Europe's First Dogs Evolved Independently 14,200 Years Ago
Recent studies suggest that dogs have been present in Europe for 14,200 years, evolving separately from humans with minimal genetic exchange. They developed unique genetic characteristics and later became a significant component of European dog populations. Unlike humans, who interbred with farming cultures from Southwest Asia, dogs had less genetic admixture, indicating a distinct evolutionary history.
Nature, Published online: 25 March 2026; doi:10.1038/s41586-026-10112-7. Genome-wide analysis reveals that European dogs existed by 14,200 years ago, were already genetically distinct, received less Neolithic Southwest Asian admixture than humans did, and contributed substantially to later European dogs.
Provides key insights into canine evolution and the reconstruction of human-animal relationships