University of York part of ground-breaking study on dogs

Joining an international team of scientists, the university has uncovered the earliest genetic evidence of domestic dogs to date, with new research revealing that our furry friends were trotting alongside us at least 14,000 years ago – at the end of the last Ice Age.

The study analysed ancient DNA from animal remains found at archaeological sites in Gough’s Cave, Somerset and Pınarbaşı in Turkey.

It confirmed that bones recovered from the sites belonged to early domesticated dogs, pushing backing previous evidence by 5,000 years.

Recommended reading:

Speaking about this, Lizzie Hodgson, PhD student from the University of York’s Department of Archaeology, said: “A key finding came from Pınarbaşı, where the data showed that domestic dogs consumed a diet rich in fish, closely matching that of local humans.

“It is unlikely dogs were catching significant amounts of fish themselves, suggesting they were being actively fed by people.”

Previous studies had relied on small DNA fragments and skeletal measurements, making it difficult to differentiate between dogs and wolves.

In this latest study, researchers were able to reconstruct entire genomes from remains more than 10,000 years old, comparing them with over 1,000 modern and ancient canids.

The results show that dogs were already widespread across Europe and western Asia at least 14,000 years ago.

Further studies by the University of York conducted an analysis of the diets of humans, wolves and dogs by measuring chemical signatures in bone collagen. Their findings suggest a strong bond between humans and dogs during the Ice Age.

Additional samples from sites in Germany, Italy, and Switzerland show that early dogs were already widespread across Europe, and genetic analysis suggests they were more closely related to modern European and Middle Eastern breeds than to Arctic dogs.

This indicates major dog lineages may have already begun to form around 15,000 years ago.

Researchers also examined how humans may have interacted with early dogs. Evidence of burial sites points to potential emotional or cultural significance, but the exact roles of these dogs remains unclear.

One particularly important discovery – dated around 15,000 years ago – was a dog jawbone, now considered to be from the earliest known domesticated dog in the UK.

Dr Sophy Charlton, from the University of York’s Department of Archaeology, said: “This study reveals the beginnings of a human and canine bond that continues to this day.

“It’s a narrative that began towards the end of the Ice Age but was foundational to many of the modern breeds we see today.”