While it might be difficult to imagine a time before pets (especially with one of yours snuggled up next to you right now!) there was a time in human history when all animals were wild. Some of the beasts our beloved kitties and canines call their predecessors were fearsome creatures and astute predators - certainly not man's best friend as we know them today. But, over thousands of years, things began to change as we saw a use for, and came to need, each other. Here's how it started.
PUTTING THE DOMESTIC IN DOG
It's hard to imagine that the cute ball of fluff that barks at its own shadow and would share your bed if given half a chance is a descendant of the wolf - an animal that no human should attempt to approach, never mind cuddle!
There are many theories surrounding when and how the wolf became the dog. Prominent ones suggest that domestication occurred over 20 000 years ago, according to prehistoric fossils. When it comes to how it happened. some believe that wolves - who are already pack animals - began to follow hunter-gatherers because they were a reliable and consistent source of food. Others think that humans may have stolen wolf cubs to hand-raise them to be tame and compliant. However it occurred, over time they evolved alongside us to eventually become the dogs we know and love today.
Except, not quite. There were no pugs and poodles running around the African savannahs in days gone by. Dog breeds, as we know them now, were fine-tuned in Victorian Britain. In fact, before then, canines were named after the job they did, such as herding or retrieving. From the mid-1800s, however, people started breeding dogs with desirable or fashionable character traits with each other to eventually create the designer breeds we have today. This hasn't always been to the benefit of the animals, with many dogs suffering from inherited conditions specific to their breed.
In 2023, there are somewhere in the region of 390 dog breeds (195 of which are officially recognised by kennel clubs) - and counting! Some that hail from Africa include the regal Rhodesian Ridgeback from the Zimbabwe region, the big and beefy Boerboel that has been protecting SA farms for generations and the Africanis, which is not a rescue mix as many falsely believe but an indigenous breed or landrace specific to southern Africa that evolved naturally and with no human intervention. Because we have a high number of strays - something that rescue and outreach organisations are working hard to change - we also have a lot of rescue dogs who are a mix of breeds, making for a diverse canine landscape in modern Mzansi.
[https://cdn.magzter.com/1373620744/1680552866/articles/0eVuaPAU41680600215565/9958121293.jpg]
MAKING FRIENDS WITH FELINES
There is something magical about cats and it seems that people have always felt it. As far back as Ancient Egypt, they were thought to bring good luck - something which is evident from the artistic artefacts that have been discovered. In Japanese folklore, they also symbolise prosperity and good fortune. It wasn't until around 12 000 years ago in the Middle East, North Africa and Balkan region that we allowed these creatures all of which are descendants of the Middle Eastern wildcat, Felis silvestris - into our lives and homes. But, knowing what cats are like, it was pr...
PUTTING THE DOMESTIC IN DOG
It's hard to imagine that the cute ball of fluff that barks at its own shadow and would share your bed if given half a chance is a descendant of the wolf - an animal that no human should attempt to approach, never mind cuddle!
There are many theories surrounding when and how the wolf became the dog. Prominent ones suggest that domestication occurred over 20 000 years ago, according to prehistoric fossils. When it comes to how it happened. some believe that wolves - who are already pack animals - began to follow hunter-gatherers because they were a reliable and consistent source of food. Others think that humans may have stolen wolf cubs to hand-raise them to be tame and compliant. However it occurred, over time they evolved alongside us to eventually become the dogs we know and love today.
Except, not quite. There were no pugs and poodles running around the African savannahs in days gone by. Dog breeds, as we know them now, were fine-tuned in Victorian Britain. In fact, before then, canines were named after the job they did, such as herding or retrieving. From the mid-1800s, however, people started breeding dogs with desirable or fashionable character traits with each other to eventually create the designer breeds we have today. This hasn't always been to the benefit of the animals, with many dogs suffering from inherited conditions specific to their breed.
In 2023, there are somewhere in the region of 390 dog breeds (195 of which are officially recognised by kennel clubs) - and counting! Some that hail from Africa include the regal Rhodesian Ridgeback from the Zimbabwe region, the big and beefy Boerboel that has been protecting SA farms for generations and the Africanis, which is not a rescue mix as many falsely believe but an indigenous breed or landrace specific to southern Africa that evolved naturally and with no human intervention. Because we have a high number of strays - something that rescue and outreach organisations are working hard to change - we also have a lot of rescue dogs who are a mix of breeds, making for a diverse canine landscape in modern Mzansi.
[https://cdn.magzter.com/1373620744/1680552866/articles/0eVuaPAU41680600215565/9958121293.jpg]
MAKING FRIENDS WITH FELINES
There is something magical about cats and it seems that people have always felt it. As far back as Ancient Egypt, they were thought to bring good luck - something which is evident from the artistic artefacts that have been discovered. In Japanese folklore, they also symbolise prosperity and good fortune. It wasn't until around 12 000 years ago in the Middle East, North Africa and Balkan region that we allowed these creatures all of which are descendants of the Middle Eastern wildcat, Felis silvestris - into our lives and homes. But, knowing what cats are like, it was pr...
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South African Garden And Home (Digital) - 1 Issue, April 2023