Dog Facts & History

Wolves begin co-evolving with humans, likely near campfires. The split from wolves to dogs starts in Central Asia or Europe.

Domesticated dogs are found on every inhabited continent. Different breeds emerge as dogs adapt to local environments and human needs.

Dogs are mummified and buried with their owners. Greyhound-type dogs appear in Egyptian art. The god Anubis has a canine head.

Aristotle writes about dog breeds. Romans use Molossus dogs in war. Lapdogs become status symbols for Roman aristocrats.

Dr. John Caius writes "De Canibus Britannicis," categorizing English dogs into groups — the first known breed classification.

James Spratt creates the first commercial dog biscuit in London — made from wheat, vegetables, beetroot, and beef blood.

The AKC is established in New York. It becomes the largest purebred dog registry in the world, now recognizing ~200 breeds.

A stray from Moscow orbits Earth aboard Sputnik 2, paving the way for human spaceflight. She became a global symbol of space exploration.

Extrusion technology makes mass-produced kibble cheap and shelf-stable. It becomes the default choice for most dog owners worldwide.

The Farmer's Dog, Ollie, and others launch subscription fresh food services. The fresh pet food market starts growing 20%+ annually.

The Frenchie ends the Labrador Retriever's 31-year reign as the most registered AKC breed — a historic shift in breed popularity.

Brands use algorithms to customize meal plans by breed, weight, and health. Fresh food brands expand from DTC to retail omnichannel.