9781422274965

INTRODUCTION

The beagle was probably developed in the 16th century by crossings between the harrier and ancient English hounds. It is affectionate, clean, tranquil, and pleasing, with a harmonious voice.

T hey can be seen walking along our city parks, romping or tied in backyards, wandering stray in search of food, napping in our living rooms, begging at our tables—just about anywhere in society. In most places, they are known as the family dog, hav- ing become part of our families throughout the world. But it was not always so. If they are all dogs, why do they look so different, and where did they all come from? It is estimated that there are 150 million members of the canine population in the world, members of the family Canidae. Most of them are domestic dogs, members of the species Canis familiaris . Even among C. familiaris, there is great variability, resulting inmore than 300 breeds throughout the world— from the Great Dane at 150 pounds (67.5 kilograms) and 32 inches (80 centimeters) high (to the shoulder) to the Chihuahua at 1.5 pounds (0.68 kilogram) and 6 inches (15 centimeters) high. They also vary in function and other physical characteristics. Archaeologists have found evidence of dogs on Earth 25 to 30 million years ago. The creature called Cynodesmus evolved into a wolflike animal named Tomarctus, which evolved into the ancestor of the wolf, the jackal, the fox, the coyote, and all the canines. Let us examine the dog’s habits and history.

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