The earliest known dog-like fossils come from Europe. But DNA studies have implicated east Asia and the Middle East. DNA studies of fossils, suggest dogs originated in Europe some 19,000 to 32,000 years ago.
Scientists generally agree that dogs emerged from wolves to become the first domesticated animal. Their wolf ancestors began to associate with people, maybe drawn by food waste and carcasses left by human hunters. In the process they became tamer, and scientists believe people found them useful for things like hunting and guard duty. Over a very long time in this human environment, wolves gradually turned into the first dogs.
Researchers gathered DNA from fossils of 18 ancient wolf-like and dog-like creatures that lived up to 36,000 years ago in Argentina, Belgium, Germany, Russia, Switzerland and the United States. They compared the genetic material to modern samples from 49 wolves from North America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, 77 dogs of a wide variety of breeds including cocker spaniel, basenji and golden retriever, and four coyotes.
The kind of Wolves that gave rise to the early domestic dog are now extinct. Europe played a major part in the domestication and breeding process, but this was happening in human civilisations around the world.
The Domestic Dog has to some degree followed human behaviour, they've evolved through the ages with us. They have become as emotionally driven, who rely on socialising, exercising and interacting in daily activities. They really do depend on us humans and appreciate the care and love we give them, which they always give back to us.
This is why they have evolved into man's / woman's best friend...