OF DOGS

DOMESTICATION

• Domestication (from Latin domesticus) refers to the process whereby a population of animals or plants becomes accustomed to a controlled environment by other plants or animals through a process of selection.

When Were Dogs Domesticated?

• Study shows that the year 13,000 B.C. as the probable date of domestication at East Asia.

History of Domestication

• Dogs are descended from the wolves.Wolf remains have been found with hominid remains dating from 400,000 years ago.

• Genetic evidence indicate a time of domestication in late upper Paleolithic age.

Advantages of Domestication

• For help with herding and hunting, an early alarm system, and a source of food in addition to the companionship many of us today know and love.

• Dogs get companionship, protection and shelter, and a reliable food source out of the deal.

Routes for Domestication

• Orphaned wolf-cubs: some wolf pups taken at an early age and reared by humans are easily tamed and socialized. Over generations of time these ‘wolf-like' become more dog-like.

• The Promise of Food/Self Domestication.• As a beast of burden: North American Indians used

dogs for pulling sleds.• Mutual desire:Wild dogs who scavenged around

human habitations get more food than their fearful counterparts.

Changes during domestication

• a reduction in overall size• changes in coat colouration and markings• the shrinking in size of the teeth• a reduction in brain size and intelligence and thus in cranial

capacity [particularly those areas relating to alertness and sensory processing]

• the development of a pronounced vertical drop in front of the forehead (brachycephaly).

• Behaviourally, the wagging of tails and barking are retained throughout the dog's life.

• regurgitation of partially digested food for the young, have also disappeared.

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