The World of Dogs

Domestic Dog, mammal generally considered to be
the first domesticated animal. This trusted work
partner and beloved pet learned to live with
humans more than 14,000 years ago. A direct
descendant of the wolves that once roamed Europe,
Asia, and North America, the domestic dog belongs
to the dog family, which includes wolves, coyotes,
foxes, and jackals. Dog ancestry has been traced
to small, civet-like mammals, called miacis, which
had short legs and a long body and lived
approximately 40 million years ago.

"Domestic Dog," Microsoft® Encarta® Encyclopedia
99. © 1993-1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights
reserved.

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