Before being the best friend of the man, the dog first had many functions, including that of pulling carts for small traders (for short distance, they were more profitable than horses or donkeys). They have also been used for many machines in workshops by artisans.
With the development and perfection of machines the gradually became obsolete. According to the paleo-researcher François Jarrige, a change of social perception of the animal also led to the end of its exploitation.
Thus “it is less the ineffectiveness of the canine engine that is involved than the representations associated with it.More than other animals, the dog has become an intimate companion.” Moreover, its use was perceived, at a time of big Technical Progress, as archaic and harmful to the economy.
The French Organisation for Animal Welfare appeared in 1845. It was one of the greatest militants against the canine work, and led this fight throughout the nineteenth century.
