Whilst today, a multitude of dog breeds, large and small, make wonderful household pets; typically, most dog breeds were developed with a specific 'job description' in mind. Here I shall discuss the origins of dogs becoming viewed purely as companions, rather than hunters, guards or vermin control.
Despite the development of the domestic canine being somewhat blurry, small companion dogs were established as early as 400 AD. The Pug, considered to be one of the most ancient of dog breeds, was developed at this time to be a companion to Chinese Emperors. However, such dogs in Europe did not appear until the latter end of the Renaissance.
Throughout the Middle Ages, dogs were prized for their skills in the hunt or even in warfare. These included large powerful dogs, known as Alaunts: the heavier of the Alaunts category being the predescesor of Mastiff's, whilst the lighter, streamlined Alaunts had more in common with the modern day greyhound. Generally, smaller, yet feisty breeds (terriers) were intended to keep rats and mice at bay, thus serving a similar purpose to the cat.
This is not to say that the dogs were not able to provide companionship, or that they weren't cared for. A good dog was an asset, and a luxury. Whilst researching the origins of one of my personal favourites,the Mastiff, I discovered a fascinating documentary 'Mastiff's: A Gammonwood tale'. Whilst discussing the huge dog that was a favourite amongst English nobility, canine historian David Hancock noted how the owners took great pride in their Mastiff's, and that they were not simply huge beasts tied with chains. They were also often entrusted to guard the family.
Evidence of small companion breeds in Europe does not appear in great quantities, until, as mentioned earlier, the Renaissance period, in which lap dogs became the must have pet for aristocratic ladies. During this age, small dogs such as the pug emerged as a desirable and manageable pet. In England, Spaniel types became popular, although as Kathy Lynn Emerson highlights in 'The Writers Guide to Everyday Life in Renaissance England', a great variety of dogs were kept by those who could afford them.
The Tudor court was one in which animals were becoming more often kept as companions. These included more exotic species such as singing birds and monkeys. Canine companions were still more popular however and one of the most famous individuals to have a preference for them was Anne Boleyn. It is known that the Queen was given a small dog named 'Purkoy' and it is discussed in the extensive Anne Boleyn biography by Professor Eric Ives that she also had in her ownership, a greyhound. (This dog is widely reported to have been named Urian although of this there is some debate).
Small dog breeds remained popular throughout the Stuart era (hence the namesake of the King Charles and Cavalier Spaiels) and lapdogs continued to remain breeds that had the sole purpose of providing companionship to their owners right through to the present day. The largest change we see in the late 18th century is the fate of the bull baiting breeds. As 1726 signalled the beginning of the end of the cruelty of the pits, breeds of bulldog type were surely set for extinction. However, due to enthusiasts, the dogs were continued to be bred,this time with stability of temperament in mind, allowing their type to continue in the form of companion. Here we see the beginning of the dog, large and small, fluffy and sleek, becoming what today we see as pet, family member and loyal friend.
With many breeds outliving their original purpose, the Victorian age saw the emergence of dog shows. This fashion peaked with the Edwardians, with breed standards being created and more exotic breeds being introduced or even created. As such, the average modern family choosing a dog as a companion, has a wide choice of dog breeds and mixes to consider. Some of which have changed very little, and others whose ancestors had a very different job to fulfil.
Bibliography
Cummins, John. The Art of Medieval Hunting: The Hound and The Hawk Part 1. London, Phoenix Press, 2003
Cunliffe, Juliet. The Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds. Bath, Parragon, 1999
Emerson, Kathy Lynn. The Writers Guide to Everday Life in Renaissance England. Belgrave House, 2010
Gammonwood Mastiff's. Mastiff's: A Gammonwood Tale. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNYEuMiNAPc v 2010
Ives, Eric. The Life and Death of Anne Boleyn. Oxford, Blackwell Publishing, 2005