News
November 15, 2025
Dogs came in a wide range of sizes and shapes long before modern breeds
“The concept of ‘breed’ is very recent and does not apply to the archaeological record,” Evin said. People have, of course, been breeding dogs for particular traits for as long as we’ve had dogs, and tiny lap dogs existed even in ancient Rome. However, it’s unlikely that a Neolithic herder would have described his dog [...]
**Ancient Dogs: A Diverse Bunch, Long Before Breed Standards**
Forget the meticulously defined breeds we see at dog shows today. New research suggests that dogs came in a surprising variety of sizes and shapes thousands of years ago, long before the concept of "breed" even existed. While humans have selectively bred dogs for specific traits for millennia, the idea of rigidly defined breeds is a relatively modern invention.
Dr. Evin, a leading researcher in the field of archaeozoology, explains that applying modern breed classifications to ancient canine populations is inaccurate. "The concept of 'breed' is very recent and does not apply to the archaeological record," Dr. Evin states. While ancient Romans may have pampered tiny lapdogs, a Neolithic herder likely wouldn't have described their canine companion in the same way we would describe a Border Collie today, focusing instead on its functionality and individual characteristics.
This doesn't mean that early humans weren't influencing the physical characteristics of their dogs. Evidence suggests that people intentionally selected dogs for traits that were useful for specific tasks. Some dogs were likely favored for their herding abilities, while others were valued for their hunting prowess or guarding instincts. This selective pressure undoubtedly shaped the physical appearance of these early dogs over time.
However, the key difference is the lack of rigid standardization that defines modern breeds. While a modern breeder aims to consistently produce dogs that conform to a specific breed standard, ancient dog populations were likely more diverse and variable. A dog might be "good at hunting" or "good at guarding," without necessarily fitting into a predefined category.
Understanding the diversity of ancient dog populations provides valuable insights into the long and complex relationship between humans and dogs. It highlights the adaptability of dogs and their ability to evolve and adapt to different environments and human needs. Furthermore, it serves as a reminder that the modern concept of "breed," while useful in some contexts, is a relatively recent development in the history of our canine companions. The next time you see a perfectly groomed show dog, remember its ancestors, a diverse and varied group of canines who helped shape human history.
Forget the meticulously defined breeds we see at dog shows today. New research suggests that dogs came in a surprising variety of sizes and shapes thousands of years ago, long before the concept of "breed" even existed. While humans have selectively bred dogs for specific traits for millennia, the idea of rigidly defined breeds is a relatively modern invention.
Dr. Evin, a leading researcher in the field of archaeozoology, explains that applying modern breed classifications to ancient canine populations is inaccurate. "The concept of 'breed' is very recent and does not apply to the archaeological record," Dr. Evin states. While ancient Romans may have pampered tiny lapdogs, a Neolithic herder likely wouldn't have described their canine companion in the same way we would describe a Border Collie today, focusing instead on its functionality and individual characteristics.
This doesn't mean that early humans weren't influencing the physical characteristics of their dogs. Evidence suggests that people intentionally selected dogs for traits that were useful for specific tasks. Some dogs were likely favored for their herding abilities, while others were valued for their hunting prowess or guarding instincts. This selective pressure undoubtedly shaped the physical appearance of these early dogs over time.
However, the key difference is the lack of rigid standardization that defines modern breeds. While a modern breeder aims to consistently produce dogs that conform to a specific breed standard, ancient dog populations were likely more diverse and variable. A dog might be "good at hunting" or "good at guarding," without necessarily fitting into a predefined category.
Understanding the diversity of ancient dog populations provides valuable insights into the long and complex relationship between humans and dogs. It highlights the adaptability of dogs and their ability to evolve and adapt to different environments and human needs. Furthermore, it serves as a reminder that the modern concept of "breed," while useful in some contexts, is a relatively recent development in the history of our canine companions. The next time you see a perfectly groomed show dog, remember its ancestors, a diverse and varied group of canines who helped shape human history.
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Technology