So many of us love and enjoy our household animal companions. We would never want to be without them - our cats, dogs, birds, and so forth! Has this always been true throughout what we know of recorded history...?

Let's look at dogs, whose basic history as domesticated animals seems to have begun around 20,000 years ago, assisting humans of the time for hunting.  Ancient paintings discovered on cave walls depict dogs pursuing wild game right alongside their human companions.

Then, around 7,000 to 9,000 years ago, humans began to keep domesticated livestock, and they used their dogs to guard and protect their livestock. 

The Greeks, circa the 5th century B.C., had guard dogs protecting their fortresses.  Aristotle wrote a list, in 350 BC, naming the various breeds of the time.  And when the Romans traveled through Europe, they brought  their dogs with them.

Breeding and care of dogs were considered  very important tasks, through many centuries, all over the world.  Dogs were selectively bred for whatever qualities were deemed important for the purposes of the particular regions. 

Work notwithstanding, given the basically loyal and devoted personality of so many dogs, it is easy to envision them winning a special place in the hearts of their humans, in any time period!

The 1800s saw the advance of refinements in the breeding of dogs, and in 1859, the practice of showing our canine friends at dog shows began.

Nowadays, dogs come to us in all shapes and sizes, from the huge Irish Wolfhound to the tiny Chihuahua, and all points between.  We love them all, purebreds and mixed breeds, too!  Anyone wanting to adopt a specific breed of dog should be aware of the many breed rescue groups whose heartfelt purpose is to see that the dogs get to live in loving homes.  If you don't especially care about breeds, then head for an animal shelter - your special dog will be waiting there -  just for you!