This is the time of year that some people refer to as the dog days of summer. The days are long, hot, and humid. Some days you might not feel like doing anything but lie around like a big old dog all day. I'd say it would be a great time to think about dogs!

The dog has been our best friend for a long time. At first humans chose a wolf for a companion. It was the Mesolithic people who first began this relationship. Wolves were scavengers, feeding off the leftovers of the humans. The humans were happy because this took care of their garbage problem. As time went by humans began to enjoy the companionship and may have even raided wolves dens for pups that they could raise as pets.

People and wolves are alike in that they live in groups, cooperating in raising their young and getting food. Both wolves and people have organized communities and form strong bonds with their family. So when Mesolithic tribes raised the pups they learned that the human group was their pack.

The wolf pups thought of the people as their pack, and of the settlement as their territory. They were very protective around their dens, and would drive away intruders. These wolves were the very first watchdogs!

The humans found something else these new friends were good at. They were able to track food in dense forests with their good hearing, keen sense of smell, and running ability.

Do you have a pet dog? Do you see the similarities between your dog and the early pets of the Mesolithic tribes?

Let's take a closer looks at dogs.

What is a Wolf? - Learn how the wild wolves live.

Dog Breeds - 100 breeds, ranging from the world's smallest breed (the Chihuahua) to the tallest (the Irish Wolfhound).

Dog World -Online magazine for dog lovers and owners.

The Actual Dog Show - Have you ever wondered what actually happens at a dog show?

Police Dog Information and Training - Working dogs for law and order!

The Ghost Dog - A scary story for summer camp.

Previous Features