The Origins of the Domesticated Dog
The Incredible Relationship Between Humans and Dogs
Sep 15, 2009
The bond between dogs and humans was first forged through early man’s need for working animals. Several thousand years ago, possibly as early as 30,000 B.C., humans began to tame wolves as guard dogs and beasts of burden.
Archaeological evidence proves that dogs had been domesticated by 7,000 B.C. Therefore, the incredible relationship between humans and dogs is, at least, more than 9,000 years old.
How Wolves Were Tamed
It is not known exactly how early man managed to tame wolves, but there are several theories on the subject. For example, it is asserted that orphaned cubs were adopted by humans. As youngsters, these wolves would have been easier to train and as the pup grew, it would consider the human tribe to be its pack, meaning it would protect the camp and its inhabitants with its life.
Because early man was nomadic, it is believed that wolves were attracted to the leftovers, such as bones, that humans discarded at old campsites. Additionally, wolves may have been drawn to humans by the warmth of a fire and protection against the elements. Therefore, it could be argued that the relationship between humans and wolves was built upon common necessity.
From Wolves to Dogs
In some breeds of dog, the difference between them and their wolf cousins is not as indistinguishable. For example, the Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd and Husky, all bear resemblance to their ancestors. However, in terms of temperament and intelligence all dogs are markedly different from wolves.
It seems that early humans understood that breeding two dogs that were submissive produced offspring that were more social and easier to train. Typically, the desirable qualities in a domesticated animal were found in young wolves. Subsequently, it is the characteristics of wolf puppies, such as a wagging tail and barking, that we still see in adult domesticated dogs.
Furthermore, domestication reduced the intelligence of dogs. In fact, on average the brain of a dog is comparatively smaller than that of a wolf. Among other things, the wolf has superior sensory alertness, which is essential to its survival. For domesticated dogs, on the other hand, these abilities became unnecessary.
Working Dogs
As human society developed, so did the role of dogs. Eventually, dogs were required for different purposes, such as herding, hunting, retrieving, sport and fighting. Consequently, diverse breeds of dog were created with the specific characteristics required to fulfill the role. Therefore, today, most breeds of dog retain the characteristics for which they were originally bred.
It is believed that the evolution of dogs is an amazingly rapid process. In fact, a dog with the required attributes, both in temperament and physical appearance, can be developed in approximately seven generations. This fact, aids in the understanding of the incredible diversity in dog breeds.
Dogs as Pets
Dogs began to be kept for no other purpose than as pets, by the royalty of Europe. Subsequently, dogs began to be bred for aesthetic appeal alone, which lead to many of the toys breeds such as Pugs and Pekinese.
As the lives of humans became easier with the industrial revolution and other developments, the need for working dogs diminished (although to this day, the dog has not been made redundant). Nevertheless, the affection between dogs and humans was just too great. A bond was forged that will never be broken. The loyalty, love and companionship provided by dogs, ensures that they will always have a special place in the hearts of humans.
 |
