The Forgotten Jobs of Dogs: Roles They Played Throughout History

Dogs have been more than just companions throughout history. Long before they were spoiled with treats and belly rubs, they played crucial roles in human society, performing tasks that helped civilizations thrive. While herding and hunting are well-known jobs, dogs have also worked as war heroes, rat exterminators, and even lighthouse keepers. Let’s take a look at some of the forgotten jobs that dogs have done throughout history.

1. War Dogs: Battlefield Companions

Dogs have been used in warfare for thousands of years. The Romans outfitted mastiffs with spiked armor and sent them into battle, while the Egyptians used trained dogs to guard their armies. During World War I and II, dogs served as messengers, medics, and sentries. The most famous war dog, Sergeant Stubby, served in WWI, warning soldiers of gas attacks and capturing a German spy.

2. Rat Exterminators: Keeping Cities and Ships Safe

Before modern pest control, cities relied on dogs to keep rodent populations in check. Small, agile terriers were especially valuable in this role, as they could quickly catch and kill rats. In 19th-century England, rat-catching competitions were popular, with some dogs able to catch hundreds of rats in a single night. Dogs were also used on ships to prevent rats from spreading diseases like the plague.

3. Circus Performers: Entertaining the Masses

During the 18th and 19th centuries, dogs were often trained for circus acts. They performed tricks, balanced on tightropes, and even acted out plays. Some traveling circuses trained dogs to “box” while standing on their hind legs, entertaining crowds with their surprisingly human-like movements.

4. Lighthouse Keepers: Saving Lives at Sea

In remote lighthouses where human keepers were scarce, dogs played an important role. They were trained to ring alarm bells when they spotted shipwrecks, guide lost sailors to safety, and even deliver messages between islands. One famous lighthouse dog, Rex, lived in a Scottish lighthouse in the 1800s and saved multiple sailors from drowning.

5. Turnspit Dogs: The Kitchen Workers

One of the strangest forgotten jobs was that of the turnspit dog. These small, strong dogs ran on a wheel (similar to a hamster wheel) that turned a spit over an open fire, evenly roasting meat. This job was common in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries, but once mechanical spit-turners were invented, turnspit dogs disappeared.

Dogs have always been more than just pets—they have been essential workers throughout history. Even though many of these roles no longer exist, they showcase the incredible intelligence, adaptability, and loyalty of our four-legged friends.