The Invention of the Dog: Exploring Canine History, Evolution, and Enduring Success with Tamsin Pickeral

A recent episode of The Pawsitive Post in Conversation podcast, hosted by Dr. Zazie Todd and Kristi Benson, featured an insightful discussion with Tamsin Pickeral, author of the newly released book, The Invention of the Dog: 75 Breeds that Changed the World. The conversation delved into the profound history of dog breeds, their diverse evolutionary paths, and the unique factors contributing to their unparalleled success as companions to humankind. Pickeral, an acclaimed animal specialist and art historian, offers a richly illustrated and meticulously researched account in her book, which explores the origins and development of some of the world’s most beloved canine companions.

Unveiling Canine History: A Deep Dive with Tamsin Pickeral

Tamsin Pickeral’s The Invention of the Dog is lauded as a "fascinating, touching, and beautifully illustrated account of where our beloved dogs come from." The book, which has already garnered significant attention for its depth and visual appeal, is not a typical breed guide but rather a celebration of the dog’s journey through history, illuminated by historical artworks and photographs. Pickeral’s unique background in art history provides a distinctive lens through which to explore the evolution of canine breeds, showcasing how their depictions have changed alongside human societies.

The podcast episode, number 67, is available across major platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, providing an accessible entry point into the compelling narratives presented in Pickeral’s work. The conversation highlighted the astonishing variety among dog breeds and the intriguing processes that have shaped them over millennia, from ancient working dogs to modern-day pets.

Tracing Ancient Lineages: The Shih Tzu’s Imperial Past

One of the breeds discussed was the Shih Tzu, a small dog with a significant history that captivated Zazie Todd, a Shih Tzu owner herself. Pickeral explained that the Shih Tzu’s lineage dates back to at least the Tang Dynasty in China, around the 6th century CE, where early depictions show small, long-coated lap dogs. The breed’s deeper heritage is believed to trace back even further to Buddhist monks in Lhasa, Tibet, who were keen on breeding small "lion dogs." The lion, a potent symbol of strength and courage in Buddhism, lent its name to these spirited canines.

These ancient Tibetan dogs were often gifted to Chinese emperors, gradually developing distinct characteristics that differentiated them from their Lhasa Apso cousins. The Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and later the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) saw the Shih Tzu flourish within royal palaces. Empress Dowager Cixi, a prominent figure in the Qing Dynasty until her death in 1908, was a passionate breeder of early Pugs, Shih Tzus, and Pekingese, significantly popularizing these breeds. However, the period following her death saw a devastating decline for these imperial breeds due to widespread destruction. Fortunately, some were saved, with two notable Shih Tzus traveling to England with Lady Brownrigg, sparking the breed’s eventual global resurrection and formalization.

Guardians of the Alps: The Bernese Mountain Dog’s Versatile History

In stark contrast to the small, imperial Shih Tzu, the conversation also explored the history of the Bernese Mountain Dog, a large and beloved breed. Originating from the Bern region of central-west Switzerland, these dogs boast a history spanning approximately 2,000 years. Their ancestry is linked to the mastiff-type dogs brought by the Romans during their expansion into Switzerland. Over centuries, these Roman descendants adapted to farm life in the Alps, evolving into incredibly versatile working dogs.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is recognized as one of four Swiss dairy farm breeds, alongside the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, the Appenzeller, and the Entlebucher. They excelled in multiple roles, including protecting flocks and homesteads, moving livestock, and, most notably, haulage. Farmers frequently used them to pull small carts laden with milk churns, demonstrating their strength and adaptability. Beyond their physical prowess, their gentle and dependable temperament made them exceptional companions, contributing to their modern-day popularity as pets.

Former Irish President Michael D. Higgins famously owned three Bernese Mountain Dogs, often bringing them on diplomatic engagements. Higgins noted that his dogs served as excellent "icebreakers" in formal settings and, more profoundly, as a "great source of wisdom," highlighting the deep emotional and social connection humans share with these animals.

From Mills to Memorials: The Yorkshire Terrier’s Enduring Spirit

Another breed discussed was the Yorkshire Terrier, a relatively younger breed compared to the Shih Tzu and Bernese. The Yorkie emerged in the 1800s in Northern England, primarily in Yorkshire and Lancashire. Its development was closely tied to the migration of Scottish miners and mill workers who brought their terriers, such as early Skye and Clydesdale Terriers, to the region. These dogs interbred with local canines, eventually developing the distinctive long, silky blue-slate grey and tan coat, coupled with a tenacious personality.

Yorkshire Terriers were highly valued for their exceptional ratting abilities, a crucial skill in the rat-infested mills and manufacturing buildings of the era. Their small size made them ideal for navigating confined spaces while effectively controlling vermin populations. By the 1870s, the breed became widely known as the "Yorkshire Terrier." Huddersfield Ben, a renowned champion ratter and prolific stud dog of that time, is considered a foundational sire whose genes are present in many modern Yorkies.

Pickeral also recounted the extraordinary story of Smokey, a Yorkshire Terrier discovered in a foxhole in Papua New Guinea in 1944 by an American serviceman. Adopted by Corporal Bill Wynn, Smokey became a war hero, participating in combat missions, saving lives by pulling communication cables through tunnels, and even earning recognition as the first recorded therapy dog, cheering up wounded servicemen in hospitals. Smokey’s remarkable bravery and companionship earned her numerous medals and a dedicated memorial, underscoring the profound impact individual dogs can have.

The Great Divergence: How Dog Breeds Became So Varied

The discussion naturally led to the fundamental question of why dog breeds exhibit such immense variation. Pickeral explained that canine domestication is believed to have occurred between 20,000 and 40,000 years ago during the Ice Age, when humans coexisted with Neanderthals. Dogs evolved from wolves, and while the exact mechanism is debated, a prevailing theory suggests a combination of human intervention (taming wolf cubs) and "self-domestication" by wolves with genes for extreme sociability, leading them to scavenge near human settlements.

A pivotal shift occurred around 10,000 years ago with the advent of settled human life and agriculture. This period introduced new "functions" for dogs. Certain dogs displayed aptitudes for specific tasks—some were naturally aggressive protectors of homes, others were gentle guardians of livestock, while some excelled at hunting or retrieving prey. Humans began selectively breeding dogs that demonstrated desired traits, aiming to replicate and enhance these abilities. This functional specialization, coupled with the opening of trade routes that facilitated the movement and interbreeding of distinct regional dog types, accelerated the diversification of breeds globally.

Art, Photography, and the Shifting Perception of Dogs

As an art historian, Pickeral provided unique insights into how dogs have been depicted throughout history, moving from art to photography. Early canine representations in art, often as part of royal or aristocratic portraits, served to flatter the owners and signify status, particularly through hunting dogs. Like equestrian art, dogs were portrayed in an idealized manner, reflecting the aspirations and pride of their human counterparts.

By the 18th and 19th centuries, dogs began to appear as the central subjects of paintings, a significant shift that underscored a growing human perception of dogs as worthy of individual artistic celebration. Photographs, emerging later, offered a "snapshot of real life," providing more objective visual records of dogs without the artistic license inherent in painting. This transition allows modern observers to see the actual appearance of dogs at different historical junctures, free from idealization.

Welfare Implications of Breed Development

Pickeral highlighted that the formalization of dog breeds in the late 19th and 20th centuries, driven by breed societies and kennel clubs, led to intensified human intervention in breeding goals. This has resulted in significant morphological changes in many breeds. For example, historical bulldogs were much leaner and more athletic working dogs, whereas modern bulldogs are heavier-set, shorter-legged pets. Similarly, Pomeranians, once sizeable hounds as depicted in Thomas Gainsborough’s 1770s painting "Pomeranian ***** and Puppy," were intentionally bred down in size, notably influenced by Queen Victoria.

The discussion also touched upon the welfare implications of certain breeding trends, particularly concerning brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds. The increasing popularity of breeds like the French Bulldog, now among the most popular globally, is partly attributed to "baby schema"—a scientific theory suggesting that humans are subconsciously drawn to their large, round heads, small noses, and large eyes, which resemble human infants. While this contributes to their appeal, the conversation acknowledged that some extreme physical traits can lead to significant health challenges for these breeds.

The Enduring Success of the Canine Companion

Ultimately, the podcast explored the overarching question: why are dogs so successful as a species? Pickeral posited that dogs are "extremely canny" creatures, and their sophisticated communication abilities are a cornerstone of their success. The profound emotional response elicited by a dog’s devotion—a wagging tail, an eager greeting—is nearly universal.

Dogs possess remarkable emotional intuition, making them excellent therapy animals and vital in roles such as medical detection. This innate understanding of human emotions, combined with their ability to communicate effectively, fosters an unparalleled bond. Pickeral pointed to specific evolutionary adaptations, such as a unique facial muscle that allows dogs to raise their eyebrows—a feature absent in wolves—which enhances their communicative expressions and elicits human empathy. This blend of intelligence, intuition, and communicative prowess explains their enduring and unparalleled success in coexisting with and enriching human lives.

A Literary Recommendation: Stephen King’s "Fairy Tale"

As is tradition on The Pawsitive Post in Conversation, Tamsin Pickeral offered a book recommendation: Stephen King’s Fairy Tale. Describing it as a dark fantasy with "wizard of Oz-ish" elements, Pickeral praised the novel for its compelling narrative, which follows a young boy named Charlie who discovers a parallel universe. Despite King’s reputation for horror, Pickeral found the book’s portrayal of the relationship between Charlie and his dog, Radar, particularly moving. Radar emerges as a central character, and their bond is so beautifully crafted that it brought Pickeral to tears, underscoring the powerful role dogs play not just in real life but also in literature.

The Invention of the Dog: 75 Breeds that Changed the World is available now wherever books are sold. Pickeral’s website, www.tamsinpickeral.com, offers further information on her work. The podcast episode serves as a compelling invitation to explore the book’s lavish insights into the fascinating journey of dogs alongside humanity, celebrating their diverse histories and enduring impact.