The domestication of Canis familiaris represents one of the most compelling transformations in evolutionary biology. Tancredi and Cardinali outline a widely accepted multiphase model: an initial stage in which certain wolf populations were drawn to human-created ecological niches, followed by a second stage marked by deepening mutualistic relationships between early humans and wolves. This gradual transition set the foundation for the emergence of domestic dogs.
The authors highlight key ecological differences between wolves and the earliest dogs, noting how human-associated environments likely favored individuals exhibiting reduced fear, increased sociability, and greater tolerance for anthropogenic settings. These conditions acted as powerful selection pressures that shaped early dog phenotypes.
A central focus of the review involves molecular mechanisms underpinning affiliative behaviors. Drawing connections to Belyaev’s classic fox domestication experiments, the authors discuss how selection for tameness can trigger cascading changes across neuroendocrine pathways, influencing social bonding, emotional regulation, and stress responses. Such mechanisms may have played a crucial role in the evolution of dog–human companionship.
The review further explores the genetics of ancient European dogs, showing how population structure, uniparental markers, and phylogenetic evidence reveal deep regional lineages. The Balkan, Iberian, and Italian peninsulas emerge as particularly informative geographic areas, offering insights into how early domestication events shaped the continent’s modern canine diversity.
Overall, the study synthesizes ecological, behavioral, and genetic perspectives to illustrate how domestication unfolded as an intertwined biological and cultural process. By situating dogs within their evolutionary past, the authors highlight the complexity and depth of the dog–human bond.
Source: Tancredi, D., & Cardinali, I. (2023). Being a Dog: A Review of the Domestication Process. Genes. Published April 27, 2023.
