Ice age wolf DNA used to trace dog ancestry

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Dogs, domestication

Dogs are known to have originated from the gray wolf, with this domestication occurring during the Ice Age, at least 15,000 years ago. But where this happened, and if it occurred in one single location or in multiple places, is still unknown.

Previous studies using the archaeological record and comparing the DNA of dogs and modern wolves have not found the answer.

In their study, published in Nature today (29 June), the researchers turned to ancient wolf genomes to further understanding of where the first dogs evolved from wolves. They analysed 72 ancient wolf genomes, spanning the last 100,000 years, from Europe, Siberia and North America.

Dirty window dogs

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dog photography, Dogs

Our dogs Judy and Penny looking out a dirty window, made dirty by their noses, at me. An interesting effect.

Judy a.k.a. 2 Face

Penny

ER therapy dogs reduce pain

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Dogs, therapy dogs

Data show that a visit from a therapy dog in the E.R. reduces feelings of pain.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/canine-corner/202204/can-few-minutes-therapy-dog-help-relieve-pain

Puppy eyes evolve in dogs

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Dogs

When a canine companion wants an extra treat, one glance of those endearing puppy-dog eyes is all it takes. Now, scientists suggest domesticated dogs may have evolved extra facial muscles to win people over with their adorable expressions.

Humans may have contributed to the heart-warming look through thousands of years of selective breeding for the animated faces, a statement explains. Presented at the Experimental Biology 2022 Meeting in Philadelphia, the preliminary research offers a deeper look at how dogs communicate with us.

Our three

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Dogs

Our three dogs in a row. Anya, Penny, Judy