Dogs have been humans’ best friend for 14,000 years

undefined 31, 2026

Source: interestingengineering

A new Nature study suggests dogs separated from grey wolves earlier than previously believed. Researchers analyzed 10,000-year-old genomes from dog remains found in Gough’s Cave (UK) and Pınarbaşı (Turkey). The findings indicate dogs were already widespread across western Eurasia 18,500–14,000 years ago and had split into eastern and western lineages. Evidence from bones shows these early dogs ate fish-rich diets similar to nearby humans, suggesting people were feeding and living closely with them. The study highlights that the human–dog bond began during the late Ice Age and has persisted ever since.

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