1978/01/01 by Steven D. Emslie · 1 voice
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Environmental Science · Social Sciences · #Geographies of human-animal interactions #Human-Animal Interaction Studies #Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
paper · doi:10.1080/00231940.1978.11757899
openalex publication_date 1978/01/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2025/11/06
Twenty whole or partial dog burials were recovered from archaeological excavations in Mancos Canyon, southwestern Colorado, ranging in age from Pueblo I to Pueblo III (A.D. 800–1150) or during the Piedra through McElmo phases of the local time sequence. Since information on prehistoric canid remains is rarely reported, the measurements of these dogs are presented. Comparisons of these measurements with other data reveal all of the mature dog burials as the breed known as the small Indian dog (Canis familiaris). In addition, most of these burials occurred in pit houses or kivas indicating a possible selection of these structures for dog burials by the prehistoric Indians. Finally, a decrease of dogs through time is recognized in the prehistoric Mesa Verde region.