A Brief History of the Dog

Dogs descend from an Ancient Wolf and share most of their genetic make-up with a cousin, the Grey Wolf.   Over the course of thousands of years, human selection and breeding has transformed the wolf into a dog, and the dog into an amazing array sizes, shapes, coat colors, coat and ear types--creating everything from a tiny short-haired blonde teacup Chihuahua to a tall wire-haired Irish Wolfhound.  

It seems reasonable to assume that the first dog to share a cave with humans was practically indistinguishable from a wolf.  As to exactly how, or exactly when, a cooperation between canids and hominids began--and like so much else regarding the dog--we can only speculate.  As to when wolves became dogs, again, we don't know.  Current archaeological evidence and DNA analysis of a dog found buried with humans dates the emergence of the Canis lupus familiaris to around 14,000 years ago.  However, cooperation between wolf-like dogs and humans may have begun as long ago as 34,000 years--according to some canine geneticists.  

In any event, it makes sense that the two species formed a cooperative bond at some point.  Both are members of extended families (packs), and exist within certain social orders or hierarchies.  Both are hunters--who hunt by day.  Both have forward-facing eyes.  Both have been known to shelter in caves.  Both are omnivores--to varying degrees.  Both share their kills and finds with members of the family or pack--who do not hunt, like nursing mothers and the young.   Both establish territories and defend them.   Humans no doubt benefited from the hunting and guarding skills of their lupine friends, and wolves no doubt benefitted from being fed and sheltered by their human friends.  

When humans moved away from hunting and gathering as a means of survival--which meant a certain amount of travel--into a more stationary life--wherein they began sowing and harvesting crops and keeping livestock, the dog came along and continued to serve.  Instead of chasing down game, he used his stalking skills to herd and defend the flocks of the human.  In helping his master to oversee a farm, the dog, again, became an important partner.  In addition to herding and defending fields and livestock, he could pull a cart on market day.  He could protect his master's purse in town and also protect the master's wife and children at home.  And, he could keep stored foodstuffs from being over-taken by vermin.  

As humans moved from farmsteads into towns and cities, the dog, again, came along.  But now, some became practically unrecognizable from their forebears--as they became "lap dogs" especially for the wealthy.  Some, however, stayed on the farm to herd and guard livestock, while others entered many different occupations.  With the ability to detect scent 250,000 to 300,000 times more accurately than a human's, dogs have found many jobs in the modern World as four-legged Detectives.  

There are now myriad opportunities for humans to benefit from employing a dog in work, in sport, and for companionship and protection.