Dogs and Humans: Why Has This Bond Been So Long-Lasting? – clip

Catherine Sanderson / Amherst College

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), nearly 80 million dogs are owned as pets in the United States. It is unclear when dogs were first domesticated, between 20,000–40,000 years ago, but it’s clear that humans and dogs have shared a special bond of friendship and mutual support ever since the Neolithic period, at least. But why has this bond been so long-lasting?