What were dogs called before?

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What were dogs called before? - briefly
Before humans began domesticating dogs around 15,000 years ago, they were simply wild canines, often referred to by their scientific name, Canis lupus familiaris, indicating their close genetic relationship to wolves. Prior to domestication, these animals were not distinctly called &#34;dogs&#34; as we understand the term today.

What were dogs called before? - in detail
Before the term &#34;dog&#34; became widely accepted, canines were known by various names across different cultures and time periods. The earliest references to domestic dogs date back over 15,000 years ago during the Paleolithic era. During this period, dogs were not yet distinct from wolves, and they were likely referred to in a similar manner as their wild counterparts.
In ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece, dogs held significant roles in society. The Ancient Egyptians revered dogs, often referring to them as &#34;Abuw&#34; or &#34;Anubis,&#34; after the jackal-headed god associated with death and the afterlife. In Mesopotamia, dogs were known as &#34;Kalbu,&#34; a term that later influenced the Hebrew word for dog, &#34;Kelev.&#34; The Greeks called dogs &#34;kyon,&#34; which is the root of many modern words related to dogs, including &#34;cynic&#34; and &#34;cyanide.&#34;
During the Middle Ages in Europe, dogs were often referred to as &#34;hounds,&#34; reflecting their primary role in hunting. This term was derived from the Old English word &#34;hund,&#34; which is closely related to the modern German word for dog, &#34;Hund.&#34; The term &#34;dog&#34; itself emerged during this period but was not universally adopted until later.
In Norse mythology, dogs were known as &#34;Ulfgrimr,&#34; or &#34;wolf-masked,&#34; reflecting their ancestral connection to wolves. This term highlights the close relationship between early dogs and their wild ancestors.
The term &#34;dog&#34; began to gain prominence during the Renaissance period, largely due to increased trade and cultural exchange. As different cultures interacted more frequently, a common language for referring to domestic canines became necessary. The word &#34;dog&#34; likely originated from the Old English word &#34;docga,&#34; which meant &#34;dog.&#34; This term was influenced by Proto-Germanic roots and eventually spread across Europe and beyond.
In summary, before the widespread use of the term &#34;dog,&#34; canines were known by a variety of names that reflected their cultural significance and historical contexts. The evolution of these terms provides insight into the diverse roles dogs have played in human society over thousands of years.