The Evolution of Companionship

This chapter explores the domestication of wolves into dogs, examining the role of neoteny and human psychology in their evolution. It highlights a fascinating Russian experiment with silver foxes that reveals behavioral changes through selective breeding, while also addressing the challenges in domesticating less common animals. The discussion extends to the remarkable ability of dogs to read human expressions, raising philosophical questions about kindness, communication, and the potential for technological advancements in pet interaction.