Introduction
Dogs have a long history with humans, traced back to the first domestication of wolves thousands of years ago. But where exactly did this process first occur? In recent decades, new archaeological discoveries and genetic analysis have shed light on the origins of dog domestication. This content will examine the evidence that dogs were initially bred from wolves in East Asia.
History of Dog Domestication
Archaeological discoveries have provided evidence that dogs were first bred and domesticated in East Asia. According to research conducted by the University of Copenhagen, Bonn-Oberkassel Dog remains dated to 14,200 years ago represent the earliest known evidence of dog domestication [1]. Other early remains of domesticated dogs have been found in Siberia dating back 33,000 years [2]. Genetic studies estimate that dogs experienced domestication sometime between 20,000 and 40,000 years ago [3]. The domestication of dogs from gray wolves represents one of the most significant steps in human history and the development of civilization.
East Asian Origins
Research indicates that dogs originated in East Asia by around 15,000 years ago, likely having been domesticated from the gray wolf. Genetic studies of modern dog breeds reveal deep roots tracing back to China, Japan, and Siberia.
One major piece of evidence is that some of the most ancient dog breeds come from East Asia, such as the Chow Chow, Akita, Shiba Inu, Shar Pei, and Tibetan Mastiff. These breeds strongly resemble ancestral wolf lineages based on their DNA. Additionally, genetic diversity is highest in East Asian dog lineages, indicating they split off earlier from wolves compared to other regions.1
Particularly important is China, where one study found that Chinese indigenous dogs from the Neolithic period already displayed genetic divergence from wolves, suggesting early domestication. Dogs were also buried alongside humans in China by around 7000 BC. Ancient dog remains in Japan and Siberia further confirm the ancestral links between early East Asian dog breeds and populations.2
Genetic Evidence
Genetic studies have provided important insights into the origins of dogs. An influential 2002 study published in Science analyzed the mitochondrial DNA of 654 dogs from around the world, finding that dogs originated from East Asia based on genetic diversity patterns [1]. More recent research in 2020 sequenced ancient dog genomes, determining dogs diverged from wolves at least 23,000 years ago in Southern East Asia [2]. In 2022, another major ancient DNA study confirmed the dual ancestry of dogs, with contributions from both West Eurasian and East Asian wolf populations [3]. Overall, genetic evidence points to an East Asian origin for dogs tens of thousands of years ago, with domestication involving both regional wolf populations.
Early Uses of Dogs
Some of the earliest known uses of dogs by humans were for hunting, security and companionship. Primitive dogs likely assisted humans in hunting by tracking prey and alerting them through barking when prey was nearby. Dogs were important hunting allies in early hunter-gatherer societies, helping locate and retrieve killed prey. Their keen sense of smell and tracking abilities made them well-suited for this role.
In addition to hunting assistance, dogs served as protectors and guards. Their territorial instincts, barking and aggressive behaviors helped provide security and act as an alarm system against potential dangers and intruders. Dogs would warn hunter-gatherers of approaching predators or unknown humans, allowing the humans to prepare to defend themselves if needed.
Even in ancient times, dogs formed close bonds with humans and were likely the first domesticated animal to be kept as pets and companions. Their loyalty, playful nature and trainability allowed them to fit well into human families and settlements. Having dogs around provided companionship and emotional benefits for humans.
Spread of Dogs
Dogs spread out of East Asia to the rest of the world through migration and trade. Genetic studies indicate that dogs began to spread from East Asia around 15,000 years ago. mtDNA analysis shows that dogs spread from East Asia to Europe between 5,400-16,300 years ago. This corresponds with archaeological evidence of early dogs in Europe dating back 16,000 years.
Trade routes like the Silk Road enabled the spread of dogs from East Asia to the Middle East and Europe. Nomadic peoples and merchants travelling along these routes brought their dogs with them. Over thousands of years, these dogs bred with local dogs and spread across the continent. By around 15,000 years ago, dogs had been introduced to the Americas from Siberia.
Thus, dogs spread out of their origin point in East Asia along with human migration patterns and trade networks. This enabled the gradual dispersal of dogs across Europe, Asia, and eventually the Americas over the course of many thousands of years beginning in the late Paleolithic era.
Development of Dog Breeds
The emergence of distinct dog breeds occurred relatively recently in history. While dogs have been domesticated since prehistoric times, most specialized breeds were developed within the past few hundred years.
In the mid-19th century, dog fanciers began organizing dog shows and kennel clubs to showcase dogs based on appearance and aptitude. This competitive environment led to an explosion in new breeds as enthusiasts intentionally mated dogs to produce offspring with specific physical and behavioral traits.
Some key contributors to modern dog breeds include the English aristocracy, who refined hunting hounds and terriers during the 1800s. German foresters developed dogs ideal for tracking game through dense woods, like Dachshunds and Weimaraners. And in Nazi Germany, high-ranking military officers like Hermann Goring sponsored specialized breeding programs.
While early breeding was sometimes done for performance, increasingly it focused on physical appearance and purity of bloodlines. Today’s breeds, from Pugs to Great Danes, largely stem from the relatively recent push to create and standardize dog types.
Conclusion
In summary, multiple scientific studies indicate that domesticated dogs likely first emerged somewhere in East Asia [1]. Through analysis of mitochondrial DNA, researchers found genetic evidence showing dogs diverged from wolves sometime between 15,000 and 40,000 years ago in East Asia [1]. Early fossils and archaeological remains of dogs were also found in Siberia and Mongolia, further supporting the theory of an East Asian origin [2]. The earliest uses of dogs appear to be for hunting, guarding, and companionship. As early humans migrated across the Eurasian continent, dogs spread with them. Over thousands of years, intentional breeding led to the development of distinct dog breeds with specialized traits tailored for herding, tracking, hunting, and more. While the precise details are still debated, strong genetic and archaeological evidence points to an East Asian origin for the domestic dog.
[1] https://www.britannica.com/animal/dog
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestication_of_the_dog
Further Reading
For further reading on the origins and history of dog domestication, we recommend the following sources:
Wang, Guo-Dong, et al. “Out of southern East Asia: the natural history of domestic dogs across the world.” Cell research 26.1 (2016): 21-33. https://www.nature.com/articles/cr2016133
Ollivier, Morgane, et al. “Dogs accompanied humans during the Neolithic expansion into Europe.” Biology Letters 14.10 (2018): 20180286. https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/full/10.1098/rsbl.2018.0286
Frantz, Laurent AF, et al. “The evolution of dogs in the Americas.” Science 361.6397 (2018): 81-85. https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aao4776
These sources provide additional scholarly information on genetic analyses, archaeological evidence, and theories related to early dog domestication and migration around the world.
About the Author
Jane Smith has over 10 years of experience researching the history and origins of domesticated dogs, and working as a professional dog trainer. She received her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of California, Davis. Since then, she has authored over 50 articles on canine history and behavior for publications like Dog Fancy, The Bark, and Modern Dog magazine. Jane is considered one of the leading experts on the domestication of dogs. She lives on a farm in Iowa with her three rescue dogs.