Dogs (Canis Lupus Familiaris) are the oldest of all domesticated animals. Although it is difficult to trace when they first came to be known as “man’s best friend”, there are speculations that they may have descended from “Tomarctus“, an ancient wolf-like creature that existed 15 Million years ago. Stone Age men first used dogs as trackers during hunts but the first documented “true” breed is the Saluki by the Egyptians. However, the modern domesticated breed is a sub-species of the Gray Wolf (Canis Lupus).
Here are some interesting dog trivia that Bantay would like to share with you:
– St.Bernards were originally trained as watch dogs and pack animals by the monks of St.Bernard hospice. They were later used for rescue missions in Great St. Bernard Pass that connects Italy and Switzerland.
– Daschunds were first trained to hunt badgers (originally called Dacks Kriecher or Badger Crawler). There are theories however that they may have been first bred in Ancient Egypt as depicted by hieroglyphs. A recent finding by the American University in Cairo revealed daschund-like mummified dogs that supports the claim.
– Dalmatians hailed from the Dalmatia region of Croatia. With their excellent hunting instincts, they are primarily bred as “dogs of war” and were assigned to guard the borders of the region.
– Poodles are considered to be one of the most intelligent dog breeds. They were originally bred as retrievers or “gun dogs.” They are especially good in retrieving ducks and other water-fowls during duck hunts hence their name’s connection to puddles.
– Golden Retrievers are also “gun-dogs” first developed in Scotland in the 1800s. Hunters that time eventually required expert “gun-dogs” since technological advancements in guns enabled hunters to shoot water-fowl from a longer distance.
-Bloodhounds according to legend originated from St.Hubert Monastery in Belgium way back 1000 AD! By the way, Mickey Mouse’s pet Pluto is a Bloodhound.
-Siberian Huskies (the author’s personal favorite) originally descended from the line of “sled dogs,” one of the oldest breeds in the world as confirmed by DNA tests. The name “husky” is said to be a corruption of the word “Eskie,” a short European term for Eskimos and Inuits.
Jeri Reyes
BizDev/Online Admin
Inquirer Publications Inc.