The origin of the domestic dog is a hot topic in evolutionary biology. Scientists agree that today's Fidos came from the domestication of the gray wolf, but they are at odds over where this took place. Previous genetic studies focusing on mitochondrial DNA—inherited only from the mother—have suggested that modern domestic dogs are descended from animals that lived in East Asia between 5000 and 16,000 years ago. But archaeological excavations in Europe and the Middle East have found remains of what appear to be domestic dogs dating back as far as 31,000 years.



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By Kathleen Wren
Science
May 20, 2004 - What makes a dachshund different from a Doberman? A new study sheds light on the genetics underlying the low-slung dachshund, the powerful Doberman and other breeds through history.

By analyzing genetic samples from dogs of many shapes and sizes, a Seattle-based research team has shown how a dog’s genes can reveal its breed. A genetics-based classification system for breeds will allow researchers to study dog genes for diseases that have counterparts in humans and to piece together the evolutionary history of our closest companions.



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An international team of scientists has just identified what they believe is the world's first known dog, which was a large and toothy canine that lived 31,700 years ago and subsisted on a diet of horse, musk ox and reindeer, according to a new study.

Remains for the older prehistoric dog, which were excavated at Goyet Cave in Belgium, suggest to the researchers that the Aurignacian people of Europe from the Upper Paleolithic period first domesticated dogs. Fine jewelry and tools, often decorated with depictions of big game animals, characterize this culture.




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