Dog Origins May Lie in Ancient Japan

Our furry companions, dogs, have a long and fascinating history intertwined with humans.

We all recognize the common narrative — their ancestors were grey wolves who gradually transitioned into domesticated dogs. But the story behind this transformation goes deeper than that. The prevailing theory placed the origin of dog domestication with Eurasian wolves. However, a recent study [1] throws a curious twist into the mix, suggesting a possible Japanese wolf ancestry for our beloved canine friends.

This revelation compels us to delve into the intriguing details of dog domestication and explore the emerging evidence that challenges our current understanding.

History

The domestic dog originates from the gray wolf, with distinct genetic lineages closely related to Eurasian wolves.

Debates persist regarding the time, location, and frequency of dog domestication events, complicating our understanding of this process. Various regions in Eurasia have been proposed as potential sites for dog domestication, but the exact ancestral population remains elusive. Genetic studies indicate a divergence between dog and wolf lineages approximately 20,000–40,000 years ago, with the emergence of distinct West and East Eurasian dog lineages.

Additionally, evidence of sled dog ancestry dating back 9,500 years suggests a complex history of dog domestication. Interbreeding and gene flow between wolves and dogs have further complicated the…