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 hunting success. However, 9,000 years ago the role of the dog changed; It was then that cattle were domesticated and the dog was transformed from a hunter to a protector and guardian. In the Bronze Age, 4,500 a. C., there were five different types of dogs; the pointer breeds, shepherds, mastiffs, greyhounds and wolves. The earliest cave paintings from this time show that dogs worked alongside hunters, being bred for their specific job.

During this era, man really 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 that’s not only why the dog has a superior nose for tracking prey, it’s where the dog’s instinct to hunt comes from. With man’s dependency resting so heavily on the canine, this is the time when man and dog began to develop a deep kinship bond. The development of the dog is closely related to the evolution of humanity.

Hunting dogs were bred for certain types of hunts; hunting dogs were intended to rinse birds and some to retrieve them from the water. Some were bred for tree raccoons, others to hunt rodents. Every breed of dog has its purpose. However, as society advanced and developed, the hunt and the hunting dog became less relied upon. 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 working to return these dogs to their former purpose and glory.

Today there are hundreds of breeds whose genes trace back to these ancient hunters. Within each type there are further subcategories based on the specific characteristics of a dog. Hounds 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. However, what all these dogs have in common is their devotion to humanity for thousands of years.