EVOLUTION 



resembles that of the animal referred to. The dog is, 

 however, the larger animal, and much more powerfully 

 built, and he stands on longer legs. His body is compact 

 and powerful, and his tail is carried in a curl over his 

 back. As may be supposed in the case of an animal that 

 is used for draught, his fore-legs must be straight and stout, 

 with compact feet and thickly-padded soles ; whilst the 

 hind-legs are muscular and well let down at the hocks. 

 The outer coat is of fair length and very thick, the under 

 one of the close, sealskin-like character which is carried 

 by all dogs that are indigenous to cold climates. The 

 colour of the Esquimaux is a sort of yellowish grey, and 

 the average weight about 35 lbs. 



Evolution. — Many theories have been expressed re- 

 garding the evolution of the canine species, but the 

 consensus of opinion appears to be that the wolf, jackal, 

 and dog have sprung from a common root, though some 

 eminent authorities entertain the belief that the wolf is 

 the direct ancestor of the dog. The fact that wolves, 

 jackals, and wild dogs do not bark is held by some to 

 suggest the probability that these races are not allied 

 to the domestic dog ; but against this theory it can be 

 argued that these animals frequently attempt to bark, and 

 occasionally actually do so, after long association with 

 ordinary members of the canine species. Other opponents 

 of the suggestion that the wolf is the ancestor of the dog 

 maintain that it is impossible that the dog in its almost 

 infinite varieties could possibly have descended from an 

 animal in which certain strongly defined characteristics 

 have been developed for centuries ; but such a contention 

 is surely negatived by the immense changes and in- 

 numerable fancy points which have been introduced into 

 the different varieties and sub-varieties of dogs by modern 

 breeders who have devoted their energies to the production 

 of show specimens. On one point, however, the authorities 

 are unanimous, as they all agree that from time immemorial 



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