Dogs were likely introduced to French Polynesia by early Polynesian settlers who arrived in the region over 1,500 years ago. These dogs accompanied the Polynesians on their voyages across the Pacific and played important roles in their daily lives. Over time, dogs in French Polynesia adapted to the unique environments of the islands. They developed traits suited to island living, such as agility, resilience, and an ability to thrive in tropical climates. They provided companionship, loyalty, and protection to their human counterparts, forming strong bonds with their families and communities. Dogs in French Polynesia were often used for hunting and foraging purposes, assisting their owners in tracking prey, retrieving game, and searching for food sources in the island’s diverse ecosystems.