History of Dogs: From Ancient Wolves to Beloved Companions
Dogs, scientifically known as Canis lupus familiaris, are the most abundant carnivore on land and the first animal to be tamed by humans. The evolution of dogs is a complex topic, but it’s generally accepted that they descended from an extinct population of wolves.
Origin and Domestication
The exact timeline of dog domestication is debated, with estimates ranging from 9,000 to 34,000 years ago. More recent studies suggest that domestication may have occurred between 6,400 and 14,000 years ago, when an initial wolf population split into East and West Eurasian wolves, which were domesticated independently. Some believe the domestication of dogs may have occurred as far back as 130,000 years ago.
It’s believed that dogs are related to an extinct population that was a predecessor of the modern Grey Wolf. This ancestor is thought to be the Late Pleistocene Wolf, who would have lived anywhere from 56,000 to 7,500 years ago. Around 35,000 years ago, the Late Pleistocene Wolf population split into two dominant categories: the grey wolf (C. lupus) and the domesticated dog (C. lupus familiaris).
The Bonn-Oberkassel dog, whose remains were discovered in Germany, is the first undisputed example of a domesticated dog. This dog was buried with two humans around 14,220 years ago, suggesting a strong emotional bond between humans and canines.
Human-Canine Bond
The relationship between humans and dogs goes back thousands of years. An early domestication theory suggests that the symbiotic relationship between the two species started when humans moved into colder Eurasian regions. Paleolithic dogs began to appear around the same time, developing shorter skulls and wider braincases and snouts compared to their wolf ancestors.
Early dogs benefited from living around humans, gaining improved safety, a steady food supply, and more chances to breed. Humans, in turn, benefited from dogs’ help in spotting predators and prey. Dogs may have also helped clean up leftover food and provide warmth.
Emergence of Dog Breed
As humans settled and developed agriculture, dogs were bred for various utilitarian purposes . They were tasked with protecting crops and monitoring livestock. Humans began to select for different mental and physical qualities in their dogs, leading to the development of distinct breeds.
Distinct dog breeds appear to have been identified 3,000 to 4,000 years ago. The oldest dogs were most likely working dogs used for hunting, herding, and guarding. Today, the World Canine Organization recognizes over 300 distinct dog breeds, classified into 10 groups.
Dogs in the Modern World
Today, dogs continue to play many roles in society. They serve as service and assistance dogs, helping people with disabilities. They work with police forces, searching for explosives and drugs . They also serve as search and rescue dogs, finding people who are lost or in danger.
Dogs have evolved to meet humans’ specific needs and fill an indispensable role in society. They have adjusted their behavior to be more respectful of social hierarchies, recognize humans as pack leaders, and communicate with humans more efficiently.
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