CHAPTER III. 
The Dog the Friend and Companion of Man—Difference of 
Character and Disposition in the Wild and Domesticated State 
— Origin of the Dog—the Effect of Selection—Sheep Dogs in 
the Australian Bush—Evidence of Early Domestication from 
Egyptian Monuments, Peruvian Graves, etc.—Some Effects of 
Domestication. 
No one, we may suppose, will dispute that, of all the 
animals we have domesticated, the dog is entitled to fill the 
highest place in our esteem, and is alone worthy to take rank 
as the “Friend of Man.” Of the numerous animals which 
have fallen permanently under our control, some have become 
necessary to us as beasts of burden, others supply us with 
food and clothing, and the sweet songsters of the grove delight 
us with their music and lovely plumage—albeit, they are, for 
the most part, unwilling ministers to our pleasure. But 
there is one only among the “lower animals” who has been 
raised to the dignity of the guardian of our homes and 
flocks, and has become the playfellow of our children, and 
our constant and faithful companion in everyday life. He is 
no respecter of persons, no seeker after ease and comfort. 
Whether his master be prince or pauper, we find in him the 
same devotion, the same cheerful obedience and constant 
readiness to sacrifice himself, while sharing the fortunes of 
the one human being to whom he may have attached himself. 
Darwin very truly says: “It can scarcely be doubted that 
