Dogs, Egypt, And Anubis

Archeological studies indicate there were at least 12 dog breeds in ancient Egypt. 

Much of the history of dogs isn’t written down, and we can only surmise how dogs were domesticated. There are various theories, but no way to prove them one way or another. 

Dogs and people fit together. That is clear. Across the world, humans have had some kind of relationship with dogs. You even find buried pets, sometimes alongside a human. 

Dogs are intensely interested in what we do, what we do with them, and any opportunities to learn. A good portion of the wolf has been taken out of our dogs. That isn’t a bad thing. You wouldn’t want to own a wolf. 

I’m reminded of something my grandfather taught me. He had a pet raccoon as a kid. He said they made great pets, until they got about a year old. Then they became nasty. Having a wild animal as a pet isn’t the same as owning a domesticated animal for any purpose. 

I also am now thinking of the ongoing Russian domestication experiment on foxes. They interbred the most social foxes over decades. They now mostly look like a Border Collie and act mostly like a pet dog. Unfortunately, all that inbreeding has resulted in numerous health problems, something that isn’t talked about all that much. It is worth reading the National Geographic magazine article. 

To me, dogs are endlessly fascinating. And in many ways, there is nothing new under the sun. Ancient Egyptians liked and used their dogs, and even worshipped Anubis, a man with the head of a Jackal. Just 60 years ago, before genetic testing, scientists were speculating the origin of the dog, whether it was from a wolf or jackal heritage, or a combination of both. It is possible that jackals were interbred along the way to create the domestic dog. 

We like dogs. Hopefully no one worships them. 

Do you like to read? Go down the rabbit hole that is about the history of dogs. You’ll find it an interesting adventure.