ORIGIN OF THE DOMESTIC DOG 
Canis. Still further clearance may be made by setting aside 
dogs that we know to be simply tamed examples of local 
wild species. Such were the original arctic sledge dogs, 
—half-tamed gray wolves,—and the stock was constantly 
kept up to the mark by crossing with wild wolves. Simi- 
larly, the dogs found with the Indians of our Northwest 
were tamed coyotes; those of India —as remains apparent 
in the Oriental pariahs —are descended from captured East 
Indian wolves; those of the African negroes from one or 
another local jackal; those of the South American Indi- 
ans from the maned wolf or one of the fox dogs; and other 
cases might be added. Everywhere it is reported that although 
suspicious and snappish toward strangers these tamed wolves, 
jackals, etc., were closely attached to their owners, in spite of 
the neglect and abuse with which they were usually treated. 
Experience gained in zodlogical gardens shows that the 
young of all kinds of wild canids respond eagerly to any 
friendly advances we may make. This must always have been 
so; and I have no doubt, as has been said, that from the be- 
ginning of his history man in all parts of the world made 
friends with some canine animal of his neighborhood, includ- 
ing, very likely, kinds which became extinct long ago, leaving 
as their traces features and traits in our dogs which otherwise 
we find it hard to explain.“ These early camp dogs would 
become modified by interbreeding and by the influences of cap- 
tivity; and as their vagabondish owners wandered about would 
be crossed not only with divers sorts of tamed dogs, but with 
the wild stocks of new countries; and this complication would 
increase as civilization extended. The dog as we know it, then, 
appears to be a composite from many lines of canine ancestors, 
and his present existence and variety are due to the unusual 
capability in this race for hybridity; while his natural ability 
to learn may and should be developed far beyond present 
attainments. 
199 
