Home / Science / 15,800-Year-Old Dog Bones Rewrite Canine History
15,800-Year-Old Dog Bones Rewrite Canine History
25 Mar
Summary
- Bones found in Turkey belong to the earliest known dog, dating back 15,800 years.
- This discovery predates previous earliest dog findings by about 5,000 years.
- Genetic research suggests dogs were widespread before agriculture emerged.
New genetic research has identified the earliest known dog, with remains dating back 15,800 years. These bones were discovered at the Pinarbasi rock shelter site in Turkey. This finding is approximately 5,000 years older than the previous earliest genetically confirmed canine.
The genetic evidence indicates that dogs were already widely distributed across Eurasia by 18,000 years ago. This suggests that dogs were an integral part of human culture and lifestyle long before the advent of agriculture. The domestication of dogs predates that of other animals like goats, sheep, and cattle.
Further analysis of ancient remains from various European sites, including Gough's Cave in England and Switzerland's Kesslerloch Cave, identified numerous wolf and dog specimens. The oldest of these European dogs shared an origin with those found in Asia, confirming a single, ancient domestication event. These early dogs were likely valued companions and may have assisted in hunting or served as watchdogs.
