What was the first dog tamed by man? - briefly
The first dog species domesticated by humans is believed to be the gray wolf (Canis lupus), which occurred around 15,000 to 40,000 years ago. This process likely began with wolves scavenging for food near human settlements and gradually evolving into the domestic dogs we know today.
What was the first dog tamed by man? - in detail
The domestication of dogs is one of the most significant events in human history, marking the beginning of a profound and enduring bond between humans and canines. To understand which species was the first to be tamed by humans, we must delve into the realms of archaeology, genetics, and paleontology.
The earliest evidence of dog domestication comes from Europe and Asia. DNA analysis of ancient remains has shown that the ancestors of modern dogs likely diverged from wolves around 15,000 to 40,000 years ago. This time frame coincides with the period when humans were transitioning from hunter-gatherer lifestyles to more settled agricultural communities.
One of the most compelling candidates for the first domesticated dog is the Bonn-Oberkassel dog, discovered in Germany and dating back approximately 14,000 years. This specimen exhibits clear morphological differences from its wolf ancestors, indicating that it had already undergone significant changes through selective breeding by humans.
Another notable example is the remains found at the Goyet Cave in Belgium, which date back to around 36,000 years ago. These fossils show a mix of wolf and dog-like characteristics, suggesting that the process of domestication was already underway during this era.
In Siberia, the Altai Mountains have yielded another ancient canine specimen, known as the Tumat dog, which is roughly 33,000 years old. This find is significant because it supports the hypothesis that dogs were first domesticated in Eurasia and then spread to other parts of the world through human migration.
Genetic studies have further elucidated the origins of domestic dogs. Research has shown that modern dog breeds can be traced back to at least five distinct lineages, with some of these lineages dating back over 30,000 years. This genetic diversity suggests that domestication occurred in multiple regions and was not a singular event but rather a process that unfolded over thousands of years.
In summary, while the exact species of the first dog tamed by man is difficult to pinpoint with absolute certainty due to the complex nature of early human-canine interactions, evidence points to ancient wolves being the progenitors of modern dogs. The Bonn-Oberkassel dog and other similarly aged specimens provide concrete proof that domestication was well underway by at least 14,000 years ago, transforming wolves into the loyal companions we know today.