If you and your dog are inseparable, you probably think you've got your furry friend figured out.
Still, there are some lesser-known facts about dogs that might surprise you. The way dogs think, how they see the world, and where they come from are all shrouded in a little bit of mystery. There's still a lot to learn, but we're sharing three things that you might not have known, and that might change the way you think about your pooch.
Let's take a look.
1. Dog's Aren't Exactly Descendants of Wolves
The idea that "dogs came from wolves" is one we often take for granted. The truth is that dogs were domesticated so long ago that they might have actually come from the wolf's predecessor, the Late Pleistocene Wolf. Genetic evidence tells us that the Late Pleistocene Wolf split into two categories some 35,000 years ago.
Those categories are Canis lupus (the grey wolf) and Canis familiaris (the domesticated dog). This suggests that dogs and wolves are more like cousins, and the ancient Pleistocene wolf is more like a parent.
2. Civilization Would Be Different Without Dogs
At the very least, it would have taken humans longer to advance without the help of dogs.
Dogs were domesticated at a time when modern life was in its infancy—when any investment of time or resources had to be truly worth it.
Dogs advanced civilization by:
- Guarding livestock
- Protecting crops
- Warning communities of intruders
- Herding livestock
- Controlling pests
- Hunting
- Gathering
Crops and livestock were incredibly vulnerable and incredibly important. The expert protection that dogs provided almost certainly saved countless communities in pre-historic times. That protection extends to this day, and dogs continue to perform duties that modern technology can't reproduce.
For example, dogs can reliably detect specific viruses on the spot.
3. There's a Lot We Don't Know About Dogs
Dogs are still a mystery in many ways. The nature of their thoughts, the extent of their intelligence, and the far-reaching physical and mental benefits that dogs have on human beings are still unknown.
We all know who our dogs are, but what's going on behind those sweet and loving eyes? Dogs communicate primarily through body language, eye contact, and the occasional bark, yet they relay a wealth of information.
If they can do that with such limited tools, just imagine how much more there is to learn about these wonderful animals!
References
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/dogs-detect-covid-19/
- https://a-z-animals.com/blog/dog-domestication-a-timeline-from-beginning-to-today/
- https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feart.2020.633724/full
Frequently Asked Questions About Interesting Facts About Dogs
Why are dogs considered descendants of wolves?
Dogs and grey wolves share a common ancestor, the Late Pleistocene wolf, but dogs did not evolve directly from modern wolves. They diverged tens of thousands of years ago.
How did dogs help early human civilizations?
Dogs helped protect livestock, guard homes, detect threats, hunt, and assist with gathering—significantly accelerating human progress.
Can dogs really detect illnesses like viruses or diseases?
Yes. Dogs have highly sensitive noses capable of detecting certain illnesses, including viruses, cancers, and metabolic changes.
Do we fully understand how dogs think?
No. While research has revealed a lot about dog cognition, many aspects of how dogs think, feel, and interpret the world remain a mystery.
Are dogs more intelligent than we realize?
Yes. Research shows dogs can understand hundreds of words, interpret human emotions, and demonstrate problem-solving skills that continue to surprise scientists.
