The domestic cheetah is descended from the African cheetahs that were domesticated in 5,000 B.C by humans. They were domesticated due to their natural shyness. Cheetahs were a candidate to be domesticated, they were probably domesticated in the Middle East. Their ancestors were the hardest domesticated animal to breed, but today's domestic cheetahs are now far easier to breed due to their care. They are used as free-roaming animals, guide animals, and pets.