Amid the harsh, icy lands of ancient Europe, early man found himself an unexpected companion — the snarling, carnivorous wolf — which would eventually become his modern-day counterpart's best furry friend.
New genetic analysis of 148 prehistoric and modern animals has revealed that our present-day pooches, from dingoes to Saint Bernards, are most closely related to either ancient or modern European canines. The comprehensive study points to places like Germany and Switzerland as to where domestication of dogs likely began, and to free-roaming wolves evolving into the Rovers and Spots we know and love today.
The study was published online Thursday in the journal Science.