document updated 15 years ago, on Feb 23, 2009
Though it may no longer be obvious to modern society, there are a few animals that we have a vast abundance of information about and experience with, since we've relied on them so much. (before the first commercial steamship in 1788, humans literally moved across the continents by muscle and sail alone, but mostly by muscle)
There are several main classes of work done by domesticated animals:
- take advantage of their strength
- take advantage of their senses or instincts
- hunting animals
- searching for people
- assist an impaired human
- herding
- gathering (e.g. truffle dog, truffle hog)
- increase numbers/strength of soldiers in war
Dogs
Though in modern life we may only come into contact with dogs for sport (hunting is often done only for pleasure, and some people only come into contact with ranching work from rodeos and movies), dogs were nonetheless important in getting real work done throughout history.
- hunting dogs — assist humans in acquiring game meat
- hounds — hunt by tracking or chasing
- gun dogs — assist armed hunters in finding and retrieving game
- herd dogs — assist with herding duties
Horses
Horses have been very important in human history. The inventions of the wheel and stirrup greatly increased their importance. Horses fueled the rapid expansion of the Mongol empire.
Cattle
Cattle are used for milk and meat. Castrated males are used for pulling or hauling heavier loads than horses are able to do.