Dogs: Origins, Domestication and Breeding

Man's Best Friend.

Dogs are one of the most popular and diverse domestic animals in the world. They have been living with humans for thousands of years, but how did they become our best friends? In this blog post, we will explore the history of dogs, from their origins as wolves to their domestication and breeding into hundreds of different breeds.

Where did dogs come from?

Dogs are a subspecies of the gray wolf (Canis Lupus), which is related to foxes and jackals. Genetic evidence suggests that dogs descended directly from wolves and that the now-extinct wolf lineages that produced dogs branched off from the line that produced modern living wolves sometime between 27,000 and 40,000 years ago³.

The first undisputed example of a dog is the Bonn-Oberkassel dog, which was buried with two humans around 14,220 years ago in Germany¹. However, some experts believe that dogs may have started to separate from wolves earlier, around 16,000 years ago in Southeastern Asia². These early dogs may have followed humans as they migrated around the world and adapted to different environments and cultures.

How did dogs become domesticated?

The exact process and timeline of dog domestication is still a matter of debate among scientists. Some theories suggest that humans intentionally tamed wolves by capturing and breeding them for their useful traits, such as hunting, guarding and companionship. Other theories propose that wolves gradually became more friendly and tolerant of humans by scavenging on their leftovers and campsites.

What most scientists and canine geneticists agree on is that dogs were first tamed by hunter-gatherers between 9,000 and 34,000 years ago². This was before the development of agriculture and civilization, when humans lived in small nomadic groups that relied on hunting and gathering for survival. Dogs may have helped humans in various ways, such as tracking prey, alerting them to danger, providing warmth and affection, and even sharing their diseases and parasites.

How did dogs become so diverse?

Dogs are one of the most diverse mammal species on Earth, with over 400 recognized breeds that vary in size, shape, color, coat, temperament and behavior. This diversity is the result of human intervention and selective breeding over thousands of years. Humans have created dogs that fulfill distinct societal needs and preferences, such as working dogs, companion dogs, show dogs and designer dogs.

The earliest evidence of dog breeding dates back to ancient times, when different types of dogs were depicted in art and literature. For example, the ancient Egyptians had various breeds of hunting dogs, such as greyhounds, salukis and basenjis. The ancient Romans had Mastiffs and Molossian Hounds for war and entertainment. The ancient Chinese had Pugs and Pekingese for royalty and nobility.

The modern dog breeds we know today emerged mostly in the last few centuries, especially during the Victorian era (1837-1901), when dog shows became popular and breed standards were established. Some of the most common dog breeds today were developed in Britain during this period, such as the Labrador Retriever, the Bulldog, the Collie and the Terrier. Other breeds were imported from other countries or regions, such as the German Shepherd, the Siberian Husky, the Chihuahua and the Dachshund.

Today, dog breeding continues to be a popular hobby and business for many people around the world. However, it also raises some ethical and health issues for dogs and their owners. Some breeds are prone to genetic disorders or diseases due to inbreeding or exaggerated features. Some breeds are exploited or mistreated for profit or entertainment. Some breeds are endangered or extinct due to lack of conservation or regulation.

Conclusion

Dogs are amazing animals that have a long and complex history with humans. They have evolved from wolves into diverse breeds that reflect human culture and society. They have provided us with many benefits and joys throughout history. They deserve our respect and care as our loyal companions and friends.

Source:

(1) The History of Dogs https://historycooperative.org/the-history-of-dogs/.

(2) Dog - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog.

(3) Dog | History, Domestication, Physical Traits, Breeds, & Facts. https://www.britannica.com/animal/dog.

Image Attribution: Patrick Alexander from Las Cruces, NM, Canis lupus familiaris - Flickr - aspidoscelis, CC0 1.0

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