Scientists suggest that dogs are entering a new phase of evolution, marked by a third wave of domestication driven by humans’ desire for pets that are friendly, calm, and suitable for a sedentary lifestyle. This reflects a shift in how dogs are perceived and the roles they play in human society, with dogs now primarily seen as pets and companionship being a greater priority for pet owners. This change has led Westerners to breed dogs to be companion animals, adapting them to urban environments and modern lifestyles.
Brian Hare, an associate professor of evolutionary anthropology at Duke University and director of the Duke Canine Cognition Center, notes that modern dogs are showing biological and cognitive adaptations that allow them to fit better into the contemporary world, according to El País. In their research, Hare and his colleague Vanessa Woods explored how dogs have evolved alongside humans, influencing their behavior and genetics.
“The wild and open places where dogs could once roam have been drastically reduced,” commented Hare, according to Infobae. “The future of dog domestication is in our own homes,” stated Woods, who manages the Puppy Kindergarten program at the Duke Canine Cognition Center.
Transformation in dogs’ relationships with humans and their adaptation to modern life are causing changes in their behavior and genetics. Scientists refer to this phenomenon as a third wave of domestication, with evidence suggesting that dogs’ behavioral traits are adapting, particularly in service animals responding to 21st-century demands.
Researchers from Linköping University in Sweden have identified an increase in oxytocin levels in dogs, particularly in service dogs, linked to their evolving roles, as reported by OK Diario. Oxytocin, a hormone that stimulates social bonding, drives dogs to seek contact with their owners, OK Diario explained.
A study conducted in 2017 investigated how dogs developed their ability to work alongside humans, including their willingness to “ask for help” when facing a difficult problem. Researchers observed 60 golden retrievers attempting to open a treat jar that was impossible to open, timing how long they would try before asking for help. They collected DNA samples from the dogs’ noses to determine which oxytocin receptor variant each dog had, according to El Economista. The dogs performed this test twice: once after receiving a nasal spray dose of oxytocin and once after receiving a saline solution, El Economista noted. Results showed that dogs with a particular genetic variant of the receptor had a stronger reaction to the oxytocin spray than other dogs. These findings provide insight into how domestication has altered genes that influence dogs’ social skills.
Service dogs, trained to assist people with disabilities, are not only more obedient than domestic dogs but also exhibit behaviors indicating a new phase of domestication influenced by artificial selection, El Cronista reported. This phase highlights dogs’ capacity to adapt to life alongside humans, characterized by breeding dogs that fit social demands and have a friendly and adaptable temperament.
The first wave of domestication began when humans lived as gatherers and left food scraps on the outskirts of their settlements, attracting wild wolves that evolved into dogs. Over time, dogs changed roles from wild animals to valuable allies in tasks such as hunting, herding, and home protection.
The second wave of domestication began after the Industrial Revolution, where the emphasis shifted from practical skills to appearance, as the growing middle class sought dogs representing their good taste and disposable income.
Today, companionship is a much greater priority for pet owners than in the past.
Experts believe that the keys to understanding the evolution of domestic dogs from wolves are deeply rooted in the social evolution and domestication of dogs over thousands of years. As urban life continues to evolve, breeding dogs that can manage stress in these environments will be essential. Selecting dogs that adapt to these requirements could lead to more accelerated evolutionary change.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.
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