The history of dogs started long ago. Dogs originated around 12,000 to 14,000 years ago (although it could have been earlier). The domestication of dogs from wolves does not seem to have occurred as simply as we used to think. There were likely two entirely separate incidents of domestication in East and West Eurasia. This means that the genetic makeup of dogs in Southern China is rather different to those in Europe.
What was the point of dogs? Dogs could herd and protect livestock. They also had better senses of smell and hearing than humans which made them useful for hunting as not only could they help spot prey but track and retrieve animals that had been wounded. Despite this, dogs quickly obtained larger brains and shorter snouts (and thus fewer teeth) which suggests that the more feral nature of dogs was progressively bred out. Perhaps, very early on the social connections between dogs and humans were already present, but it is hard to say. It could also just be that this was a by-product of taming dogs over several generations that humans picked the friendliest and least scary wolves.
Dogs were also useful for keeping humans warm with some cultures (such as the Aborigines) having expressions such as "three dog night" which implies that three dogs would need to be on a person to keep them warm.
Already around 9000 years ago in Siberia, dogs were used in packs to pull sleds. This suggests that while dogs were often bred to work by themselves with humans, they also put in packs as well.
From around 12,000 years ago and later, there is evidence that dogs were kept for their sentimental value rather than their usefulness. 14,000 years ago there were already people buried with their canine pets. Dogs learned to adapt to human societies in response by recognising people to be their leaders and changing their barks in order to 'socially integrate' within a human society.
As time went on, the social connection between man and dog became increasingly prized. In China, dogs were seen as a gift from heaven. In Egypt, dogs (and cats too) were seen as sacred. In some cultures, dogs were believed to be guides for souls after death.
Over time different dog breeds emerged. Some had sharper senses like the Saluki and others had larger bodies for guarding livestock or humans. There are around 300 dog breeds today.
Dogs have often been used for warfare as well. From the 7th century BC, there is written evidence of war dogs being used on the front lines. In one case, a Persian army put dogs on the frontline against the Egyptians. Why? Dogs were sacred so the Egyptians did not dare fire on them. The Huns used dogs that were particularly large to make them more fearsome. Later on, dogs became used increasingly to send messages rather than direct combat. Even to this day, dogs have their uses for armies around the world.
In the 18th century, dogs had a new role, helping visually impaired people. After many soldiers were blinded in the First World War, guide dogs were increasingly used all over the world. Today dogs are used in medicine and policing. While other animals, such as horses, may have seen their importance decrease in day-to-day life, you probably own a dog right now! Dogs are everywhere and here to stay.
While this might seem like a happy story, some might suggest that this is an example of human exploitation of animals. Is it morally acceptable to create a new species to advance one's survival and be entertained? I don't know... Have we been mean?
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