Scientists have discovered that dogs have been companions to humans for thousands of years, with new research pushing their origins back to at least 15,800 years ago. By studying ancient dog and wolf DNA, researchers found that early dogs were spread across Europe and Asia before agriculture began. These dogs lived with hunter-gatherers and were less affected by the arrival of new human populations than dogs in Asia and the Americas. While the exact appearance and role of these early dogs remain unclear, they likely resembled smaller wolves and may have helped humans hunt or guarded them. This research highlights the long-standing bond between humans and dogs, which continues today.
QUESTION: How might understanding the ancient relationship between humans and dogs influence how we view our pets today?
New studies of old dogs help scientists understand where they came from
