
How different was a German Shepard from a new crossbreed such as the labradoodle? Where had dogs originated, if not cross bred for specific traits such as looks, hypoallergenicity, or shedding tendencies? I am not the only one to ponder these thoughts. The origin of modern dogs has long intrigued scientists. For the most part, scientists have agreed that modern dogs are descended from gray wolves but when and where gray wolves became domesticated has been the source of controversy.
However, as reported in The New York Times (Science: October 19, 2015), a recent large study suggests that modern dogs most likely originated in Central Asia. The researchers analyzed non-sex chromosomal DNA, DNA from the Y chromosome, and mitochondrial DNA from more than 4,500 dogs representing 161 breeds and 549 village dogs (or “mutts”) from 38 countries. Using techniques similar to those used by scientists studying the origin of the human species, they were able to conclude that dogs most likely originated in Central Asia at least 15,000 years ago. Because of the study design, the researchers could not exclude the possibility that other ancient lineages developed and died off, or that ancestral dogs were brought to Central Asia and then migrated outward from there. Still, the study is impressive given the number of samples and types of DNA examined.
As for my son, he is not too concerned with when and where dogs became domesticated, but is thrilled that his new dog is so playful and loving.