top of page
Writer's pictureJustine Bezzina

History of Dogs: How Dogs Became Man's Best Friend

Updated: Feb 12


In a world where cats rule the internet and squirrels hoard nuts, there's no denying that the "man's best friend" and "man's most loyal companion"awards stand with dogs. But did you ever stop and wonder...how did this extraordinary bond between humans and canines came to be? Was it always like this ? Below, we will delve deeper into the History of Dogs, and how they became man's best friend.


A Journey of Love, Loyalty, and Wet Noses

 

There was actually a time where dogs as we know them did not exist. This story begins tens of thousands of years ago, when our ancestors roamed the earth as hunter-gatherers, driven by their survival instincts. There were various other hunters in the ecosystem who were scavenging for food and competing with humans for survival. Wolves were one of them, but even though they were fierce, strong and menacing, in a twist of fate, some wolves began to exhibit more of a curious behavior, approaching humans in an attempt to seek food and shelter.


Don't ask me how it happened, but somehow, our hairy ancestors rather than feel threatened, became intrigued by these friendly wolves, and eventually cautiously welcomed them into their camps. And so , a sort of symbiotic relationship started forming between these wolves and humans. We would offer them food and shelter whilst they used their sharp senses and hunting skills to help humans track prey, guard their settlements, and provide warmth on cold nights.

 

Over the years, these wolves started transforming into sort of wolf-dogs. When new cubs were born, humans would favor the ones with desirable traits, such as tameness, intelligence, and loyalty. Years of doing this meant that these traits were passed down through generations, leading to the emergence of distinct dog breeds, each with its own unique characteristics.

 

The bond between humans and dogs continued to deepen as civilizations arose. Dogs became integral members of families, providing companionship, protection, and unconditional love. They accompanied humans on hunting expeditions, herded livestock, and even participated in warfare. Dogs proved their worth time and again, earning a special place in human hearts.

 

Man's Best Friend in the Modern World


In today's world, dogs are nothing like wild-fierce wolves, and more than just pets; they are beloved family members. They bring joy, laughter, and a sense of purpose to our lives. From the unbearable cuteness of a puppy to the unwavering loyalty of a senior dog, our canine companions are the perfect example of unconditional love, and enrich our lives in countless ways.


Cuteness apart, dogs have also become indispensable serving partners in various fields. From being amazing service animals for individuals with disabilities, providing invaluable assistance and emotional support, to working alongside law enforcement and military personnel, detecting explosives, tracking criminals, and saving lives. And let's not forget their therapeutic role, bringing comfort and healing to people in hospitals, nursing homes, and even disaster zones.


Considering you find dogs looking like wolves nowadays, its not so surprising how this has all started. But when you try to picture yourself coming face to face with a wild wolf, and somehow welcoming them to your cave to house-share, you start to realize that we've actually came quite a long way. At this point in time, dogs are closer to being the equivalent of a child more than ever. Do you ever wonder, how will these evolve further in 10 years time ?

 

6 views0 comments

コメント


bottom of page