Dogs were first domesticated from wolves at least 17,000 years ago, but perh

Dogs were first domesticated from wolves at least 17,000 years ago, but perhaps as early as 150,000 years ago based upon recent genetic fossil and DNA evidence. In this time, the dog has developed into hundreds of breeds with a great degree of variation. For example, heights at the shoulder range from just a few inches to roughly three feet, and colors range from white to black, with reds, grays, and browns occurring in tremendous patterns.
    Dogs are highly social animals and this similarity in their overall behavioral system accounts for their trainability, playfulness, and ability to fit into human households and social situations. This has earned dogs a unique position in the realm of interspecies relationships. The loyalty and devotion that dogs demonstrate as a part of their natural instincts are thought to be reflections of the human idea of love and friendship, leading many dog owners to view their pets as full-fledged family members. Dogs seem to view their human companions as members of their pack, and make few distinctions between their owners and fellow dogs. Dogs play a variety of roles in society and are often trained as working dogs. For dogs that do not have traditional jobs, a wide range of dog sports provide the opportunity to exhibit their natural dog skills. In many countries, the most common and perhaps most important role of dogs is as a companion. Dogs have lived with and worked with humans in so many roles that their loyalty has earned them the unique praise of man’s best friend.