The History of the Dog From Miacis to Fido And Everything in Between

40 or 50 Million Years Ago Believed to be the ancestor of the entire dog family Probably arboreal Carnivorous Spawned two descendants, Daphaenus and Hesperocyon

35 Million Years Ago Hesperocyon Began to hunt on the ground Temnocyon and Cynodesmus evolved, eventually becoming African and American dogs and wild dogs Tomarctus was another descendent

7 Million Years Ago Tomarctus is considered the father of modern dogs Built for speed and endurance An efficient hunter Modern dogs retain similar anatomy

Modern Day Four major lines of dogs – herd, hounds and terriers, Northern and toy, and guard dogs Seven major groups – sporting, nonsporting, working, toy, hound, terriers, and herding

Modern Day American Kennel Club recognizes 129 breeds Over 400 breeds have been bred All breeds fit into the seven major groups