The origin of the hunting dog dates back to 20,000 years ago, when Mesolithic man used primitive dogs to hunt for food, shelter and clothing. While hunting is now just a sport, and rarely used in the western world for sustenance, an ancient hunter’s life depended on his success at hunting. However, 9,000 years ago the role of the dog changed; It was then that cattle were domesticated and the dog was transformed from hunter to protector and guardian. In the Bronze Age, 4,500 B.C. C., there were five different types of dogs; the pointer breeds, shepherds, mastiffs, greyhounds and wolves. The first cave paintings from this time show that the dogs worked alongside the hunters, being bred for their specific job.
During this era, man actually began to cultivate the canine species according to his needs. Dogs were bred for the specific environment and climate in which they lived, and eventually to hunt certain species of prey. Today’s modern dog channels these ancient ancestors, and not only is this why the dog has the superior nose for tracking prey, but it is where his instinct to hunt comes from. With man’s reliance so heavily supported on the canine, this is the time when man and dog began to develop a deep bond of kinship. The development of the dog is closely related to the evolution of humanity.
Hunting dogs were bred for certain types of hunting; hunting dogs were intended for flushing birds and some for retrieving them from the water. Some were bred for tree raccoons, others to hunt rodents. Each breed of dog has its purpose. However, as society progressed and developed, hunting and the hunting dog became less trusted. Hunting became a hobby, not a necessity, and the various breeds were used as pets, not work. However, many hunters take pride in this hunting dog ancestry, studying a breed’s ancient ancestry and striving to return these dogs to their former purpose and glory.
Today there are hundreds of breeds whose genes can be traced back to these ancient hunters. Within each type there are further subcategories based on the specific characteristics of a dog. Bloodhounds are divided into sight or scent hounds; Hunting dogs consist of retrievers, setters, spaniels, water dogs, and pointers. Curs and Lakeland terriers are subcategories of the terrier. What all these dogs have in common, however, is their devotion to humanity for thousands of years.
