The domestic dog represents one of the most dramatic long-term evolutionary experiments undertaken by humans. From a large wolf-like progenitor, unparalleled diversity in phenotype and behaviour has ...developed in dogs, providing a model for understanding the developmental and genomic mechanisms of diversification. We discuss pattern and process in domestication, beginning with general findings about early domestication and problems in documenting selection at the genomic level. Furthermore, we summarize genotype-phenotype studies based first on single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping and then with whole-genome data and show how an understanding of evolution informs topics as different as human history, adaptive and deleterious variation, morphological development, ageing, cancer and behaviour.
This research aimed to identify social representations and conspicuous consumption practices in dog owners in the city of Bogotá, Colombia. The sample included 96 men and women over the age of 18. A ...mixed study was carried out including first, a qualitative phase in which the social representations of dogs’ owners - both creole and breed- were explored, as well as the meanings attributed to conspicuous consumption practices. Secondly, in the quantitative phase, descriptive analyses were carried out and thus the structure of social representations was confirmed. The results showed that the affective value of both the creole and breed dogs was acknowledged and that the creole dog is associated with conditions of vulnerability and regarded as an all-terrain dog, whereas breed dogs imply care and economic investment and are identified as “visible” dogs in society. It is discussed how social representations about dog ownership, in addition to the affective value, involve exhibition activities, social demonstration, and in turn, social and moral status.
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