Canine Anthrozoology

Canine Anthrozoology aims to understand the nature and quality of the relationships between humans and dogs, including the roles that dogs play in human society, the benefits and challenges of the human-dog bond, and the ways in which dogs contribute to human well-being. This field of study combines principles and methods from various disciplines, including biology, psychology, anthropology, and sociology, to develop a comprehensive understanding of the complex and dynamic relationships between humans and dogs. Canine Anthrozoology has practical applications in a variety of areas, such as animal-assisted therapy, dog training and behavior modification, and the development of policies and programs that promote responsible dog ownership and animal welfare.

Affiliative Relationships in Dogs: A Shift from Dominance

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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

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

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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

Examining the Social Competence Model in Dog-Human Interactions

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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

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

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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

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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

Canine-Human Cooperation and Its Role in Neanderthal Extinction

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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

Coevolution of Canis familiaris and Homo sapiens

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The coevolution of domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) and humans (Homo sapiens) has spanned tens of thousands of years, with both species benefiting significantly from the relationship. This article explores the timeline of dog domestication, the various roles dogs have played in human societies, and the advantages this partnership has offered to both species. The … Read more

The Canine Spectrum: A Comparative Analysis of Family Dogs, Village Dogs, and Feral Dogs

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This article explores the differences and similarities among family dogs, village dogs, and feral dogs. While all three types of dogs belong to the same species, Canis lupus familiaris, their living conditions, levels of human interaction, and general behavior vary significantly. Family dogs are typically friendly and well-socialized, village dogs are more independent but … Read more

How Cognitive Biases Shape Our Perceptions of Dog Breeds

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Black and Tan English Shepherd

Our understanding of the world is often shaped by the mental shortcuts or biases that we unconsciously use to process information. These cognitive biases help us navigate complex situations, but they can also lead to inaccurate beliefs or judgments. In the context of dog breeds, three common cognitive biases—the availability heuristic, anchoring, and confirmation … Read more