Modern humans have coexisted with dogs for over 200,000 years, but their relationship began with wolves, their ancient rivals. Wolves, formidable predators, were once at the top of the food chain. However, some wolves began to interact with early human settlements, scavenging food scraps and gradually becoming tamer. These docile wolves were eventually domesticated and became the ancestors of today’s dogs.
Over 33,000 years ago, early dogs (wolf-dogs) appeared and were similar to their wild ancestors but had smaller sizes and shorter snouts. As human societies evolved, dogs became specialized for different tasks, such as herding, hunting, and guarding. During the Victorian era, dog breeds were standardized and selectively bred for specific traits, sometimes leading to health issues due to certain physical features.
Over thousands of years of co-evolution, dogs and humans formed a deep bond, with dogs understanding human emotions and both species releasing oxytocin during interactions. Despite their violent origins, dogs have become humanity's best friend, showing how time and cooperation can turn rivals into companions.
Vocabulary:
• Domesticated: An animal that has been tamed and is used by humans for specific purposes.
• Rivals: People or animals that compete with each other for the same thing.
• Scavenging: Searching for and collecting leftover or discarded food.
• Docile: Easily taught or controlled; calm and gentle.
• Sentinels: Guards or watchful protectors, especially for a camp or area.
• Neoteny: The retention of juvenile features in an adult animal, often as a result of selective breeding.
• Oxytocin: A hormone that is released during bonding experiences, often associated with love and affection.
Source: Ted-ED