New research published Wednesday in Nature is refining our understanding of when dogs first became domesticated in western Eurasia. Scientists analyzed genomes from dog and wolf remains to pinpoint a timeline for the origins of what would turn into “man’s best friend.”
Tracing the Origins of Canine Companions
The research indicates that dogs may have been widely distributed throughout western Eurasia at least 14,200 years ago. This finding builds on previous research suggesting dogs diverged from wolves more than 15,000 years ago, during the Palaeolithic period.
Researchers analyzed the genomes of 216 dog and wolf remains from Europe and nearby regions. The oldest specimen analyzed was a dog from Kesslerloch, Switzerland, dating back approximately 14,200 years.
Genetic Connections and Diversification
Examination of the Kesslerloch dog’s genome revealed a shared ancestry with dogs from other regions. This suggests that genetic diversification of domesticated dogs began more than 14,200 years ago, and that European dogs from the Palaeolithic period did not originate from a separate domestication process.
The study similarly found evidence of a Neolithic influx of Southwest Asian ancestry into Europe, though this appears to have been smaller in magnitude than similar patterns observed in humans.
Frequently Asked Questions
When were dogs first domesticated?
The research suggests dogs diverged from wolves more than 15,000 years ago, during the Palaeolithic period, and were widely distributed in western Eurasia at least 14,200 years ago.
Where were the oldest dog genomes found?
The oldest dog genomes analyzed in the study came from sites in Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Turkey, dating back 14,000 to 16,000 years.
Did dogs originate independently in Europe?
The analysis of the Kesslerloch dog’s genome indicates that dogs from the Palaeolithic period in Europe did not derive from an independent domestication process, but shared ancestry with dogs from other regions.
Further research could focus on identifying the specific factors that led to the initial domestication of dogs and how their roles evolved alongside human societies. It is also possible that future studies will uncover even older dog remains, pushing back the timeline even further.
