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About 60 million years ago a small mammal called Miacis, much like a weasel, lived in the area that’s now called Asia. It was the ancestor of the canids or the family of animals known today as dogs, jackals, wolves, and foxes.

Around 30 to 40 million years ago, Miacis evolved into the “real” dog, the Cynodictis, which was a medium-size animal with a long tail and a bushy coat. Millions of years later, it evolved into wolves, dogs, and foxes.

Today, dogs are called a human’s best friend. That’s because they are intelligent and loving, and love to be loved! Dogs need company and are happiest when they are a part of the family. Puppies grow well when they are included in the home routine, and training becomes much easier when there is a bond of love between you and your puppy. Getting yourself a pet dog is an important decision because your dog becomes totally dependent on you for its care and welfare — not just when it’s a puppy, but throughout its life.

Did you know that after the first year of life, a dog’s year is equivalent to 16 human years? After two years, they are 24 years old, at 3 years they are 30 years old, and each year thereafter, you must add 5 human years to determine a dog’s age!

The only dog in the world that doesn’t bark is the Basenji, an African wolf dog (though it does “yodel”). Do you know that a Greyhound can reach a sprinting speed of up to 45 miles per hour, and Dalmatian puppies are pure white when they are new born? Some of the more popular dogs for pets are the Beagle, the Golden Retriever, Yorkshire terrier and Chihuahuas. Although many people want a purebred dog because they like the appearance or the personality, there are many mixed breed dogs that are just as loving and in need of homes.

The Chihuahuas are the smallest dogs, and that’s why they are ideal pets for people who live in city apartments. Chihuahuas adjust easily, but must live indoors. They are good travelers and comfortably go anywhere with their owners. The Yorkshire terrier is also popular because being small, they need far less space and don’t eat much.

The Golden Retriever is known for its friendliness, and usually greets visitors warmly. Being a “Sporting Breed,” retriever dogs were bred to accompany their masters on a hunt as pointers and retrievers, and some can retrieve birds from water of all temperatures. Be careful if you have pet birds and a swimming pool!

Just like human babies, puppies need love, and time to learn and get trained. Getting a pet dog is not difficult, but being responsible about your pet sometimes is. Dogs need attention, and it is cruel to get a dog and not care for it. After all, it is your best friend.

Are you strong enough and responsible enough to care and look after it? Would you leave the cleaning up to your parent?