Scientists break down the past of modern dog breeds

New research reveals that today’s diverse dog shapes and sizes originated at least 11,000 years ago — well before modern breeding practices emerged. Scientists reached this conclusion after analyzing 643 skulls from ancient domesticated dogs and wolves, some of which were as old as 50,000 years. They discovered that dogs’ diversity emerged shortly after dogs split from wolves, according to Reuters.

The findings challenge the long-held belief that significant physical differences in dogs emerged primarily in the past few centuries, coinciding with the rise of formal breeds. However, according to study co-lead author Allowen Evin, substantial variation in skull size and shape was already present in prehistoric dogs.

Researchers found that, although ancient dog specimens lacked the extreme shape characteristic of modern breeds, such as bulldogs or pugs, early dogs still exhibited significant variation in head shape. The study also confirms that humans domesticated dogs long before other animals and valued them for both practical tasks and symbolic purposes.

Even today, some heads of state use their dogs during official visits to break the ice and build open relations with their counterparts. France’s President Emmanuel Macron sometimes meets high-profile guests in the company of his Tazy dogs, which were presented to him by Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in February 2024.