How and Why Were Dogs Domesticated by Humans?

The history of dogs is basically the history of human relationships. Dogs are our best buddies. So why were dogs domesticated in the first place? Although we’re glad it happened, we’ve got to wonder where the human-dog relationship began.

Was it the time of hunter-gatherers when dogs first became friends to humans? Later, when agriculture required help from our four-legged companions? Or earlier?

Because we’re just as interested in finding out the origins of how and when dogs became domesticate as we are playing with them, we decided to investigate.

Why were dogs domesticated? It’s co-evolution

Dogs were the first mammals that humans ever domesticated. Sorry, cat lovers. The dog not only came before other pets, but even before agricultural and other working animals like cattle and horses.

So why were dogs domesticated? In the wilder times of past centuries, having a dog alongside could have meant the difference between eating that rabbit and going hungry – or even between life and death.

And that’s not us making assumptions. Research suggests dogs and humans evolved together, at the same time, in a process known as co-evolution. For International Women’s Day, we’ve explored how women have helped dogs become our best buds.

Now comes the important question of when did it all happen…

When were dogs domesticated?

Most of us are aware that dogs evolved from wolves. More specifically, from an ancient wolf species. A recent study indicates that these wolves roamed Eastern Siberia – now known as Russia – in around 21 000 BC. And, there’s evidence the domestication of dogs happened naturally.

The researchers believe that it was actually climate change which forced the domestication of dogs.

As the temperatures dropped in Siberia, wolves’ food sources became much more scarce. This forced them to scavenge in areas where humans lived. Which sounds scary, except that these wolves also helped to fend off other predators from the area to protect their food source.

Over time, the wolves became more dependent on humans for their food sources. The report indicates that over a few generations, these “domesticated” wolves showed different DNA to the wild wolves, and displayed different skills too. And so domestication began. By 13 000 BC, dogs were moving alongside humans whenever they migrated or discovered new lands.

Anyone who owns a Beagle or Labrador won’t be surprised to hear that it was food which originally bought the trust and friendship of dogs. Some things never change, even over thousands of years. And to this day, we still use food as a method of dog training and reward.

How did wolves become dogs?

It’s clear just by looking at wolves that there are plenty of similarities between them and our domesticated dogs. What sets dogs apart from wolves though, is their affection for humans.

Even wolves raised in captivity by humans don’t demonstrate the affection that dogs do. And dogs who were raised almost feral seem to be domesticated very easily.

Why is that? Why were dogs domesticated from wolves in only some instances? And how did those initial wolves come to actually be part of human society?

Well, research suggests dogs have a ‘friendly gene’ mutation. Some wolves back in Siberia had this too, which is what led them to be able to be domesticated. This gene is what makes dogs affectionate, trusting, and friendly towards humans.

So that answers the question of why your pet dog is always wanting cuddles and seems to be able to read your emotions.

Domesticated dog breeds

Nowadays, dog breeds come in all kinds of different shapes, sizes, and colours. There are as 224 breeds of dog recognised by Dogs New Zealand. And that doesn’t even include mixed breeds and non-recognised breeds.

But despite your German Shepherd seeming very different to a Scottish Terrier, they’re actually all pretty much the same. That is, they share the same DNA.

So, while the mixed breed rescue dog with long ears and a tiny body shares the same DNA as a pedigreed Corgi, the difference is in the size of the gene pool which created them. Find out more about this by reading about dog DNA testing,  purebred dogs and how to prove your dog is purebred.

Though they might not have been our friends for quite as long as dogs, cats are very much part of the family these days. But dogs are the original companions. Hmm…. maybe that’s why dogs chase cats?

Dog insurance

So we’ve answered the question ‘why were dogs domesticated?” Just like today, it was a mutually beneficial relationship. And despite being evolved to live a life of luxury amongst their human parents, modern day dogs still sometimes need some extra care.

Invest in a dog insurance plan to help you pay the cost of that extra TLC; from non-routine vet visits and potential surgeries to illnesses and the occasional course of medication.