Europe & Türkiye Reveal Earliest Genetic Evidence of Dogs

World’s Oldest Genetic Evidence for Domestic Dogs Found in Europe and Türkiye

New research reveals that domestic dogs existed nearly 16,000 years ago. Ancient DNA analysis from sites in the UK and Türkiye shows that dogs were widespread across Europe and Türkiye by 14,000 years ago.

🔬 Breakthrough in Dog Domestication Research

• Dogs descended from grey wolves, but early evidence was scarce.
• Whole-genome DNA analysis from Gough’s Cave (UK) and Pınarbaşı (Türkiye) confirms the earliest dogs.
• Additional ancient dogs found in Germany, Italy, and Switzerland.

🌍 Dogs Across Europe and Türkiye

Genetic analysis shows these dogs were ancestors of modern European and Middle Eastern breeds, such as boxers and salukis, rather than Arctic breeds like Siberian huskies. By 15,000 years ago, diverse dog lineages already existed from Somerset to Siberia.

“These specimens show that dogs were already widely distributed by at least 14,000 years ago,” said Dr. William Marsh, Natural History Museum.

🐾 Dogs and Humans in the Palaeolithic

• Dogs may have helped with hunting, fishing, and acted as early alarm systems.
• Isotope analysis shows humans fed dogs fish at Pınarbaşı.
• Intentional burials suggest cultural and symbolic importance.

📖 Significance of the Study

This research pushes back the earliest confirmed domestic dogs by over 5,000 years. It highlights the deep bond between humans and dogs during the Ice Age, shaping the ancestry of modern breeds.

The study, Dogs were widely distributed in Western Eurasia during the Palaeolithic, was published in Nature on March 25, 2026, alongside a related genomic study of early European dogs.