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Two-thirds of dogs, including chihuahuas, have wolf DNA, U.S. scientists say
A genomic study shows 64% of dog breeds carry wolf DNA influencing traits like size, scent detection, and personality, revealing ongoing post-domestication hybridization.
- Dogs evolved from an extinct population of gray wolves under human influences around 20,000 years ago.
- Over 64% of modern dog breeds have wolf ancestry, with tiny chihuahuas carrying around 0.2% wolf DNA and Czechoslovakian and Saarloos wolfdogs having up to 40% wolf DNA.
- Breeds with little or no wolf DNA were more likely to be described as friendly and affectionate, while those with more wolf DNA were often considered suspicious of strangers and independent.
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42 Articles
Scientists discover hidden wolf DNA in most dogs
Researchers studying thousands of canine genomes discovered that wolf DNA is still present in most dog breeds. This ancient genetic influence shows up in traits like body size, behavior, and environmental resilience. Even dogs bred far from wolves, including tiny chihuahuas, carry detectable wolf ancestry. The findings highlight how deeply intertwined the histories of dogs and wolves really are.
·United States
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The wolf genes helped the dogs adapt to different conditions.
They share a small amount of common genetic heritage with wild animals.
·Paris, France
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Total News Sources42
Leaning Left7Leaning Right10Center13Last UpdatedBias Distribution44% Center
Bias Distribution
- 44% of the sources are Center
44% Center
L 23%
C 44%
R 33%
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