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Scientists Say Most Dogs Have some Wolf DNA – Even Chihuahuas
Researchers analyzed over 2,700 genomes and found nearly two-thirds of dog breeds carry wolf ancestry influencing traits like size, smell, and personality.
- The new PNAS paper led by Audrey Lin and colleagues finds most modern dogs carry low but detectable post-domestication wolf ancestry, published November 24 by the American Museum of Natural History and Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
- Because domestication began about 20,000 years ago, researchers re-examined post-domestication mixing after finding nearly two-thirds of breed dogs retain wolf ancestry from crossbreeding around 1,000 generations ago.
- Using more than 2,700 published genomes, the researchers analyzed 1,872 modern dogs, 146 ancient dogs and wolves, and about 300 village dogs, finding breed ancestry ranged from tiny Chihuahua traces.
- The researchers found wolf genes linked to specific adaptations, including smell and altitude tolerance, as wolf-derived genes aided enriched olfactory receptor genes in village dogs and Tibetan mastiffs, reshaping breeding, conservation, and canine biology.
- Challenging past views, the study suggests hybridization may be more common than previously thought, with Lin stating, `Prior to this study, the leading science seemed to suggest that in order for a dog to be a dog, there can't be very much wolf DNA present, if any`.
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15 Articles
15 Articles
Most modern dogs, from Shiloh's shepherd to small Chihuahua, have detectable wolf ancestors who have shaped the characteristics and evolution of these animals.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources15
Leaning Left1Leaning Right4Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution61% Center
Bias Distribution
- 61% of the sources are Center
61% Center
C 61%
R 31%
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