# Morphological and Metric Analysis of Medieval Dog Remains from Wolin, Poland

## TL;DR

This study examines medieval dog remains in Poland to reveal diverse body sizes and roles, suggesting breeding and trade influenced their presence in a port city.

## Contribution

The study provides new osteometric data on medieval dogs in the Baltic region, highlighting morphological diversity and human-driven selection.

## Key findings

- Three distinct dog morphotypes were identified, ranging from small spitz-like to large mesocephalic dogs.
- Evidence suggests dogs were used for guarding, herding, hunting, and transport, with roles linked to their morphology.
- Cranial trauma and dental wear indicate utilitarian functions, while trade and breeding shaped the dog population.

## Abstract

This study presents a detailed osteometric analysis of 209 domestic dog remains from early medieval Wolin (Poland), revealing significant variation in body size and morphology. Measurements of skulls and long bones indicate the presence of at least two or three distinct phenotypes, with estimated shoulder heights ranging from 40 to over 60 cm and body masses between 4 and 40 kg. The observed diversity is interpreted in the context of functional roles, trade-related gene flow, and environmental adaptation in a dynamic urban port settlement. The results contribute new data to the study of canine morphology and domestication in the early medieval Baltic region.

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.