Changes

By historical periods, over 5000 years ago, dogs begin to be shown as more pet-like animals. In ancient Mesopotamia, the goddess Innana was shown as having seven dogs accompanying her. In fact, from Mesopotamia or perhaps Egypt, the first depictions of a dog collar are shown. Dogs were also discussed in various ancient mythology in Mesopotamia, where they served as companions and provided a protective guard. In Egypt, dogs were kept as pets. In fact, with military conflict becoming the norm among early states, we also see dogs serving in the armed forces of countries, presumably as aggressive animals that can protect or attack an enemy. The Egyptian god Anubis', although often shown as a jackal, temples had dog mummified burials, suggesting that dogs also were seen as having an afterlife (Figure 1).<ref>For more on dogs in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, see: Johns, C. (2008) <i>Dogs: history, myth, art.</i> Cambridge, Mass, Harvard University Press, pg. 26.</ref>

In ancient Greece and Rome, dogs have been shown as pets and having a close relationship with their owners (Figure 2). It appears from depictions that dogs make up the most common or among the most common type of pet, while hunting and guarding were still important functions for dogs in these societies. Literature from these societies discuss how dogs would eat from their master's table and the literature discusses the close relationship that dogs formed with humans. It was during the Classical period that likely varieties were developed for their more common household use, such as the small Melitaean dog. Dogs were even buried with masters. There could have been religious function for this, but it also likely reflects that close relationships developed by then.<ref>For more on dogs in ancient Rome and Greece, see: Ed, J.C.J., M. (2007)<i> An Ancient History of Dogs: Spaniels Through the Ages.</i> J. C. Judah, pg. 37.</ref>

Global use of dogs indicates that many societies see their functions differently. In parts of the world, protection still forms among the most important roles. However, in the West and some affluent Asian states, dogs are mainly seen as pets, although at times they are used in hunting and protection. In the last few hundred years, sometime likely after the Middle Ages, new breeds such as poodles and others that were selected for their looks in particular became more common. This concept of ornamental dogs originated in Western Europe. Cats likely makeup the most common pet in many European and North American societies today. In Africa, South America, the Middle East, and parts of east Asia they are mainly seen as guard animals. In east Asia, dogs are also seen as a food source and in some places are among the most common types of meat eaten.<ref>For more on modern dog breeds and what they are used for, see: Wilcox, B. & Walkowicz, C. (1995) <i>Atlas of dog breeds of the world.</i> Neptune City, NJ; Lanham, MD, T.F.H. Publications ; Distributed in the U.S. to the bookstore and library trade by National Book Network.</ref>

==Summary==