Our furry companions might be evolving right before our eyes, and it’s all because of how drastically our lifestyles have changed. Scientists believe that dogs may be undergoing a third wave of domestication, driven by humans’ desire for calm, friendly pets suited to modern, urban lifestyles, with society pushing dogs into a third phase of domestication where the focus is on emotional compatibility and adaptability to human needs.
Scientists Discover Dogs Are Undergoing a Third Wave of Domestication
This isn’t just about training or behavioral changes we see over a dog’s lifetime. This shift is influencing dogs’ behavior and biology, with service dogs representing the forefront of this evolution, as researchers have identified a stronger sensitivity to oxytocin, the “love hormone,” in some dogs, making them better companions as humans increasingly prioritize emotional support over traditional working roles.
The Hormone Behind the Bond: Oxytocin’s Role in Canine Evolution
At the heart of this evolutionary shift lies oxytocin, often called the “love hormone.” The tendency of dogs to seek contact with their owners is associated with genetic variations in sensitivity for the hormone oxytocin, according to a new study from Linköping University, Sweden. But here’s where it gets really interesting – not all dogs respond to oxytocin in the same way.
Researchers examined 60 golden retrievers as they attempted to solve an insoluble problem, and found that dogs with a particular genetic variant of the receptor reacted more strongly to the oxytocin spray than other dogs, with the tendency to approach their owner for help increased when they received oxytocin in their nose. Think of it like having different types of radio receivers – some dogs are just naturally tuned to pick up the “cooperation signal” more clearly.
From Working Dogs to Emotional Companions: The Dramatic Shift
Historically, dogs were working animals, essential for tasks like herding livestock, hunting, and protecting property, but as human societies became more settled and urbanized, the role of dogs shifted dramatically, with many dogs today expected to be companions, providing emotional support and comfort rather than performing labor-intensive tasks.
This change has created some unexpected challenges. Many breeds are struggling to adapt to modern life, with traits like guarding against strangers, which were once valuable, now seen as problematic in densely populated areas where dogs are expected to be more sociable. It’s like asking a race car to navigate city traffic – the skills that made them excellent at their original job don’t always translate to their new environment.
Service Dogs: The Blueprint for Future Canine Evolution
Perhaps the clearest example of this evolutionary shift can be seen in service dogs, which have been specially bred and trained to assist humans in a wide variety of tasks, with researchers Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods from Duke University pointing out that service dogs are “highly trained professionals” who possess unique qualities that allow them to fit seamlessly into their owners’ lives, naturally inclined to interact with strangers, remain calm in various situations, and provide consistent support.
As Woods and Hare argue, “For the happiness of dogs and their owners, humans need to breed and train more dogs like service animals, embarking on a new wave of dog domestication to help them fit into the new world we have created”. These dogs represent what the future of domestication might look like – perfectly adapted to our modern, interconnected world.
The Science Behind the Social Connection
The research that’s driving these conclusions is fascinating and surprisingly sophisticated. The first step was to teach the dogs to open a lid to get a treat, then they were given the same task with the lid firmly fixed in place and impossible to open, with researchers timing how long dogs attempted on their own before turning to their owner for help.
Before the behavioral test, researchers increased oxytocin levels in the dogs’ blood by spraying the hormone into their nose, using a control of neutral salt water spray, while also collecting DNA using cotton swabs to determine which variant of the oxytocin receptor gene each dog had. The results revealed something remarkable about the genetic basis of dog-human cooperation.
This research reveals that our relationship with dogs is more complex and genetically driven than we previously understood. The dogs living in our homes today may be fundamentally different creatures than those from just a few generations ago, shaped by our changing expectations and lifestyles. As we continue to prioritize emotional support and companionship over traditional working roles, we’re essentially directing the evolutionary path of our closest animal companions. Whether this represents progress or presents new challenges remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the bond between humans and dogs continues to evolve in ways that would have amazed our ancestors.
Andrew Alpin from India is the Brand Manager of Doggo digest. Andrew is an experienced content specialist and social media manager with a passion for writing. His forte includes health and wellness, Travel, Animals, and Nature. A nature nomad, Andrew is obsessed with mountains and loves high-altitude trekking. He has been on several Himalayan treks in India including the Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
