GabyImagine a world where humans suddenly vanish from the planet. While this scenario may seem grim for Homo sapiens, it actually paints a rather optimistic picture for dogs. In this new reality, our canine companions would be free from the artificially bred traits that have negatively impacted their health. Within just five years of humanity’s disappearance, all dogs on Earth would belong to a single breed. Recently, British scientists from the Royal Veterinary College revealed what this breed might look like, dubbing it the Golden-Haired Dog.
As explained by Professor Dan O’Neill, an animal epidemiologist, without humans around, dogs of all breeds would be able to mate freely. This would lead to the extinction of unnatural and unhealthy traits, such as flat faces and stocky bodies. In their place would emerge the ideal mixed-breed dog of the future, one that wouldn’t suffer from any anomalies caused by selective breeding. This dog would have a uniform appearance across all continents and would physically resemble the dogs that roamed the Earth thousands of years ago.
Sleek Bodies
Canine obesity is currently one of the most pressing issues facing dogs today. However, this hypothetical mixed-breed dog would not struggle with excess weight. It would be an “unmatched scavenger,” consuming everything it finds and covering great distances in search of food, thus remaining lean and fit.
Pointed Snouts
Many of today’s most unfortunate dogs have flat faces and squished noses, belonging to so-called “brachycephalic” breeds like pugs, bulldogs, and shar-peis. These dogs often face breathing difficulties, making physical activity a challenge, and they even risk fainting while eating.
In contrast, the Golden-Haired Dog would feature a narrow head and a distinctly pointed snout—traits typically found in hunting breeds. A longer snout means a better sense of smell and improved aerodynamics during fast runs.
Long Legs
Another advantage of the Golden-Haired Dog would be its long legs, allowing it to cover distances more quickly. Currently, many short-legged breeds, such as dachshunds, Shih Tzus, and corgis, face challenges when walking or running, and they are prone to intervertebral disc disease and mobility issues.
Long Tails
This hybrid dog would also sport a long, curved tail, a hallmark of a healthy canine. In contrast, short tails are often the result of genetic mutations, seen in breeds like the Australian Shepherd and the Brazilian Terrier.
Most wild dogs have expressive tails that help them maintain balance, ward off insects, enhance or minimize scent, and even serve as a communication tool.
Upright Ears
Dogs with upright ears are more attuned to air vibrations, which helps them quickly locate prey. The Golden-Haired Dog would have such ears, as reported by the Daily Mail. According to the Royal Veterinary College, dogs with long, droopy ears are at a significantly higher risk of infections compared to those with pointed ears. Researchers noted that hunting dogs, like basset hounds, were bred with droopy ears to prevent debris from entering them while moving through tall grass.
Additionally, this hybrid would have short fur, another important adaptive trait beneficial for life in the wild. Professor Dan O’Neill pointed out that the vast array of dog breeds we see today was not created by nature but by humans. The active breeding of dogs began around the late 1800s, with the goal of emphasizing specific traits, creating distinct breeds, and stimulating the dog-buying industry. Today, each breed can be viewed as a brand, according to the professor. He believes that “most dogs are currently produced as a product for sale.” “We may enjoy having dogs with extreme appearances, but these dogs might not enjoy living in bodies that come with significantly more health problems,” the expert concluded.
