History of Dog in Timeline

The dog, also known as the domestic dog, is a domesticated descendant of the gray wolf. Selectively bred from an extinct wolf population by hunter-gatherers during the Late Pleistocene, dogs were the first species domesticated by humans, predating agriculture by over 14,000 years. Their long association with humans has enabled them to thrive on a starch-rich diet, unlike other canids.

1957: Dog Laika launched into Earth orbit

In 1957, the dog Laika became one of the first animals to be launched into Earth orbit aboard the Soviets's Sputnik 2; Laika died during the flight from overheating.

December 1993: Dogs introduced to Antarctica as sled dogs

In December 1993, dogs were starting practice as sled dogs, but were later outlawed by the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty international agreement due to the possible risk of spreading infections.

1999: Mitochondrial DNA study

In 1999, a mitochondrial DNA study informed the classification of the wolf, domestic dog and dingo.

2005: Wozencraft listed the wolf as a wild subspecies of Canis lupus

In 2005, mammalogist W. Christopher Wozencraft listed the wolf as a wild subspecies of Canis lupus and proposed two additional subspecies: familiaris, as named by Linnaeus in 1758, and dingo, named by Meyer in 1793. Wozencraft included hallstromi (the New Guinea singing dog) as another name (junior synonym) for the dingo.

2009: Estimated 77.5 million people in the United States have pet dogs

According to statistics published by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association in the National Pet Owner Survey in 2009–2010, an estimated 77.5 million people in the United States have pet dogs.

2010: Estimated 77.5 million people in the United States have pet dogs

2015: Study found that having a pet made people more inclined to foster positive relationships with their neighbors

In 2015, it was found that having a pet made people more inclined to foster positive relationships with their neighbors.

2016: Study found 11 fixed genes showed variation between wolves and dogs

In 2016, a study found that only 11 fixed genes showed variation between wolves and dogs. These gene variations indicate the occurrence of artificial selection and the subsequent divergence of behavior and anatomical features.

2017: Survey on banning dog meat

In 2017, a survey found that under 40% of participants supported a ban on the distribution and consumption of dog meat in South Korea.

2018: Study identified 429 genes that differed between modern dogs and modern wolves

In 2018, a study identified 429 genes that differed between modern dogs and modern wolves. The study concluded that during early dog domestication, the initial selection was for behavior, which led to the phenotypes observed in modern dogs.

2018: South Korean government banned restaurants from selling dog meat during the Winter Olympics

In 2018, the South Korean government passed a bill banning restaurants that sell dog meat from doing so during that year's Winter Olympics.

2018: WHO reported global rabies deaths

In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 59,000 people died globally from rabies, with 59.6% of the deaths in Asia and 36.4% in Africa.

2019: IUCN considered the dingo and the New Guinea singing dog to be feral Canis familiaris

In 2019, a workshop hosted by the IUCN/Species Survival Commission's Canid Specialist Group considered the dingo and the New Guinea singing dog to be feral Canis familiaris, therefore it did not assess them for the IUCN Red List of threatened species.

2020: Increased support for banning dog meat

In 2020, a survey showed that over 50% of participants supported a ban on the distribution and consumption of dog meat in South Korea, suggesting changing attitudes.

2020: Global dog population estimates

In 2020, the estimated global dog population was between 700 million and 1 billion. In the same year, a study found the dog to be the most popular pet in the United States.

2021: Dog domestication in Siberia

In 2021, a literature review inferred that the dog was domesticated in Siberia 23,000 years ago by ancient North Siberians, then later dispersed eastward into the Americas and westward across Eurasia, with dogs likely accompanying the first humans to inhabit the Americas.

2023: Study on ADHD-like dogs

In 2023, a study of 58 dogs found that some dogs classified as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder-like showed lower serotonin and dopamine concentrations.

January 2024: South Korean parliament passed a law banning the distribution and sale of dog meat

On January 9, 2024, the South Korean parliament passed a law banning the distribution and sale of dog meat. It will take effect in 2027, with plans to assist dog farmers in transitioning to other products.

2024: China, Singapore, and Thailand placed a ban on the consumption of dogs

In 2024, China, Singapore, and Thailand placed a ban on the consumption of dogs within their borders.

2024: UK study on dog lifespan

In 2024, a UK study analyzing 584,734 dogs concluded that purebred dogs lived longer than crossbred dogs, challenging the previous notion of the latter having the higher life expectancies.

2027: South Korean law banning dog meat takes effect

In 2027, the South Korean law banning the distribution and sale of dog meat will take effect, with plans to assist dog farmers in transitioning to other products.