(5th–15th centuries)

The Middle Ages were a time of great change across Europe, from the fall of the Roman Empire to the start of the Renaissance. The period saw the rise of feudal relations, the spread of Christianity and the birth of new cultural and social structures. Animals played an important role not only in people's everyday lives but also in their spiritual lives. Dogs and cats became a firm part of human life, the selective breeding of animals developed, and farming, hunting and trade flourished. Animals became important partners in many areas of life, from work in the fields to religious rituals.

Late Middle Ages

11th–15th centuries

The late Middle Ages were a time of major change. The height of feudalism, the growth of trade and the dawn of the Renaissance had a deep effect on culture across Europe.

The late Middle Ages were a time of major change. The height of feudalism, the growth of trade and the dawn of the Renaissance had a deep effect on culture across Europe.

European animal breeding traditions take shape

In the late Middle Ages the development of the feudal system had a major effect on farming. Breeding horses, cattle and sheep became an important part of life. At the same time, animals began to be bred more and more deliberately for their useful qualities. Cattle were increasingly kept either for milk or for meat, and horses became more specialised for different needs, from work in the fields to knightly tournaments.

The late Middle Ages were the heyday of hunting culture. The nobility continued actively to breed hunting dogs, which became part of chivalric culture. In this period different types of dog were developed for hunting deer, foxes and other animals.

Speed

Stamina

Teamwork

Traditions of breeding hunting dogs

Features:

The role of animals in the feudal economy

In the late Middle Ages animals became not only something to breed but also important players in the feudal economy. Horses carried goods, and cattle and sheep were the main sources of food and wool. Animals had a major influence on trade and on the economy in many areas, from farming to crafts.

The first written descriptions of breeds

In the late Middle Ages the first systematic approach to classifying animals began to develop. Works appeared describing breeds of dogs, horses and other domestic animals. A famous example is The Master of Game, an English hunting book of the early 15th century that describes different types of hound. Such works included not only descriptions of the animals but also advice on breeding and care, which helped improve breeds and brought a more scientific approach to breeding.

Animals become pets

The late Middle Ages were when pets began to play an important role in noble life. Dogs were valued not only for hunting but also as companions. Small ornamental dogs, such as spitz types and toy dogs, became especially popular. They were an inseparable part of noble life, and their role went beyond service: they became symbols of luxury and refinement.

The role of cats in medieval homes:

Cats also became popular pets, especially in towns, where they kept up their fight against rodents. Their image as protectors and mysterious creatures grew stronger, giving cats a special place in the home.

The late Middle Ages were a time when relationships between people and animals became much more complex. Breeding traditions, the first attempts to classify breeds and the growing importance of animals as pets laid the foundations for later changes in European society and culture. These changes went on to shape new approaches to the relationship between people and animals in the centuries that followed.

Middle Ages