Exploring the Millennia of Canine Evolution: Tamsin Pickeral Unveils ‘The Invention of the Dog’ on The Pawsitive Post in Conversation

The intricate tapestry of canine history, tracing back tens of thousands of years to the dawn of domestication, formed the compelling subject of a recent episode of "The Pawsitive Post in Conversation." Hosted by Zazie Todd, PhD, and Kristi Benson, the podcast featured an insightful discussion with acclaimed author Tamsin Pickeral, whose latest book, The Invention of the Dog: 75 Breeds that Changed the World, offers a richly illustrated journey through the origins and evolution of our most cherished companions. Pickeral’s work delves into the fascinating narratives behind specific breeds, exploring how human needs, cultural shifts, and even artistic representation have shaped the diverse array of dogs we know today.

A Deep Dive into Canine Origins

Pickeral, an animal specialist and art historian, brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to her examination of dog breeds. Her new book, described as a "fascinating, touching, and beautifully illustrated account," explores the historical lineage and cultural significance of 75 distinct breeds. The interview with Todd and Benson provided a platform to discuss not only the specific histories of beloved dogs but also the broader implications of canine-human co-evolution and the enduring success of the species.

The genesis of The Invention of the Dog was serendipitous, as Pickeral recounted that the publisher, with whom she had previously collaborated on books about dogs and horses in art, approached her directly. This provided a rare opportunity to revisit and expand upon her extensive knowledge of canine history, marrying her expertise in animal themes with her background in art history. The result is a book that, while a definitive breed guide, consciously moves beyond typical reference material, instead offering a "celebration of the dog and the history of the dog through time." The inclusion of both historical artworks and photographs is a deliberate choice, reflecting the evolving ways in which humans have perceived and depicted their canine counterparts.

The Shih Tzu: A Royal Legacy from Ancient Tibet to Imperial China

One of the breeds discussed in detail was the Shih Tzu, a small dog with a grand history. Pickeral revealed that the breed’s origins can be traced back to ancient China, with evidence appearing in Tang Dynasty artworks as early as the 6th century Common Era. However, their heritage predates this, likely stemming from Buddhist monks in Lhasa, Tibet, who were renowned for breeding small "lion dogs." The lion, a potent symbol of strength and courage in Buddhism, lent its name to these plucky canines, which were thought to be ancestral to both the Shih Tzu and the Lhasa Apso.

These ancient Tibetan dogs were often gifted to Chinese emperors, gradually developing distinct characteristics within the royal palaces of China. Their lineage flourished particularly during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and continued through the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). A significant figure in the popularization of the early Shih Tzu, along with Pugs and Pekingese, was the Empress Dowager Cixi, a passionate dog breeder until her death in 1908. Her passing, unfortunately, led to a period of mass destruction and slaughter that severely impacted these breeds. Fortunately, some individuals were saved, notably two Shih Tzus brought to England by Lady Brownrigg, which played a crucial role in the breed’s resurrection and eventual formalization. This cross-continental journey solidified the Shih Tzu’s status as a beloved companion, celebrated for its unique personality packed into a small frame.

The Bernese Mountain Dog: Roman Heritage and Swiss Versatility

In stark contrast to the Shih Tzu’s imperial delicacy, the Bernese Mountain Dog embodies a history of robust utility and enduring companionship. Originating in the Bern region of central-west Switzerland, the breed’s roots extend approximately 2,000 years, coinciding with the Roman Empire’s expansion into Switzerland. The Romans brought their diverse array of dogs, including large mastiff-type canines, which interbred with local dogs and adapted to the challenging Alpine environment.

These Roman-descended dogs evolved into exceptional all-around farm animals, known collectively as Swiss dairy farm breeds, alongside the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Appenzeller, and Entlebucher. The Bernese Mountain Dog, in particular, developed a natural instinct for protecting livestock and homesteads, assisting in moving cattle, and, most notably, serving as haulage dogs. They were frequently employed to pull small carts laden with milk churns from farms to dairies. This combination of strength, versatility, and an "incredible temperament" cemented their role as indispensable working dogs and, more recently, as incredibly popular pets.

Pickeral highlighted a charming anecdote involving former Irish President Michael D. Higgins, who frequently brought his three Bernese Mountain Dogs on diplomatic trips. Higgins viewed his dogs not just as "great icebreakers" in formal settings but also as a "great source of wisdom," underscoring the deep emotional and even intellectual connection humans often share with these animals.

The Yorkshire Terrier: Industrial Roots and Wartime Heroics

The Yorkshire Terrier presents a more recent, yet equally compelling, narrative of canine development. This "much younger breed" emerged in the 1800s in Northern England, born from the migration of Scottish miners and mill workers into Yorkshire and Lancashire. These workers brought their native terriers, primarily early Skye Terriers and the now-unrecognized Clydesdale Terriers, which interbred with local dogs. The resulting canine, quickly dubbed the "Yorkshire Terrier" by the 1870s, became distinctive for its long, silky blue-grey and tan coat and its tenacious character.

Yorkies were primarily valued for their exceptional ratting abilities, a crucial skill in the rat-infested mills and manufacturing buildings of the Industrial Revolution. Their small size made them ideal for navigating confined spaces, providing effective pest control without being an impediment to human activity. One particularly famous Yorkie, Huddersfield Ben, achieved legendary status as a champion ratter and a prolific stud dog, leaving a significant genetic legacy in modern Yorkies.

Beyond their working roles, some Yorkshire Terriers achieved extraordinary fame. Pickeral recounted the incredible story of Smokey, a Yorkie found in a foxhole in Papua New Guinea in 1944 by an American serviceman. Adopted by Corporal Bill Wynn, Smokey became a wartime hero, accompanying Wynn on combat missions, saving lives by pulling communication cables through narrow tunnels under runways, and even earning the distinction of being the first recorded therapy dog. Smokey visited military hospitals, offering comfort and cheer to recovering servicemen, a testament to the profound emotional impact dogs have on human well-being. Smokey’s story, complete with medals and a memorial, exemplifies the unexpected and far-reaching contributions of even the smallest dogs.

The Evolution of Canine Diversity: From Function to Form

The sheer variety among dog breeds – from the diminutive Shih Tzu to the robust Bernese Mountain Dog – is a testament to millennia of co-evolution and human intervention. Pickeral elaborated on the widely accepted theory that dogs diverged from wolves 20,000 to 40,000 years ago, during the Ice Age. The pivotal moment for breed diversification, however, is believed to have occurred around 10,000 years ago with the advent of settled human life and agriculture. As humans transitioned from hunter-gatherer societies to farming communities with livestock, new roles emerged for dogs.

Certain dogs naturally exhibited aptitudes for specific tasks: some were excellent protectors, others adept at herding without harming livestock, and still others superior hunters, capable of tracking, flushing, or even bringing down large prey. Humans, observing these natural talents, began to selectively breed dogs that excelled in particular functions. This deliberate selection over generations led to the gradual emergence of distinct "types" of dogs, each optimized for a specific purpose. As trade routes developed and cultures interacted, these localized dog types were exchanged and crossbred, further accelerating the diversification of canine genetics.

Art, Photography, and the Shifting Canine Aesthetic

The visual representation of dogs has evolved alongside their physical forms. Pickeral, drawing on her art history background, discussed how early depictions of dogs in art were often tied to human status. Royal portraits, for instance, frequently included hunting dogs, symbolizing the owner’s wealth, power, and prowess. These artistic renderings were often idealized, presenting dogs in a "flattering manner" that reflected the aspirations of their human counterparts. As centuries progressed, dogs began to emerge as central subjects in art themselves, a significant shift in human perception, elevating them beyond mere accessories to objects of independent admiration.

The advent of photography marked another crucial turning point. Unlike paintings, which are carefully composed and can involve artistic license, photographs offered a "snapshot of real life." Historic photographs provide an unvarnished view of what dogs "actually looked like," free from idealization or the absence of "Photoshop." This objective record reveals significant transformations in breed appearance over time. For example, the historic Bulldog was a more athletic, longer-legged working dog, starkly different from the heavier, shorter-legged pet bulldog of today. Similarly, the Pomeranian, depicted as a sizable hound in Thomas Gainsborough’s 1770s painting "Pomeranian Bitch and Puppy," was selectively bred down in size, notably by Queen Victoria, to become the smaller, fluffier companion we recognize.

This evolution in appearance, often driven by specific human breeding goals and aesthetic preferences, carries significant implications for animal welfare. The discussion touched upon brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds, like the French Bulldog, which has become one of the most popular breeds globally. Pickeral highlighted research suggesting that humans are drawn to these breeds due to "baby schema"—the unconscious recognition of facial features (large, round heads, small noses, large eyes) that resemble human infants. While this contributes to their popularity, it has also led to a rise in health issues related to their altered respiratory structures, a critical concern for modern canine welfare.

The Enduring Success of Canines: A Bond Forged in Evolution

Ultimately, the conversation turned to the fundamental question of why dogs have achieved such unparalleled success as a species, flourishing alongside humans across virtually every culture. Pickeral presented two primary theories for canine domestication. One posits that humans actively sought out and tamed wolf cubs, breeding them into domesticated animals. The second, which Pickeral finds compelling, suggests a degree of "self-domestication." Scientific studies have identified genes on a specific chromosome linked to extreme sociability in both dogs and wolves. This theory suggests that some ancient grey wolves, possessing these genes, may have been drawn to human encampments, gradually adapting to a life near campfires and scavenging leftovers, thus initiating the domestication process. Pickeral believes a combination of both theories likely played a role.

The key to their success, she argued, lies in their remarkable communication skills and profound emotional intuition. The sheer joy of a dog rushing up with a wagging tail, displaying "extreme devotion," is a powerful emotional experience for humans. Dogs’ emotional intelligence makes them exceptional therapy animals and aids in medical detection, showcasing their deep understanding of human states and environments. Pickeral even noted a unique evolutionary adaptation: dogs possess a specific facial muscle allowing them to raise their eyebrows, a communicative gesture absent in wolves, which evokes a strong human response. This ability to connect and communicate on a deeply emotional level is, in her view, a cornerstone of the unbreakable bond and enduring success of dogs.

Further Engagement and Reflections

The conversation concluded with Zazie Todd expressing the shared sentiment of listeners and hosts alike, acknowledging the vast and fascinating nature of canine history. Pickeral recommended Stephen King’s "Fairy Tale," a dark fantasy novel she recently enjoyed, specifically praising the beautifully crafted relationship between the main character, Charlie, and his dog, Radar.

The Invention of the Dog: 75 Breeds that Changed the World is currently available wherever books are sold, offering dog enthusiasts a lavishly illustrated and deeply informative exploration of their beloved companions’ heritage. The podcast hosts encouraged listeners to reflect on their own "secretly loved" dog breeds—those they admire but perhaps wouldn’t personally own—further emphasizing the universal appeal and diverse appreciation for the canine species. This enriching discussion underscored not only the scientific and historical significance of dogs but also their profound and irreplaceable role in human lives.