3 Things You Didn't Know About Dogs

3 Things You Didn't Know About Dogs

Posted by Max Martinson on

3 Things You Didn't Know About Dogs

If you and your dog are inseparable, you probably think you've got your furry friend figured out. On some level, you probably do. 

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. 

wolves green

2. Civilization Would Be Different Without Dogs 

At the very least, it would have taken humans longer to advance without the help of dogs.

It's important to remember that dogs were domesticated at a time when modern life was in its infancy. There wasn't time to spend on things that wouldn't directly benefit the individual or the group. Similarly, there weren't always additional resources to spare on something like a pet. 

The reason groups dedicated time and resources toward domesticating and training dogs is that dogs are incredibly useful. A well-trained dog can do things that no human, no matter how skilled, could ever do.

Dogs advanced civilization by:

  • Guarding livestock
  • Protecting crops
  • Warning communities of intruders
  • Herding livestock
  • Controlling pests
  • Hunting
  • Gathering
caveman and dog

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 a mystery. 

We all know who our dogs are, but what's going on behind those sweet and loving eyes? It's difficult for humans to express our inner worlds, and we have the power of language. Dogs relate a wealth of information via body language, eye contact, and the occasional bark. 

If they can do that with such limited tools, just imagine how much more there is to learn about these wonderful animals!

dog with equation chalkboard

References

  1. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/dogs-detect-covid-19/
  2. https://a-z-animals.com/blog/dog-domestication-a-timeline-from-beginning-to-today/
  3. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feart.2020.633724/full

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AUTHOR

Max is the Content Director for Lolahemp. He works closely with Lolahemp's veterinarians and writers, ensuring that our articles are factual, enjoyable, and useful to pet owners. Before Lolahemp, Max contributed articles to various pet health and wellness sites around the internet after graduating from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire. He is also the proud owner of a mischievous grey cat named Herbie.


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