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Line 1: − '''Dogs''', colloquially known as "man's best friend", are a subspecies of [[wolf|wolves]] (given the scientific name Canis lupus familiaris), divided into a multitude of different breeds all capable of interbreeding (though in some cases, physical relations between representatives of two breeds are unlikely or problematic - Chihuahuas and Great Danes, for example). They are one of the most well-known domesticated species, with archaeological and historical records showing that they have lived in a mutually beneficial relationship with humans for upwards of ten thousand years; in Biblical times, they had already been coexisting with humans long enough for it to be regarded as the natural order of things.+ − It is likely, based on genetic evidence, that the oldest breeds of dog originate in [[Asia]], and that thus the domestic dog originated there; similar research has shown that it is probable that the first settlers of the [[America]]s brought dogs of some sort with them.+ − + + + + + − − − − − − − + + − And historically,+ − * For fighting, now illegal in most places. − − *As food. Dog is still considered a delicacy in [[China]], [[Korea]] and parts of [[Africa]] today. − Today most dogs are kept for companionship only. Stray and feral dogs cause many problems, spreading diseases such as [[rabies]], and attacking people and livestock. − +
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[[Image:akitadog.jpg|thumb|right|According to genetic studies the Akita is one of the oldest breeds of dog.]]
'''Dogs''', are a subspecies of [[wolf|wolves]] (given the scientific name Canis lupus familiaris), divided into a multitude of different breeds all capable of interbreeding (though in some cases, physical relations between representatives of two breeds are unlikely or problematic - Chihuahuas and Great Danes, for example). They are one of the most well-known domesticated species, with archaeological and historical records showing that they have lived in a mutually beneficial relationship with humans for upwards of ten thousand years; in Biblical times, they had already been coexisting with humans long enough for it to be regarded as the natural order of things.
Dogs are used for many purposes
Despite being colloquially known as "man's best friend", every 40 seconds, someone in the United States seeks medical help for a dog bite. There are approximately 800,000 bites per year in the United States that require medical attention.<ref>http://www.dogbitelaw.com/PAGES/statistics.html</ref> Due to the high cost of dog bite liability claims, some [[insurance]] companies have blacklisted certain breeds and refuse to provide homeowners insurance to those who own these dog breeds. <ref>[[http://www.dogbitelegalcenter.com/resources/common-dogs.html]]</ref>
It is likely, based on genetic evidence, that the oldest breeds of dog originate in [[Asia]], and that thus the domestic dog originated there; similar research has shown that it is probable that the first settlers of the [[America]]s brought dogs of some sort with them.
Dogs are used for many purposes:
*Guarding property and livestock.
*Guarding property and livestock.
*Herding [[sheep]] and [[cow|cattle]].
*Herding [[sheep]] and [[cow|cattle]].
*Tracking by scent, carrying messages, and mountain rescue.
*Tracking by scent, carrying messages, and mountain rescue.
*Pursuing, flushing and retrieving game, and killing [[vermin]].
*Pursuing, flushing and retrieving game, and killing [[vermin]].
*Providing assistance to blind and deaf people.
*Providing assistance to blind and deaf people.
*Military and police duties including guarding, tracking and attacking. In [[World War II]], the [[Soviet Union]] attempted to train dogs to place explosive charges under German [[tank]]s.
*Military and police duties including guarding, tracking and attacking. In [[World War II]], the [[Soviet Union]] attempted to train dogs to place explosive charges under German [[tank]]s.
*As a beast of burden, or for drawing sledges and dogcarts.
*As a beast of burden, or for drawing sledges and dogcarts.
* As a performing animal. [[Circus]] dogs have been trained to dance, ride bicycles and walk the tightrope.
* As a performing animal. [[Circus]] dogs have been trained to dance, ride bicycles and walk the tightrope.
* For fighting, now illegal in most places.
*As food. Dog is still considered a delicacy in [[China]], [[Korea]] and parts of [[Africa]] today.
Today most dogs are kept for companionship only. Stray and feral dogs cause many problems, spreading diseases such as [[rabies]], and attacking people and [[livestock]].
[[Category:Canines]]
[[Category:Canines]]
[[Category:Mammals]]
[[Category:Dangerous animals]]