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 dog-like creature from 31,700 ago!
Scientists believe that dog domestication and human settlement occurred simultaneously. If so, it is reasonable to suppose that dogs had an impact on the structure and development of human society. . . and on institutions that exist in our society today. For instance, our notions of inheritance and ownership may have arisen first in connection with a value placed on dogs, because of their important role as sentries in early human communities.
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.
Whatever the new discoveries in genetics and archeology about the origins of the relationship betwen canines and human beings, as they journeyed with us on the path toward civilization, dogs became much more than sentries. NCRC will use this part of our site to describe the range of work that dogs do in the world of today: their role in our recreations, their practicality in service assistance, their emerging theraputic benefit both to individuals and in institutions, as well as the important emotional and physical benefits of canine companionship.
Please visit often.
***
On the grounds of her estate The Mount in Lenox, Massachusetts, author Edith Wharton established a pet cemetery for her companion dogs. The cemetery was visible from her house, and can still be seen today. (Photo by David Dashiell)
National Canine Research Council