1.Domestic animals must be able to find food in and around human settlements, meaning they must have a diverse appetite.Dogs were domesticated from the wolf species whichonly ate meat.Over time the wolf began to become more accustomed to a human diet.Todigest things like potatoesand cornthe digestive system of the dog gradually changed over time. Once humansestablishedagriculture their dogs could also gainsustenancefrom crops rather than only meat.
2. Domestic animals must maturerapidly(in relation to a human lifespan). Forexample,elephantscheck mostboxes for domestication except this one because it may take them up to 15 years to reach their full growth, which is not sustainable for human needs.
3.Domestic animals mustbe willing tobreedin captivity.This may seem like an odd one buthereisa notable example: the ancientEgyptianroyalty and upper classkeptcheetahs as house pets and hunting companions. The reason? Cheetahshave afriendlynature anddidn’tshow fear of humans. Fully grown cats wereeasilytrapped,tamed, and not so easily trainedtobekept as house pets, but because of their extensivecourtship andmating rituals thebig cats were unable to reproduce in captivity.
4.An animal must bedocileby naturetobe domesticated. For example, while a zebra islikea horse,zebras areinherentlyaggressive animals and are known to attack humans. Even tamingand traininga zebra from birth israrelysuccessful.
