The Dog Gone Days of Domestication - The Medical Questions

Throughout the ages, humans domesticated animals and plants for food, besides other essential reasons. As a result, one must ask, “What does it mean to become domesticated?” When reading the context in a dictionary or encyclopedia, the definition of this term has various meanings. Simply put, when animals and plants become domesticated, this means, “Training or adapting animals or plants, so they can usefully reside in a human environment.” In other words, to cause an animal, such as a pet to become domesticated, this term literally means “to tame,” as referenced from Dictionary.com. Fortunately, dogs became the first domesticated animals to peacefully reside with human beings .

For years, scientists and other people have pondered the mysterious question, “What was the first domesticated animal?” Only recently, has the mystery come to light, after archaeologists in Belgium excavated what currently appears to be the oldest dog remains ever found in the world. In addition, ancient dog bones have been found in other parts of Europe , along with Asia , Australia , Russia , and North America , as this further demonstrates how domestication of dogs was a worldwide phenomenon. However, there is still much debate on whether Belgium’s so-called “canine skull” was that of a prehistoric dog or wolf. Upon further examination, scientists are more convinced that Belgium’s canine skull belongs to a pre-historic dog from the Paleolithic Age (about 750,00 to 500,000 years BC about 8,500 years BC), just as wolves were beginning to be domesticated into dogs by humans. Regardless, all dogs are descended from gray wolves, which are the largest members of the Canidae family. In similar contrast, dogs are classified as Canis lupus familiaris.

According to fossil evidence, canids, such as dogs originated 56 to 58 million years ago, which was long before the canine skull in Belgium was recently excavated. Throughout the millennia, dog- and cat-like features emerged to link mammals, such as wolves, foxes, coyotes, jackals, and dogs to common ancestry as carnivorous Eocene Miacids. Although the canine skull discovered in Belgium is believed to be at least 31,700 years old, this still does not necessarily prove that humans first domesticated dogs in this particular time frame. At the same token, dog bone fragments were discovered on January 14, 2011 inside Hinds Cave , which is located in southern part of Texas near the Mexican border. What is more is the fact that dogs may have been domesticated as early as the Aurignacian Age ( around 32,000 to 25,000 years ago), which occurred after the beginning of Paleolithic era. As time goes on, perhaps more hidden canine bones will be found to explicitly tell the tale of when dogs first befriended humans.

By studying the length of time genetic changes occur and DNA evidence, scientists can better determine when the domestication of dogs actually began. As it currently stands, some scientists pinpoint dogs evolving as a species 15,000 to 20,000 years ago, while others argue that substituting genes is not a constant, foolproof process. On the opposite end of the spectrum, other scientists disagree and believe dogs became tamed by humans even later, such as anywhere between 15,000 and 40,000 years ago. To this day, scientists debate, “How did dogs evolve 15,000 to 20,000 years ago, when it is believed that the canine bones found in Belgium are at least 31,700 years old, and fossil evidence of dogs dates back millions of years?”

Many types of animals were domesticated by people, as depicted in List of Domesticated Animals by Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. For now, the dog remains the first known animal accompanying humans as pets. It is anyone’s guess as to exactly when humans first began keeping dogs as pets, but scientists estimate that this occurred around 13,000 to 30,000 years ago. For instance, one can only imagine ancient Native Americans first befriending wolves, only to later tame them into eventual canine companionship.

There are over 150 dog breeds to date, yet, they all have one common denominator, which is: They are all descended from wolves. Thus, compared to wolves, dogs have smaller teeth; a reduced bone ridge running from their foreheads to their jaws; less potent jaws; smaller heads; wider chests; and other traits, besides having varying breeding habits. Annually, dogs can have more than one litter of pups, while wolves only give birth to pups once a year. Dogs bark, as wolves rarely engage in such loud communication practices. Wolves howl more than dogs, yet dogs can rival wolves by loudly howling in response to ear-blasting sirens. Needless to say, there is a strong pack drive among wolves hunting prey, whereas, dogs tend to be more sociable toward humans and more “juvenile” in behavior. All in all, dogs were easier than wolves to breed, along with their friendlier dispositions.

The precise date of when people first began keeping dogs as their beloved pets shall continue to be surmised. According to present-day scientific evidence, the originally domesticated dogs were termed “tame wolves,” as wolves raided various human colonies for food, garbage, and other modes of survival. The more braver and friendlier the canines, the more ancient people fed these creatures. Over time, genetics evolved to a point of causing the more “tamer wolves” to have smaller noses, as their teeth became less sharper and their jaws decreasingly stronger. Only a few generations passed, until dogs transformed their characteristics toward becoming more domesticated and bred by their human peers. Many daily living tasks needed to be accomplished by early human settlers, which is the reason dogs were mainly bred for transportation of people and goods; household protection; warfare; herding; and simply being loyal companions to their owners.

For centuries, ancient civilizations have depicted dogs as their loyal companions, as demonstrated through Egyptian hieroglyphics and other historical art forms. It is little wonder that dogs were finally domesticated for their adorability and loyalty attributes, as this presently still holds true to this very day. The ancient Egyptians depicted hieroglyphic images of dogs on their pharaohs’ and queens’ tombs, as reflected by bones discovered from dated around 5000 BC. For thousands of years, other ancient civilizations also relished the devotion of their dogs, such as the Romans, Greeks, Turks, Babylonians, Britons, and Chinese, just to name a few. On August 24, 79 AD , the fatal eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in Italy not only yielded human casualties in Pompeii , Herculaneum , and other neighboring cities, but dogs also faithfully joined their owners beneath the sizzling volcanic ashes. Furthermore, there are domesticated dogs depicted on a Badarian era Russian cup from 4000-4500 BC. For centuries, Eskimos (Inuits, Yupiks, and Nunamiuts) have utilized dog sled teams in the frozen Arctic regions, as dog sled racing first debuted during 1908 in Alaska. Throughout history, ancient civilizations honored dogs in various manners, as this legacy continues in present times.

Not surprisingly, dogs held a special place in the heart of Greek mythology, as formations of imaginary “dog-shaped” star constellations, Canis Major (Great Dog) and Canis Minor (Little Dog) reigned bright in the night skies. In astronomy, the star, Sirius is best known as “The Dog Star” radiantly shining in Canis Major, while star constellation, Canes Venatici (The Hunting Dogs) also commemorates canines. Likewise, wolves are also famously represented in Greek mythology, as seen in star constellation, Lupus (The Wolf). Although no dogs are represented as an astrological part of the Native American Zodiac, “The Wolf” is definitely a prestigious symbol. Each year, Native Americans carefully watch “The Wolf” Zodiac sign from February 19-March 20, as Americans, Europeans, and other cultures recognize “Pisces The Fish” occupying the same position in the night skies. Nevertheless, one must remember that dogs are actually “tamed wolves” that have serenely co-existed with the so-called “wild wolves” for eons.

In Native American mythology, Canis Major (Great Dog) and Canis Minor (Little Dog) star constellations are depicted as the Milky Way Galaxy’s two faithful guard dogs protecting “The Land of Souls.” Furthermore, Native Americans have always regarded star constellations, Ursa Major (also called “Big Dipper”) and Ursa Minor (also called “Little Dipper”) as “The Great and Little Bears,” despite their roles in domesticating wolves into domesticated dogs for thousands of years. Likewise, wolves were important symbolic creatures to Native Americans, as five stars in the Big Dipper (Ursa Major) are said to be the hunting Coyote’s wolf friends joining the two bears, as depicted by three stars in the Big Dipper’s (Ursa Major) handle and two stars near the handle. The bears are two stars on the front of the bowl, while the Coyote’s dog is a tiny star by the wolf in middle of the constellation’s handle. For many more years to come, the stars of the Coyote’s wolves, dog, and bears will continue displaying their legendary brilliance in Native American folklore.

As mentioned earlier, many other creatures succumbed to human domestication throughout the centuries, including horses, cats, sheep, goats, mules, camels, cattle, rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils, and so on. At least 11,000 years ago, the domestication of sheep and goats occurred, while cats became lovable household pets around 7000 BC. With the advent of agriculture, each domesticated animal fulfilled beneficial duties, including warding off mice and deterring predators from herds. Moreover, humans domesticated cattle and other animals for food consumption. Around 4000 BC, trade routes developed; therefore, domesticated animals served as modes of transportation for both humans and goods. Although researchers are uncertain which purpose preceded the other, horses were eventually bred for riding and carrying goods, along with oxen, donkeys, mules, and camels.

Consequently for some unfortunate dogs, they became dinner for humans at least 9,400 or more years ago in North America , along with Europe ; Mexico ; China ; Rome , Italy ; Siberia ; Alaska ; Hawaii ; Greenland ; and countries. Presently, most countries around the world ban dogs, cats, and other household pets for human consumption; however, even in the United States , people continue to illegally handle dog meat. It is of no coincidence that Americans, Europeans, and other nationalities find eating dog for dinner appalling, to say the least. Ironically, northern Canada has banned consumption of wild game, but allows dog meat to be one of their delicacies. At the present time, China ; Philippines ; North and South Koreas ; Ghana ; Nigeria ; Japan ; Indonesia ; and some other nations still relish dog meat on their menus. Of worthy note, Poland and Switzerland have banned dog meat, but still use canine fat for lard.

Today, an enormous love affair with dogs is still observed throughout the world, while other unlucky dogs continue being consumed by humans. On a more positive scale, dogs have proved their amazing abilities, as demonstrated through aiding the U.S. military; handicapped/non-handicapped and disabled/non-disabled people; FBI; and police force. A classic example of dogs’ remarkable abilities was truly demonstrated on September 11, 2001, after hijacking terrorists rammed two planes into New York City’s World Trade Towers. Around 3,000 people needlessly died on 9/11, while courageous dogs carried out their rescue missions in saving lives. Besides the United States , Great Britain and other militaries around the world also embrace dogs as brave warriors, as again, this stems from the “dog days” of long ago.

For years to come, people will continue cherishing dogs as their most loyal, beloved friends. Around the world, various nations honor dogs in their own fashion, such as when China celebrated 2006 as “The Year of the Dog”, since it is the 11th animal of the Chinese Zodiac. Many TV shows, comics, cartoons, and movies also faithfully commemorate dogs in American and other cultures, while the hot days of Summer are popularly referred to as “The Dog Days of Summer.” Many other clichés bear famous references to dogs, such as “Dog gone it,” “It’s a doggie eat dog world,” or “The world has gone to the dogs.”

Sure enough, dogs are known to be the earliest, loyal companions to befriend civilization. Besides people, dogs can also become affectionate friends toward cats, rabbits, parrots, and other household pets. Of course, it is best to introduce a dog into the fold as a puppy, so to achieve a successful “happy little family” among different pet species. Unless there are new discoveries, the dog still reigns as the world’s first domesticated animal from “The “Dog Gone Days of Domestication.”

WORKS CITED

“History of Domestication of Animals.” History World.

N.A. N.D.

Histories.asp?historyid=ab57>

Lobell, Jarrett A. and Powell, Eric. “More Than Man’s Best

Friend.” Archaeology.com. September/October 2010.

“Origin of the Domestic Dog.” Wikipedia, the free

encyclopedia. 16 October 2011.

wiki/Origin_of_the_domestic_dog>

Alexadry. “Differences and Similarities Between Dogs and

hub/Differences-and-Similarities-Between-Dogs-and-

Wolves>

“Domestication.” Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

13 October 2011.

Domestication>

Dunn, Jimmy. “The Dogs of Ancient Egypt. Tour Egypt.net.

dogs.htm>

Mark, Joshua J. “Dogs In The Ancient World.” Ancient

Encyclopedia History. 01 January 1970.

eu.com/article/184/>

Dibon-Smith, Richard. “The Constellations.” N.D.

“Chinese New Year Activities: Celebrating Chinese New Year

In The Year of The Dog 2006.” Living Chinese

Symbols (Chinese Language and Lifestyle Guide).

chinese-new-year-activities.html>

“Canes Venatici (Hunting Dogs).” Chandra X-Ray Observatory.

01 August 2008.

constellations/canesvenatici.html>

“American Indian Starlore.” N.A. Western Washington

University Planetarium. N.D.

legends.html#TwoDogs>

Germonpre, Mietje. “Fossil Dogs and Wolves From

Palaeolithic sites in Belgium, The Ukraine, and

Russia; Osteometry, Ancient DNA, and Stable Isotopes.”

C3%A9/Papers/612880/Fossil_dogs_and_wolves_from_

Palaeolithic_sites_in_Belgium_the_Ukraine_and_Russia_

osteometry_ancient_DNA_and_stable_isotopes>

“Paleolithic Age.” The Free Dictionary by Farlex.

dictionary.com/Paleolithic+Age>

“Aurignacian.” The Free Dictionary by Farlex. Princeton

com/Aurignacian>

“Rescue Dogs Helped Find 9/11 Victims After Attack.” FOX

News. N.A. 08 September 2011.

com/2011/09/08/rescue-dogs-helped-find-911-victims-

after-attack/>

Yirka, Bob. “Evidence of Domestication of Dogs During

Paleolithic Period Found.” Phys.org. 10 October 2011.

dogs-paleolithic-period-html>

“Pompeii Exhibition Sheds Light On Ancient Buried City.”

Associated Press. FOX News. 27 March 2011.

exhibition-shines-light-ancient-buried-city/>

“How Many People Were Killed On 9/11?.” CBBC TV. BBC. 09 September 2011.

Brownielocks and The 3 Bears. “Native American Horoscopes

www.brownielocks.com/NativeAmericanHoroscope.html>

“Ancient Dog Skull Shows Early Pet Domestication.” N.A.

National Geographic. Daily News. August 2011.

dogs-wolves-russia-domestication-animals-science-

evolution/>

“9,400-Year-Old Dog Found, Earliest Found In Americas.”

Associated Press. The Christian Science Monitor.

19 January 2011.

Wires/2011/0119/9-400-year-old-dog-found-earliest-

found-in-Americas>

“Oldest Domesticated Dog In Americas Found-Was Human Food.”

N.A. National Geographic. Daily News. January 2011.

oldest-domestic-dogs-north-america-eaten-texas-cave-

science-animals/>

“The Dogs of War.” N.A. Sheppard Software.com. N.D.

breeds/dogtopics/dogs_war.htm>

Care.

ggl&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Iams+Dog+Base+NB&utm_

term=list+of+dog+breeds>

“Dog Meat.” N.A. Absolute Astronomy Encyclopedia.

Dog_meat>

Leave a Reply Cancel reply