Science last September may push that date back more than twice as far. Based on findings at a dig in Belgium, the authors of this study believe that they have identified “dogs” from 31,700 ago!
Today, there are almost 75 million dogs in the United States, according to the American Pet Products Association, more than twice as many as there are in any other country in the world. (Brazil is second.) The APPA’s 2007-2008 National Pet Owners Survey also reports that 44.8 million American households have at least one dog living either inside or elsewhere on the premises.
However far into the past new discoveries may extend the relationship betwen canines and human beings, in modern society dogs have performed, and continue to perform, a wide variety of roles. In the weeks and months to come, NCRC will use this part of our site to describe the range of the work that dogs do, their role in our recreations, their practicality in service assistance, their emerging theraputic benefit both to individuals and in institutions, as well as the demonstrated emotional and physical benefits of canine companionship.
Please visit often.
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National Canine Research Council