Canine Biology

This category focuses on canine evolution, conservation and anthrozoology

Canine Hearing Ability and Auditory Perception

by

When we think of a dog’s sense, it’s often their sense of smell that first comes to mind. However, a dog’s hearing ability is equally impressive and vital for their survival and adaptability. Their hearing system has evolved to optimize predation and effectively localize sounds produced by likely prey species such as small rodents. … Read more

Affiliative Relationships in Dogs: A Shift from Dominance

by

Animal behavior, particularly in domestic dogs, has long been an area of interest for both scientists and dog owners alike. Historically, the interpretation of dog behavior was heavily influenced by the concept of dominance hierarchies, where interactions between individuals were often explained through the lens of “dominance” and “submission”. However, modern understanding of dog behavior … Read more

Understanding the Coefficient of Inbreeding in Population Genetics

by

The Coefficient of Inbreeding, formulated by Sewall Wright, measures the probability that two alleles at any locus in an individual are identical by descent from the common ancestors of the parents. This is a fundamental concept in population genetics and is often used in animal breeding to measure the level of inbreeding. In simpler terms, … Read more

Balancing Breed Identity and Genetic Health

by

The fascinating world of canine breeds is as diverse as it is complex. Each breed, distinct in its ancestry, purpose, and typology, carries a unique identity woven together by these three threads. However, the challenges of maintaining breed purity and breed-specific traits often push these breeds into a narrow genetic corner, leading to potential … Read more

The Impact of Dog Domestication on Mesolithic and Epipaleolithic Hunting Strategies in Northern Europe and Western Asia

by

This entry summarizes the impact of dog domestication on hunting strategies during the Mesolithic period in northern Europe and the Epipaleolithic or Natufian period in western Asia. It explores the transition from Paleolithic hunting methods, which relied heavily on direct impact weapons, to the more efficient long-distance projectiles and cooperative hunting techniques that emerged … Read more

The Impact of Domestication and Selective Breeding on Canine Ears: Hearing and Communication Implications

by

Canine ears have been affected by domestication and selective breeding, as noted by Feddersen-Petersen (2001). The process of domestication has led to a wide variety of breeds with different physical traits, including ear morphology. Hanging or drooping ears, like those seen in breeds such as Basset Hounds, Beagles, and Cocker Spaniels, are the result of … Read more

Examining the Social Competence Model in Dog-Human Interactions

by

The social competence model for dogs proposed by Ádám Miklósi and József Topál in 2013 emphasizes the importance of social cognition in understanding the behavior of dogs, particularly in their interactions with humans. The model suggests that dogs have evolved specific cognitive skills to communicate and cooperate with humans effectively. The social competence model is … Read more

Sensory Adaptations in Domestic Dogs: Co-evolution with the Anthropogenic World

by

Dogs have a long history of coexisting with humans, dating back to their domestication from wolves around 20,000 to 40,000 years ago. Over time, their perceptual systems have evolved to adapt to the anthropogenic world they inhabit, enabling them to better communicate, cooperate, and bond with humans. Some of the key adaptations in dogs’ perceptual … Read more

Coat Color Transformations and Tameness: Unraveling the Genetic Link Through Selective Breeding in Silver Foxes

by

Dmitry Belyaev, a Russian geneticist, conducted a long-term experiment on the domestication of silver foxes (Vulpes vulpes) that demonstrated how selecting for tameness could result in a number of correlated changes, including coat color changes. Starting in the late 1950s, Belyaev and his team selectively bred silver foxes, choosing only the tamest individuals to … Read more

Evaluating Dog-Human Relationship Models: Lupomorphism, Babymorphism, and Friendship

by

The dog-human relationship is a complex and essential aspect of canine care and training. This entry examines three prominent models of this relationship: lupomorphism, babymorphism, and friendship. Lupomorphism focuses on the hierarchical pack structure, drawing comparisons between dogs and their wolf ancestors. Babymorphism emphasizes the caregiving and emotional bond aspects of the relationship, treating … Read more

Contrasting the Portrayal of Dogs in Philosophy and Modern Natural Sciences

by

This discussion explores the portrayal of dogs in philosophical writings and contrasts it with the understanding of dogs derived from modern natural sciences. While philosophers have often used dogs as metaphors or symbols to address human nature, ethics, and the human condition, modern scientific research has provided insights into the complex cognitive abilities, emotions, … Read more

Tracing Canine Lineages: Challenges and Approaches in Historical Investigations of Farm Dog Bloodlines

by

The study of farm dog bloodlines, such as the Black and Tan English Shepherd, often encounters numerous challenges, including vested interests, incomplete records, human stories and myths, genetic diversity, and changing breed standards. This article explores these challenges and discusses various methods employed by researchers to overcome them. By utilizing historical documentation, pedigree analysis, … Read more

Evaluating Farm Dogs for Conservation Programs: A Phenotypic Matrix Approach

by

In this article, we propose a phenotypic matrix approach to evaluate and select English Shepherd farm dogs for inclusion in conservation programs. A phenotypic matrix allows for the systematic assessment and comparison of different dogs based on a range of traits, such as size, coat type, energy level, trainability, adaptability, temperament, health, and working … Read more

Canine-Human Cooperation and Its Role in Neanderthal Extinction

by

This study explores the hypothesis that the cooperation between Canis familiaris (domestic dogs) and Homo sapiens (anatomically modern humans) could have played a significant role in accelerating the extinction of Neanderthal man (Homo neanderthalensis). Through a comprehensive review of archaeological, genetic, and paleoanthropological evidence, we investigate the potential mechanisms by which early domesticated dogs … Read more