Dog

According to genetic studies the Akita is one of the oldest breeds of dog.

Dogs, are a subspecies of 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 also viewed as being the single most genetically diverse species on Earth - largely thanks to human-imposed selective breeding, the vast array of dog breeds surpasses any other any other creature on the planet.

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. 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.

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 Americas brought dogs of some sort with them.

Dogs are used for many purposes:

• Guarding property and livestock.
• Herding sheep and cattle.
• Tracking by scent, carrying messages, and mountain rescue.
• Pursuing, flushing and retrieving game, and killing vermin.
• 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 tanks.
• To detect illegal drugs (German Shepherds are commonly trained to do so by police)
• 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.
• 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.