How & Why Dogs Became Man’s Best Friend | Henryka Jewellery

How & Why Dogs Became Man’s Best Friend | Henryka Jewellery

Posted by Anna Emmett on

Dogs Truly Are Man’s Best Friend!

 It might surprise you to learn that all dogs - yes, even the tiny Chihuahua and the giant Great Dane - are descendants of wolves. The reason they’re all different shapes and sizes is due to us. Humans have played a big part in changing their genetic makeup to develop different breeds over the centuries.

Despite scientists disagreeing about the exact year the dog was first domesticated, they estimate it was around 20,000 - 40,000 years ago. But how exactly did this happen?

How did these once-fearsome predators become loyal and obedient companions? It’s hard to picture a fluffy poodle as a relative of the mighty grey wolf.

Today’s pampered pooches are a far cry from wild wolves. We treat our dogs like family - and our exclusive dog jewellery collection will help you keep your much-loved pup close to your heart.

Silver & Amber Paw Print Necklace


How did dogs become domesticated?

It’s highly debatable where dogs become domesticated, but general studies show that it was likely to be in three parts of the world: Mongolia, Europe and China.

A popular theory is that hunters would capture wolf pups and keep them as pets. However, many scientists believe that it was, in fact, wolves who wanted to be domesticated! Some argue that, when wolves would encounter humans, instead of running away, they would test the waters and creep in closer. It’s thought that wolves saw this opportunity as an act of ‘survival of the fittest’ as, ultimately, the ones who were more friendly towards humans tended to be fed and live longer.

Once a bond was established between them, humans soon realised they could use wolves for a variety of purposes, such as hunting, retrieving, farming, guarding, tracking and herding.

It seems that, somewhere along the line, we realised what fabulous company and loyal companions they made, too.


Where did the phrase ‘man’s best friend’ come from?


The first time the phrase ‘man’s best friend’ was used was in 1789 by King Frederick of Prussia - or so it’s claimed, at least. He was apparently heard to have said, “the only, absolute and best friend that a man has, in this selfish world, the only one that will not betray or deny him, is his DOG”.

Apparently, he was talking about his Italian greyhound when he used this phrase. Our very own silver miniature greyhound necklace is a wonderful tribute to this popular breed.

Greyhound/Whippet Necklace Silver Greyhound Necklace


Since then, this phrase has been repeated so much so that it’s stuck with us in our minds and hearts. These days, whenever we think of our four-legged friends, this saying springs to mind - evoking feelings of great affection, especially for those who own them!


Why are dogs friends with humans?

Nowadays, it’s easy to see why we get so much out of our loving companions - after all, we provide everything for them, including warmth, shelter and food.

Modern domesticated dogs have become used to seeing this as their natural way of life. This is probably why wolves initially tried to befriend humans as a means of getting food. They soon realised it was better to be our friend and survive than to risk shying away.

Remember that these are just theories, but they do shed some light on why dogs became so friendly towards us.

Silver Miniature Dachshund Necklace.


Why are dogs so loyal?

When you ask any owner about why they love their pretty pups so much, it’s highly likely they’ll illustrate stories of their pooch’s loyalty.

They are always there for us, and many will do absolutely anything for their human family - even trying to save us in an emergency or if they feel we’re in danger.

Their loyalty knows no bounds, but why are they this way? It’s partially because they have learnt this over the centuries in their role as our companions. But it’s also down to the relationships we’ve built with our doggy friends over time. Whether they’re a prize-winning show dog, a hard-working hound or a rescue cross-breed who’s had a bad start in life, we love them unconditionally. Soon enough, they started to recognise this.

Studies have shown that dogs can both understand our emotions and feel their own. The very fact that they grow to adore their owners only amplifies their extreme loyalty and devotion.

For fellow dog lovers, we created the stunning amber and silver paw print necklace that acts as a perfect memento to help you and your loved ones remember and cherish your precious moments with your pups.

 Paw Print Collection


We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this brief history of how and why dogs became recognised as ‘man’s best friend’. For more tail-wagging jewellery delights, delve into our beautiful dog jewellery collection and explore our range of necklaces, earrings and bracelets paying homage to a number of different breeds - from the pug and Yorkshire Terrier to the Cocker Spaniel and greyhound.


What’s more, we also have a beautiful selection of novelty paw print jewellery available to buy in the form of simple silver studs and delicate necklaces - making them a perfect gift for dog lovers everywhere!


Get in touch with us on Facebook or Instagram to let us know which breed you’d like us to add to our dog jewellery collection next.