WASHINGTON, March 25 - New genetic research has identified the earliest-known dog, dating to 15,800 years ago, based on bones found at the Pinarbasi rock shelter in Turkey. This discovery predates the previous oldest confirmed canine by 5,000 years.
The study, published in Nature, suggests dogs were already widespread and deeply integrated into human culture thousands of years before agriculture began. Researchers found evidence that dogs were buried alongside humans and fed fish, indicating their value to ancient hunter-gatherers.
William Marsh of the Francis Crick Institute said DNA analysis shows dogs were genetically distinct from wolves by 18,000 years ago. Anders Bergström of the University of East Anglia led a separate study that identified 46 ancient dogs across Europe, revealing their shared origins with modern breeds like boxers and salukis.