Everyone's favourite cartoon puppy Scrappy Doo may be just a whipper-snapper, but new scientific research may have just revealed his true age.
Recently-published evidence seems to suggest that the very first domestic dogs evolved from wolves by feeding on scraps given to them by humans.
The report came out this week in the journal Nature, and reveals that domesticated dogs are much more efficient at breaking down starch into sugar and transporting it from their gut into their bloodstream than wild wolves, therefore enabling them to survive on foodstuffs traditionally eaten by humans.
While many dog owners continue to feed their pets with scraps from the dinner table, it is important to be aware that overfeeding your pet with the wrong type of food can lead to health problems.
All owners are advised to keep their pets on a healthy diet of high quality dog food, although the odd Scooby Snack from time to time won't do too much harm, as long as treats are given in moderation.
