Exploring the Introduction of European Dogs to North America Through Shoulder Height

Abstract

The introduction of domesticated species to new environments has been used to identify colonization events in the archaeological record, but rarely provides the opportunity to investigate colonists' selection of particular breeds or stock. This analysis employs morphometrics, the measurement of skeletal landmarks, supported by historic documentation to explore the intersection between colonists' breed preferences and species translocation. In doing so, this analysis provides insight into the differential effects of human selective breeding on domestic dog's (Canis familiaris) physical characteristics in Native American and European societies. Historic sources suggest that European colonists selectively imported large dog breeds capable of defending settlements and livestock, acting as war dogs, and aiding hunters. Colonists' dogs are reputed to have been significantly larger than Native American dogs. This study compares standardized measurements taken on bones to estimate shoulder height. We find that dog populations in England and North America spanning the period 0‐1800 AD exhibit an almost identical average stature; however, the range of shoulder height variation in European dogs is far greater than seen in eastern Native American dog populations. Dogs in colonial American contexts are statistically larger than both Native American and European dog populations, supporting documentary accounts that colonists selectively imported breeds from the largest available in Europe.

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