Alternative Theory of Domestication - Natural selection to self domestication. Settlement of
semipermanent villages at the end of the last ice age, provided new environment that wolves could
adapt. --surplus human food, spoiled foods, human waste, protection and nesting sites.
Behavioral traits of DD bonding - Subordinate behavior into adulthood and decreased tendency
towards dominate challenges as sexual and social maturity is achieved. Need for maternal care manifest
as bond.
Breeding Behavior of Domesticated Dogs - High fertility and early sexual maturity. Puberty is early,
sexual maturity 6-9 months.
Females- two estrous cycles per year
Male- Fertile throughout the year
Class - Mammalia
Dog Puppies - Do not gain coordination or locomotor skills until 10 weeks.
Domestic Dog's Closest Relative - Gray Wolf-Canis Lupus
Domestication & Methods of Communication - Posture that signals aggression, dominance,
submission, and fear .. level of stimulus that is necessary to evoke these expressions, intensity and
completeness. Significantly better at responding to human social cues- gesturing, pointing, and gazing.
Evolution of the Canidae Family - Evolved in North America. Later, migrated to Eurasia.
Hesperocyon.. Leptocyon .. Tomarctus... dominate group of canids in NA..modern day canid species.
Family - Caniae
Genus - Canis