And Man Created dog - National Geographic Documentary

The origin of our dogs began over 15,000 years ago with humans inadvertently and intentionally shaping wolves into a highly diverse species. This exploration covers the momentous bond formed between wolves and humans during the Ice Age—a time dominated by wolves with their superior hunting skills and pack dynamics, similar to familial structures in human clans.

The burgeoning relationship began when wolves were drawn to human camps by food scraps. The less aggressive, more curious wolves were drawn to this newfound fast food source, forming a loose association with humans, eventually evolving into dogs. Our story integrates insights from Dr. Robert Wayne, detailing the genetic divergence leading to domesticated camp wolves.

The curious wolves provided not only companionship but also safety services to humans, acting as alarms against predators. Early human interactions with wolves, via nurturing and sharing camps, facilitated a bond driven by the neurochemical oxytocin—a shared brain chemistry between humans and animals fostering this unique partnership.

By sharing their camps, humans inadvertently selected for particular traits in wolves, gradually leading to the evolution of dogs. This process of domesticating wolves involved human interventions and ultimately contributed to the emergence of a genetic differentiation from wolves, paving the path for dogs tailored to human needs and reliant on their companionship.

Genetic studies show the Middle Eastern wolves as the potential original ancestors of dogs, later spreading across regions, with some archaeological finds predating modern domestication theories. Discoveries like the canine skull from 31,000 years ago in Belgium suggest that the domestication process has very ancient roots, reflecting traits of dependence typical of modern dogs.

A shift in climate during the end of the Ice Age offered humans and their dogs new opportunities. Selective breeding began to refine hunting abilities in dogs, as evidenced by breeds like the Saluki, capable of sustained high-speed chases to assist human hunters.

Throughout history, dogs were bred for a variety of hunting and sporting purposes. The concept of instinct in dogs was harnessed for retrieval and game pointing, as in Pointers, which evolved through selective breeding to excel in specialized hunting tasks—changing human hunting practices across eras.

Beyond hunting, dogs became integral in many facets of human life, pulling loads, traveling with humans across continents, and even aiding in large scale migrations. Their adaptable nature made dogs perfect companions for early North American settlers, highlighting centuries of utility beyond companionship.

Dogs like the Border Collie became pivotal to agricultural practices, particularly herding, with their instincts refined through generations to assist with livestock control. Working alongside humans, these dogs became valuable family members, relied upon for their loyalty, intelligence, and innate abilities.

Protection and guarding were also roles bred into certain dogs, inspired by the natural territorial instincts of wolves. Human innovation led to the development of breeds that could guard and protect farms and homesteads, roles essential for the safety and prosperity of nascent agricultural societies.

In practical roles, dogs contribute to contemporary safety as well. Rescue organizations and protective services employ dogs' natural skills—such as exceptional scent detection—to support human activities, from avalanches to contemporary bird control at airfields.

The pinnacle of a dog's sensory abilities is its olfactory prowess, utilized in a myriad of roles today. From search and rescue operations to customs enforcement, dogs continue to be indispensable with their ability to detect minute scent traces, as demonstrated by breeds trained specifically for such tasks.

Dogs are celebrated for remarkable sensory attributes, particularly their acute sense of hearing and smell, which have been preserved even through domestication. These traits remain essential in modern applications and have allowed dogs to transition smoothly among various human tasks, linking utility with bonded companionship.

The mental and emotional support roles dogs hold in modern society, particularly as service animals providing comfort and aid to those with disabilities, highlight the deeply evolved bond between humans and dogs. Their abilities transcend physical tasks, extending emotional and psychological stability.

Domestic breeds exhibit remarkable diversity, a result of selective breeding practices that originated as recently as the Victorian era. This led to the creation of hundreds of dog breeds, each with unique traits tailored for specific human needs, although sometimes at the cost of genetic health.

Selective breeding, while creating beloved modern dog breeds, has also introduced genetic disorders. Responsible breeders now work towards reducing inherited health issues, learning from past mistakes and focusing on genetic wellness and functionality in breed standards.

Dogs show an extraordinary ability to understand and respond to human emotions, gazing into human eyes as a mode of communication, a trait uncommon among other animals. This skill reflects a unique evolutionary adaptation to align closely with humans, cementing a companionship bond unparalleled with other species.