Did any Native American tribes have pet wolves or dogs?

by ryanj629
ahalenia
iwinagin

The Native Americans kept dogs not wolves. In fact it seems that for most of the people of the Americas dogs were the only domesticated animal they kept. DNA evidence indicates the animals came over at around the same time as the first people arrived in North America. This does not prove the animals were domesticated at that time but it is at least possible if not likely that the animals were already domesticated. Archeological evidence finds dogs intertwined with humans in North America dating back at least 2500 years.

Here is a nice article about finding a domesticated dog bone fragment in 9000 year old human feces from Texas. Why the dog was consumed is not known. Dogs were also known to be eaten by the Olmecs at least 3000 years ago.

Mayan graves often have dogs buried with their owners indicating that by about 1000 B.C. dogs were more than just a food source. By this time they were a valued resource which would be needed in the next life.

Dogs were used as hunting companions, freight pullers, guards and simply as pets. One particular breed in the northwest United States the Clallum-Indian dog was used for wool similar to how sheep are used.

The Mexican hairless dog is believed to be one of the original native domestic breeds. As are the Alaskan Malamute. My personal favorite though is the Tahltan bear dog These little guys only eighteen inches tall were used to track and harass bears while the hunter got in position for the kill.