Domestication of Dogs and Their Use on the Great Plains

Authors

Ruth Callahan

Date of this Version

1997

Document Type

Article

Comments

Published in Nebraska Anthropologist Vol. 14 (1997-1999). Copyright © Ruth Callahan; published by The University of Nebraska-Lincoln AnthroGroup.

Abstract

More than 12,000 years ago a bargain was struck between two species that not only benefited both parties, but changed their futures drastically. Whereas wolves and humans had once been independent hunters in competition with each other, now they were partners who shared the kill and helped each other survive in the harsh environment. We will never know which side initiated the pact, but the wolf was the first animal to cast its lot with humans and the evolutionary advantages that came with this choice were tremendous.