Dogs Are Evolving Again — And Humans Might Be the Reason Why

Dogs are man’s best friend, and this has been true for thousands of years. We have helped each other survive through different times, and now scientists are saying that dogs might be entering a new phase of their evolution, and humans are most probably the reason why it is happening.

Dogs and Human History

More than 30,000 to 40,000 years ago, early humans associated with these canine creatures that we have come to love and view as part of our family. But during those first years, their job was to help us hunt, guard, or herd, and as you know, it is a lot different now in the modern era.

For centuries, they have been dubbed as man’s best friend, because they were the first species and possibly the only large carnivore to have been domesticated by humans, and now we live together in the same house, and some sleep in the same bed too.

Source: Wikipedia

A New Phase of Domestication

How Dogs (Eventually) Became Our Best Friends

After years of domestication, scientists now say that dogs are entering their 3rd stage of evolution. They are being influenced by humans’ need for companionship, so unlike thousands of years ago, dogs today are calmer, more affectionate, and emotionally responsive pets.

The researchers firmly believe that it is because of how humans select and breed them. Their preferences for a dog that can exhibit more acceptable social behavior rather than working abilities, or even both, are triggering this new phase of dog evolution. It is currently happening, even though we don’t notice it in front of us.

Source: Daily Galaxy

Oxytocin: The “Love Hormone” Behind It All

A study by Swedish scientists at Linköping University revealed that dogs today are evolving to satisfy humans’ preferences for companionship, such as by having stronger emotional bonds with humans. This may all be a result of Oxytocin- the love hormone.

This is the same hormone that creates a positive feeling in both humans and dogs during social connection. and bonding. It plays a big role in human-dog relationships.

One of their tests involved 60 golden retriever dogs; they were given a tightly sealed jar to try to open, and some were sprayed with oxytocin. Those dogs have resorted to seeking help from their owners, proving just how strong their social instincts have become. Now they realize that they can trust us more than ever, even for nuanced things like that, and we’re doing the same with them.

Source: her.ie

Service Dogs: Leading the Evolution

Service dogs are at the peak of this evolution right now. They are trained not only for different specific jobs, but also to live closely with humans and offer them emotional and, with some, also physical support.

Experts like Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods from Duke University suggest that service dogs are a special class that is already a bit different than the rest. This can be observed by their reactions to unexpected situations and their ability to remain calm, supportive, and observant. This breed of dogs shows just how far dogs have come.

Source: AOL

Dog Evolution

Author's Final Thoughts

Dogs have always been loyal companions for thousands of years, but the difference now is that they are evolving to be even more in sync with us. Before, we have only shared some duties for mutual benefits and survival, now both sides have learn how to rely on one another without expecting anything in return, showcasing what real companionship and relationship are.

This proves that from genetics to behavior, science shows our furry friends are changing fast. Whether it is because of their increased sensitivity to oxytocin or because of hundreds of generations of history, we can be sure of one thing: that dogs’ futures will continue to be deeply interconnected with us.

Read more: Researchers Finally Discovered the Oldest Age a Human Can Reach Naturally