The domestic dog, Canis familiaris, is one of the most diverse species of mammals known. This species can be found almost everywhere, with distinct races native to every continent except Antarctica. However, as widespread as this species is, little is known about its actual origin. Scientists have been able to trace some lineages using fossil records and genetic data. But we don't know exactly how old this species is, or even where this domestic dog may have started. So how come humans aren't as familiar with "man's best friend" as we are with many other species? Surely there must have been some record of when humans began domesticating dogs, or other canines for that matter. It's almost impossible to go an entire day without seeing a dog, whether it's on your commute to work and someone walks their faithful companion, or you're watching your favorite TV show and a commercial announcing the latest dog food trend. We are constantly bombarded with images of a man and his dog. This species has arguably had one of the most significant impacts on humans. But our adorable roommates weren't once what we know them to be today. Dogs have evolved enormously over time alongside humans. Dogs can be looked at in many ways, some people fear them, only seeing them as dangerous and dirty. The canine reputation for being vicious is not a recent fear. However, nowadays you often hear about a child being attacked by a dog somewhere in the media and this is often exaggerated. “Recent media attention given to dog attacks on people…may be disproportionate to the actual risk they pose to the average person” (Serpell, 1995). It's true that many people are afraid of dogs, they are perceived...... middle of paper...... vaguely similar to one's ancestral lineage. It is possible that we owe our own evolution to dogs. Humans were able to develop tools such as arrows and new hunting developments with the accompaniment of a canine companion at their side to assist them in the hunt. If a dog were not so easily genetically modified, would it be safe to say that they would still be our companions, our “best friend”. Could it be that dogs are just tools of our own development and we cherish the fact that they are so easily transformed? However, there is no doubt that dogs are no longer the wild, untamable wolves they once were. Now traits derived from the wild and wicked wolf lie dormant in our companion, the one who rests so peacefully at our feet. Although it's not easy to know when dogs appeared in human lives, it's safe to say that most humans are pretty happy that they, dogs, are here..