The History of the Dog

1. The History of the Dog From Miacis to Fido And Everything in Between

2. 40 or 50 Million Years Ago • Believed to be the ancestor of the entire dog family • Probably arboreal • Carnivorous • Spawned two descendants, Daphaenus and Hesperocyon

3. 35 Million Years Ago • Hesperocyon • Began to hunt on the ground • Temnocyon and Cynodesmus evolved, eventually becoming African and American dogs and wild dogs • Tomarctus was another descendent

4. 7 Million Years Ago • Tomarctus is considered the father of modern dogs • Built for speed and endurance • An efficient hunter • Modern dogs retain similar anatomy

5. Modern Day • Four major lines of dogs – herd, hounds and terriers, Northern and toy, and guard dogs • Seven major groups – sporting, nonsporting, working, toy, hound, terriers, and herding

6. Modern Day • American Kennel Club recognizes 129 breeds • Over 400 breeds have been bred • All breeds fit into the seven major groups