Ask Fuzzy: Why do dogs have such a close relationship with humans?

When exactly, we can't be sure because, as is often the case in archaeology, a fossil can only mark the most recent date and it's always possible an earlier example will be found.

To fill in the domestication story, the evidence needs to show that a dog and a human were interacting in a meaningful way.

In one case, 14,000-year-old dog remains were discovered in a Palaeolithic grave in western Germany. Analysis of the dog's teeth revealed that it suffered bouts of distemper.

This serious viral illness is marked by fever, dehydration, fatigue, diarrhoea, vomiting, and possibly pneumonia or worse.

It's unlikely this dog would have been of any use as a working animal, which suggests it received intensive care from a person.

At a dig site of a 8400-year-old Stone Age settlement in Sweden, archaeologists found canine remains where the dog was buried with valuable objects.

Now DNA analysis suggests that dogs split from wolf species about 100,000 years ago. Domestication may have occurred in multiple times and places between 40,000 and 20,000 years ago, although considerable uncertainty remains.

Why it happened is still not certain and there are several theories. One is that dogs scavenged around campfires, eventually growing habituated to humans.

Or maybe they followed hunting parties, picking up scraps and becoming progressively more involved.

But those are both human-centred notions. Did, perhaps, humans begin following dog hunting packs?

Whatever the answer (or answers), dogs and humans are ideal companions, sharing much in common.

Both have complex social groups, with hierarchies, specialised roles and subtle communication.

Dogs with humans form a powerful combination that benefits both, not just in hunting, but in pack security and social cohesion.

We tend to talk about dog breeding, but again that's human-centric and it seems likely that dogs also affected human development.

For example, we are extremely well attuned to each other's sounds and body language. You can tell the difference between a happy, sad or angry dog. Without even seeing them, you have a pretty good idea what their bark means.

Conversely, a dog senses your moods. They're tuned to the cues that you're about to leave them at home or take them for a walk.

Best of all, a dog loves your company and, whether you've had a good day or a bad one, they are pleased to see you.

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