Things You Should Know About Dog Part 7

Dogs were probably first tamed by humans around 12,000 years ago during the last ice age. These first "pet" dogs were probably bred from wild wolves and dogs. They may have been used to hunt, or to scare off more dangerous wild animals, such as bears. Dog were also used as protection on log journeys.

Ancient Egiptians had their dogs mummified so they could accompany them into the next life. Dogs were prized as pets by egyptians, but they also worked as guard dogs or hunters. Their proud owners gave them leather collars and names such as "Blacky" or "Brave One".

Dogs have ben treate like goods and used in worship. Statues of lion-like dogs are often placed outside temples in the far east, where they are believed to stand guard and protect the building from evil spirits.

About 300 years ago the Japanese ruler Tokugawa Tsunayoshi changed the law to protect dogs. He was so fond of this canine friends he decred that any person who mistreated, or even ignored, a dog could be put to death. In one month alone, more than 300 people were executed as a result.

The romans bred huge, vicious dogs, called Molossians, to fight in battles. These 'dog of war' were similar to modern Rottweilers and, according to legend, Alexander the Great (a hero of the ancient world) owned one beast that fought and killed an elephant and a lion. Romans also set up fights between dogs and slaves.

Dogs helped to protect travellers. Highwaymen used to hold up horse-drawn carriages and rob the people travelling in them. Dogs were trained to run alongside the carriages, and attack or frighten the highwaymen.