The History of Dogs

is a lecture series by anthropologist and archaeologist David Ian Howe examining the long relationship between humans and dogs through anthropology, archaeology, and ethnocynology.

The course covers:

Foundational concepts in anthropology and domestication

• The evolution of dogs from wolves

• Why dogs are considered the first domesticated organism

• Major hypotheses of domestication, including self-domestication and human-led rearing

• Important archaeological case studies, including Bonn-Oberkassel and Ain Mallaha

• The global dispersal of dogs alongside human migration

• The functional and cultural roles of dogs across societies

• Dog mythology and symbolism in traditions from around the world

Learning benefits

• Understand the historical and scientific context of dog domestication

• Explore key archaeological evidence and competing interpretations

• Gain an introduction to ethnocynology and its wider relevance

• Develop a broader cultural perspective on the place of dogs in human societies

This course is well-suited for learners interested in dogs, history, archaeology, anthropology, and human-animal relationships.