Human, Dog, and Ecology: Ancient Dogs Speak

Modern humans lose sight of the fact that living in a local or regional ecology, rather than imposing on it, leads to a more renewable environment. Native American people better understood that this flora-fauna relationship is a condition of survival.

The earliest evidence of dog domestication in North America occurs at archaeological sites in western Illinois, about 10,000 years ago. These hunter-gatherer groups were small and mobile, presumably with little capacity to support unproductive work and food-finding. Thus, some observations from deliberate dog burials over several thousand years are surprising. Burials indicate small camps, generally good dog health with respect to bone and bone diseases, and a spectrum of expected disorders that are known today.

Maxillae and mandibulae indicate periodontal disease at near-modern frequency. At the Koster site (earliest), major diarthrodial articular and peri-articular surfaces revealed activity-related pathology in 33% of forelimbs and 40% of hind limbs. Of cultural significance is that evidence of overwork or abuse is not seen in the Illinois River valley’s early specimens. Instead, observations suggest an active, difficult, and shared existence with human companion. 

Dogs were hunting and foraging partners, sentries, work partners, protectors, and perhaps served ceremonial functions. The role of affection between humans and early domestic dogs is not clear. A modern context may not be accurate, but there is ample evidence of human care, suggesting that those humans regarded their dogs highly.