Chapter 1: Dogs as Philosophical Beings

The bond between humans and dogs is deeply rooted and deserves recognition in discussions about philosophical animals. Although dogs may not seem as unconventional as some other creatures often discussed in philosophy, they possess unique qualities that make them valuable subjects for reflection.

Dogs have likely been companions to humans for over 15,000 years, evolving from wild scavengers to beloved household pets. Throughout this journey, they have played varied roles, including companions, protectors, herders, and guides, significantly impacting our daily lives.

Thanks to selective breeding and domestication, dogs have transformed from their wolf ancestors into a wide array of breeds, from the towering Great Dane to the tiny chihuahua. These changes extend beyond size; for instance, while dogs are often labeled omnivores, they retain certain carnivorous traits, such as a reliance on specific nutrients like taurine and vitamin C. However, adaptations from living alongside starch-consuming humans have equipped them with additional copies of amylase, enabling them to digest starches more effectively than typical carnivores.

If you're considering a vegetarian or vegan diet for your dog, it’s certainly feasible, but ensure that it meets their nutritional needs and monitor their health closely. If they struggle with it, it’s best to reconsider.

Behaviorally, domestication has led to various changes, including reduced aggression and a heightened sensitivity to human cues. While dogs are often regarded as intelligent, some studies suggest they may not possess the same level of cleverness as their wolf relatives, highlighting the complexity of measuring intelligence.

Chapter 2: The Philosophical Significance of Dogs

Why are dogs not just our favorite pets, but also worthy companions in philosophical exploration? This notion can be traced back to ancient times. In Plato's "Republic," Socrates shares a curious observation about dogs and their instinctual behavior toward strangers and acquaintances, suggesting that this instinct is emblematic of philosophical thought.

This prompts us to ponder the value we place on certain behaviors in animals and whether our selective breeding practices were driven more by intention or chance. The long history of domestication illustrates our desire for interspecies communication, as seen in the relationship between guide dogs and their owners, who must navigate complex social signals and context-dependent meanings.

Ethical considerations arise from this domestication process. Many dog breeds now suffer from health issues due to our often relentless pursuit of specific traits. There exists an extensive database documenting inherited disorders in dogs, many of which result from artificial selection and inbreeding practices. This raises questions about evolutionary ethics and the balance between breeding for well-being and maintaining genetic diversity.

Moreover, contemporary lifestyles can negatively affect our pets. In many Western societies, a significant number of dogs are classified as obese, leading to health problems such as pancreatitis and diabetes. Owners, despite their best intentions, may inadvertently harm their pets by overindulging them. Finding the right balance between comfort and the promotion of natural behaviors is crucial.

Plenty to contemplate. Woof.

Recommended Reading:

• Sofia Jeppson (2014). Purebred Dogs and Canine Wellbeing. Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Ethics 27: 417–430.
• Rachel Nuwer (2015). Domestication Seems to Have Made Dogs a Bit Dim. Smithsonian Magazine.
• Riin Magnus (2016). The Semiotic Challenges of Guide Dog Teams: the Experiences of German, Estonian and Swedish Guide Dog Users. Biosemiotics 9: 267–285.
• Christina Hansen Wheat et al. (2019). Behavioural correlations of the domestication syndrome are decoupled in modern dog breeds. Nature Communications 10: 2422.

The exploration of whether animals can feel, think, and possess morality is a fascinating inquiry into the ethical treatment of our canine companions.