Episode Summary: "Dogs" - Dan Snow's History Hit

In the "Dogs" episode of Dan Snow's History Hit podcast, host Dan Snow engages in a captivating conversation with historian and documentary filmmaker Mike Loades. Together, they explore the intricate and enduring relationship between humans and dogs, tracing its evolution from ancient domestication to the multifaceted roles dogs play in modern society. The episode delves into historical anecdotes, breed developments, and the symbiotic bond that has made dogs humanity's most loyal companions.

1. The Eternal Bond Between Humans and Dogs

Dan Snow opens the episode by highlighting the profound emotional connection humans have with dogs, citing an ancient Roman tombstone inscription:

Dan Snow ([00:00]): "What a loved companion have we lost."

This sets the tone for an exploration of how dogs have been integral to human societies for thousands of years.

2. Domestication of Wolves into Dogs

Mike Loades provides a detailed overview of the domestication process, explaining that the relationship between humans and wolves began around 100,000 years ago. Through a mutualistic partnership, wolves gradually became more docile, leading to the emergence of the proto-dog approximately 15,000 years ago. Loades emphasizes the genetic similarities between modern wolves and dogs:

Mike Loades ([05:12]): "You would be surprised how small the dial is on the genetic changes from a wolf to a domestic dog."

3. Symbiotic Relationship and Selective Breeding

The conversation delves into the symbiotic nature of the human-dog relationship, where both species benefited from companionship and cooperation. Loades discusses how selective breeding began to shape dogs for specific roles while maintaining their inherent loyalty and affection:

Mike Loades ([07:54]): "We want one that's a best friend... It's natural that that companionship gene actually comes in pretty much all the things."

4. Dogs in the Tudor Court

Exploring historical contexts, Loades discusses the presence of various dog breeds in the Tudor court, particularly under Elizabeth I. Drawing from the work of John Keyes, Elizabeth's physician and a pioneering naturalist, Loades outlines the classification of dogs during this era:

Mike Loades ([13:53]): "There are a lot of hunting dogs, gaze hounds... and what today we would call lapdogs."

He shares anecdotes such as Mary Queen of Scots having a pack of 22 chamber dogs, highlighting the blend of working and companion roles dogs played even in elite circles.

5. Bloodhounds: Masters of Scent Tracking

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to bloodhounds, renowned for their unparalleled olfactory capabilities. Loades reveals:

Mike Loades ([14:54]): "A bloodhound has 230 million olfactory cells... an odor image for the bloodhound has, I think, 40 times more information than does a photograph for a human."

He recounts historical instances where bloodhounds were used to track notable figures like William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, demonstrating their crucial role in law enforcement and military pursuits.

6. Dalmatians as Carriage Guards

The discussion shifts to Dalmatians, traditionally bred to guard carriages against highwaymen and protect horses. Loades explains their historical significance during the 18th to early 19th centuries, the golden age of carriage travel:

Mike Loades ([22:25]): "Dalmatians were the favored type... they would trot behind the carriages for mile after mile after mile."

He contrasts their once aggressive nature with their modern reputation as affectionate pets, illustrating how selective breeding has transformed their behavior and appearance.

7. Drover Dogs and Livestock Management

Loades introduces the concept of drover dogs, such as Welsh Corgis and Bearded Collies, which were essential for herding and transporting livestock over long distances. He shares personal experiences filming with these breeds:

Mike Loades ([19:58]): "We used Bearded collies... to bring the sheep up to London. The droving dog needs to be quite gentle, quite different to that style of working of the border collie."

This highlights the adaptability of dogs to various working environments and their importance in sustaining agricultural economies.

8. The Evolution of Carriage Dogs

Exploring further, Loades explains the role of carriage dogs in safeguarding not just the travelers but also the horses:

Mike Loades ([23:48]): "A carriage dog would drive the horse off before the highwayman could get in shot range."

This section underscores the tactical roles dogs played in ensuring the safety and efficiency of transportation during a time when roads became more navigable and travel became more common.

9. Modern Symbiotic Roles of Dogs

The episode concludes by bridging historical roles with contemporary applications, emphasizing the continued symbiotic relationship between humans and dogs. Loades mentions various modern uses, from medical detection to service roles:

Mike Loades ([25:49]): "Our interdependence is now so deeply interwoven."

He elaborates on roles such as:

• Medical Detection: Dogs trained to sniff out cancers.
• Service Animals: Guide dogs for the blind and deaf.
• Police and Military Roles: Enhancing security and operational efficiency.
• Rewilding Efforts: Acting as flock guardians to deter predators like wolves.

10. Preserving Canine Heritage

Loades concludes by stressing the importance of conserving the diverse breeds and roles dogs have historically fulfilled, likening it to wildlife conservation:

Mike Loades ([25:04]): "It's a precious and fragile heritage, and I personally think we need to look after it just as much as we need to conserve the wildlife in the natural world."

Notable Quotes:

• Dan Snow ([00:00]): "What a loved companion have we lost."
• Mike Loades ([05:12]): "You would be surprised how small the dial is on the genetic changes from a wolf to a domestic dog."
• Mike Loades ([14:54]): "A bloodhound has 230 million olfactory cells."
• Mike Loades ([22:25]): "Dalmatians were the favored type... they would trot behind the carriages for mile after mile after mile."
• Mike Loades ([25:49]): "Our interdependence is now so deeply interwoven."

Conclusion

The "Dogs" episode of Dan Snow's History Hit offers an enlightening journey through the centuries-long partnership between humans and dogs. From the initial domestication of wolves to the specialized roles of various breeds in historical contexts, the episode underscores the profound impact dogs have had on human society. Mike Loades' insights and historical anecdotes provide a comprehensive understanding of why dogs remain humanity's most loyal and indispensable companions.

Further Resources:

• Documentaries by Mike Loades:

  • Dogs of the Tudors
  • Dogs in the Age of Revolutions (1760 to 1850)

• Books by Mike Loades:

  • Dogs Working Origins and Traditional Tasks

For more detailed explorations of the historical roles of dogs, subscribe to History Hit at historyhit.com/subscribe.