Morphological and Metric Analysis of Medieval Dog Remains from Wolin, Poland
This study analyzes 209 dog skeletons from two sites in Wolin (9th–mid-13th century AD) using 100 standard metric variables covering cranial, mandibular, and postcranial elements. Estimated withers height, body mass, age at death, and sex were derived using established methods. The results indicate...
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MDPI AG
2025-07-01
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| author | Piotr Baranowski |
| author_facet | Piotr Baranowski |
| author_sort | Piotr Baranowski |
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| description | This study analyzes 209 dog skeletons from two sites in Wolin (9th–mid-13th century AD) using 100 standard metric variables covering cranial, mandibular, and postcranial elements. Estimated withers height, body mass, age at death, and sex were derived using established methods. The results indicate the presence of at least two to three morphotypes: small spitz-like dogs (40–50 cm, 4–6 kg), medium brachycephalic forms (50–60 cm, 10–15 kg), and larger mesocephalic individuals (up to 65 cm, 20–40 kg). Dogs lived 3–10 years, with both sexes represented. Signs of cranial trauma and dental wear suggest utilitarian roles such as guarding. The size range and morphological diversity point to intentional breeding and trade-based importation. Small dogs likely served as companions or city guards, while medium and large types were used for herding, hunting, or transport. These findings highlight Wolin’s role as a dynamic cultural and trade center, where human–dog relationships were shaped by anthropogenic selection and regional exchange. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-5b9f0fe6a61c4f4caad57b03b2ba0ff2 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2076-2615 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Animals |
| spelling | doaj-art-5b9f0fe6a61c4f4caad57b03b2ba0ff22025-08-20T03:35:57ZengMDPI AGAnimals2076-26152025-07-011515217110.3390/ani15152171Morphological and Metric Analysis of Medieval Dog Remains from Wolin, PolandPiotr Baranowski0Department of Animal Anatomy and Zoology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Animal Husbandry, West Pomeranian University of Biotechnology Szczecin, Klemensa Janickiego 33, 71-270 Szczecin, PolandThis study analyzes 209 dog skeletons from two sites in Wolin (9th–mid-13th century AD) using 100 standard metric variables covering cranial, mandibular, and postcranial elements. Estimated withers height, body mass, age at death, and sex were derived using established methods. The results indicate the presence of at least two to three morphotypes: small spitz-like dogs (40–50 cm, 4–6 kg), medium brachycephalic forms (50–60 cm, 10–15 kg), and larger mesocephalic individuals (up to 65 cm, 20–40 kg). Dogs lived 3–10 years, with both sexes represented. Signs of cranial trauma and dental wear suggest utilitarian roles such as guarding. The size range and morphological diversity point to intentional breeding and trade-based importation. Small dogs likely served as companions or city guards, while medium and large types were used for herding, hunting, or transport. These findings highlight Wolin’s role as a dynamic cultural and trade center, where human–dog relationships were shaped by anthropogenic selection and regional exchange.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/15/2171archeozoologybody mass estimationdogmedievalosteometryPoland |
| spellingShingle | Piotr Baranowski Morphological and Metric Analysis of Medieval Dog Remains from Wolin, Poland Animals archeozoology body mass estimation dog medieval osteometry Poland |
| title | Morphological and Metric Analysis of Medieval Dog Remains from Wolin, Poland |
| title_full | Morphological and Metric Analysis of Medieval Dog Remains from Wolin, Poland |
| title_fullStr | Morphological and Metric Analysis of Medieval Dog Remains from Wolin, Poland |
| title_full_unstemmed | Morphological and Metric Analysis of Medieval Dog Remains from Wolin, Poland |
| title_short | Morphological and Metric Analysis of Medieval Dog Remains from Wolin, Poland |
| title_sort | morphological and metric analysis of medieval dog remains from wolin poland |
| topic | archeozoology body mass estimation dog medieval osteometry Poland |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/15/2171 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT piotrbaranowski morphologicalandmetricanalysisofmedievaldogremainsfromwolinpoland |