Looks like it might be bad anthropology too. The Wikipedia description for the film says that it shows how the "first tentative bond between man and canine" was formed.
Don't know about how they portray the people of the era; that might be accurate.
"If you are worthy of his affection, a cat will be your friend but never your slave. He keeps his free will though he loves, and will not do for you what he thinks unreasonable; but if he once gives himself to you, it is with absolute confidence and fidelity of affection." -Theophile Gautier