--- title: "Dog or wolf: the origins of the domestic dog" description: "Dog or wolf: the origins of the domestic dog" image: https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Wolf-or-domestic-dog1140-5.jpg --- [![almonature-logo-4](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/almonature-logo-4.svg) ](https://www.almonature.com/en/?hsLang=en-gb) ![EN](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/country_flags/gb.svg) [![almonature-logo-4](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/almonature-logo-4.svg) ](https://www.almonature.com/en/?hsLang=en-gb) - Products - [Companion for Life](https://www.almonature.com/it/companion-for-life?hsLang=en-gb) - Call for Projects - About us - [Where to buy](https://www.almonature.com/it/trova-un-negozio?hsLang=en-gb) Products - Cat Food - Dog Food - Cat Litter Cat Food - [All Cat Food](https://www.almonature.com/it/prodotti-per-gatti?hsLang=en-gb) - [Functional](https://www.almonature.com/it/alimenti-funzionali?hsLang=en-gb) - [Kibble](https://www.almonature.com/it/gatto-crocchette?hsLang=en-gb) - [Wet food](https://www.almonature.com/it/gatto-umido?hsLang=en-gb) - [Snack](https://www.almonature.com/it/gatto-snack?hsLang=en-gb) [![bio-diversity-menu-icon](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/bio-diversity-menu-icon.png) Impact on biodiversity ](https://www.almonature.com/it/impatto-sulla-biodiversit%C3%A0?hsLang=en-gb) [![nutritional-advice-menu-icon](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/nutritional-advice-menu-icon.png) Cat nutrition advice ](https://www.almonature.com/it/consiglio-nutrizionale-gatto?hsLang=en-gb) Dog Food - [All Dog Food](https://www.almonature.com/it/prodotti-per-cani?hsLang=en-gb) - [Kibble](https://www.almonature.com/it/cane-crocchette?hsLang=en-gb) - [Wet food](https://www.almonature.com/it/cane-umido?hsLang=en-gb) - [Snack](https://www.almonature.com/it/cane-snack?hsLang=en-gb) [![bio-diversity-menu-icon](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/bio-diversity-menu-icon.png) Impact on biodiversity ](https://www.almonature.com/it/impatto-sulla-biodiversit%C3%A0?hsLang=en-gb) [![nutritional-advice-menu-icon](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/nutritional-advice-menu-icon.png) Dog nutrition advice ](https://www.almonature.com/it/consiglio-nutrizionale-cane?hsLang=en-gb) Cat Litter - [All Litter](https://www.almonature.com/it/lettiere?hsLang=en-gb) - [Soft Texture](https://www.almonature.com/it/catlitter-soft-texture?hsLang=en-gb) - [Grain Texture](https://www.almonature.com/it/catlitter-grain-texture?hsLang=en-gb) Call for Projects - [Home Page](https://www.almonature.com/it/re-community?hsLang=en-gb) - [Participating projects](https://www.almonature.com/it/companion-for-life/projects?hsLang=en-gb) - [International commission](https://www.almonature.com/it/companion-for-life/re-community-giuria?hsLang=en-gb) - [FAQs](https://www.almonature.com/it/companion-for-life/faqs-domande-frequenti?hsLang=en-gb) - [Download the call for projects](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/re-community-projects/UK-Companion-for-Life-Call-for-Project-Annex-1-and-2.pdf?hsLang=en-gb) About us - [Brand Profile](https://www.almonature.com/it/manifesto?hsLang=en-gb) - [Our history](https://www.almonature.com/it/la-storia?hsLang=en-gb) - [The company](https://www.almonature.com/it/rendicontazione?hsLang=en-gb) - [Reintegration Economy](https://www.almonature.com/it/reintegration-economy?hsLang=en-gb) ![Dog or wolf: the origins of the domestic dog](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Wolf-or-domestic-dog1140-5.jpg) Oxford, England: Before humans bred livestock or cultivated the land; before they developed written language, or built houses and villages; and before they kept cats, they certainly had dogs.  **When did the first bond between man and dog occur?**Scholars from the University of Oxford and a team of scientists from around the world agree that the dog evolved from the wolf, but the theory that saw man tame wolf pups does not hold true: wolves, even as pups, are predators and are therefore difficult to tame. It is more likely that [bold wolves](https://www.almonature.com/en/reads/wolves-tolerant-dogs-social-differences-two/?hsLang=en-gb) approached the hunters to find food more easily by forming a [mutual collaboration](https://www.almonature.com/en/reads/did-hunting-with-the-wolf-accelerate-human-evolution/?hsLang=en-gb). From here, the [theory of self-domestication](https://www.almonature.com/en/reads/from-wolves-to-dogs-the-latest-news-about-the-domestication-of-mans-best-friend/?hsLang=en-gb) – the origins of the domestic dog and its relationship to man emerges.  **The origins of the domestic dog**Some theories trace the origins of Fido back 14,000 years to a time when humans and dogs were buried alongside each other. However, some biologists argue that, on the basis of DNA and the shape of ancient wolf skulls, [domestication occurred over 30,000 years ago.](https://www.almonature.com/en/reads/man-and-dog-where-did-domestication-occur/?hsLang=en-gb)Greger Larson, a biologist at the department of archaeology at the University of Oxford, has proposed the creation of a large genetic database based on old varieties of wolves and canids, so as to be able to study the DNA and identify, once and for all, the origin of the dog.The research involves scholars from around the world, and its creator, Dr Larson, is convinced that only a concerted team effort will lead to a conclusive result. Robert Wayne, an evolutionary biologist at UCLA who studies the origin of the dogs and is also part of the research team, said: "There are not many people working in canine genetics who are not working hard on this project." It is already a great success given the many theories in this field. "Almost every group has a different hypothesis," he added.The sample collection phase is nearly complete as museums and universities have offered up **more than** **1500 exhibits**, as well as photos and detailed measurements for the research project.   ![Jawbone-Teeth](https://blog.almonature.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Jawbone-Teeth.webp?width=600&name=Jawbone-Teeth.webp)   **Domestication and evolution**More accurately dating the domestication of the dog not only helps us learn more about "man's best friend", but it's timing will also provide an important piece of the puzzle in the [evolution of human beings](https://www.almonature.com/en/reads/did-hunting-with-the-wolf-accelerate-human-evolution/?hsLang=en-gb), and this, in turn, may change what we know about man's interaction with animals and the environment.A reality that appears very similar to the ** legend told in ** **[The Promise](https://www.almonature.com/guarda/the-promise/?hsLang=en-gb)**, the short film directed by Oscar winner **Gabriele Salvatores** and imagined by **Almo Nature**, which transports us back **22,000 years** to when man convinced the wolf to leave the pack to live and cooperate with him.  (source [New York Times](http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/19/science/the-big-search-to-find-out-where-dogs-come-from.html)) #### Related Articles [![Are wolves more tolerant than dogs? The ‘social' differences between the two](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/difference-dog-wolf-5.jpg) ](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/wolves-tolerant-dogs-social-differences-two?hsLang=en-gb) [Dogs,](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/dogs) [Cats,](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/cats) [Lifehacks,](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/lifehacks) [Insights](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/insights) January 24,2016 ###### [Are wolves more tolerant than dogs? The ‘social' differences between the two](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/wolves-tolerant-dogs-social-differences-two?hsLang=en-gb) **Wolves** and **dogs** are closely related: they have very few genetic differences; they are even able to interbreed, generating fertile offspring, suggesting they are one and... [![Man and dog: where did domestication occur?](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/paint1140-4.jpg) ](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/man-and-dog-where-did-domestication-occur?hsLang=en-gb) [Impact of Human Activities on Biodiversity,](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/impact-of-human-activities-on-biodiversity) [Project stories](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/project-stories) January 24,2016 ###### [Man and dog: where did domestication occur?](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/man-and-dog-where-did-domestication-occur?hsLang=en-gb) Man and dog built their special relationship millennia ago through the gradual process of [domestication of the wolves](https://www.almonature.com/en/reads/from-wolves-to-dogs-the-latest-news-about-the-domestication-of-mans-best-friend/?hsLang=en-gb). From an initial sporadic contact between humans... [![From wolves to dogs: the latest news about the domestication of man's best friend](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Lupo1-5.jpg) ](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/from-wolves-to-dogs-the-latest-news-about-the-domestication-of-mans-best-friend?hsLang=en-gb) [Impact of Human Activities on Biodiversity,](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/impact-of-human-activities-on-biodiversity) [Project stories](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/project-stories) January 24,2016 ###### [From wolves to dogs: the latest news about the domestication of man's best friend](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/from-wolves-to-dogs-the-latest-news-about-the-domestication-of-mans-best-friend?hsLang=en-gb) Veterinarians, scientists and animal lovers alike, are forever pondering the nature of the special relationship between man and dog. The pet that earned the name of... [![Dogs and wolves compared: did domestication make dogs less sharp-witted?](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/shutterstock_1104465239.jpg) ](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/dogs-and-wolves-compared-did-domestication-make-dogs-less-sharp-witted?hsLang=en-gb) [Impact of Human Activities on Biodiversity,](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/impact-of-human-activities-on-biodiversity) [Project stories](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/project-stories) January 24,2016 ###### [Dogs and wolves compared: did domestication make dogs less sharp-witted?](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/dogs-and-wolves-compared-did-domestication-make-dogs-less-sharp-witted?hsLang=en-gb) [Domestication of the wolf](https://www.almonature.com/en/reads/from-wolves-to-dogs-the-latest-news-about-the-domestication-of-mans-best-friend/?hsLang=en-gb) led to the evolution of the dog, man's best friend that integrated itself perfectly in to family life. But, how did the nature of canid change... [![Cats are more independent than dogs?](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Gatti-indipendenti-5.jpg) ](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/cats-are-more-independent-than-dogs?hsLang=en-gb) [Dogs,](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/dogs) [Cats,](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/cats) [Lifehacks,](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/lifehacks) [Insights](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/insights) January 24,2016 ###### [Cats are more independent than dogs?](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/cats-are-more-independent-than-dogs?hsLang=en-gb) **Are cats more independent** than dogs? We recently asked Dr Maria Grazia Calore to deepen our knowledge of [the alleged opportunism of the domestic feline](https://www.almonature.com/en/learns/are-cats-opportunists/?hsLang=en-gb). Rather than... [![Cats and cuddles: the research](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/gatto-4.jpg) ](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/cats-and-cuddles-the-research?hsLang=en-gb) [Cats,](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/cats) [Lifehacks,](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/lifehacks) [Insights](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/insights) January 24,2016 ###### [Cats and cuddles: the research](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/cats-and-cuddles-the-research?hsLang=en-gb) **Cats and cuddles,** a favourite pastime for [cat lovers,](https://www.almonature.com/en/reads/dog-or-cat-it-depends-on-your-personality/?hsLang=en-gb) but how much do felines benefit from this special contact with the owner? We know everything about dogs starting... [![DNA analysis reveals the fascinating journey of feline domestication](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/EvoluzioneGatto1140-4.jpg) ](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/dna-analysis-reveals-fascinating-journey-feline-domestication?hsLang=en-gb) [Cats,](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/cats) [Product stories](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/product-stories) January 24,2016 ###### [DNA analysis reveals the fascinating journey of feline domestication](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/dna-analysis-reveals-fascinating-journey-feline-domestication?hsLang=en-gb) ### **First large-scale study of ancient-cat DNA charts their global spread** We know a lot about the [domestication of the dog](mailto:https://www.almonature.com/en/reads/dog-or-wolf-the-origins-of-the-domestic-dog/). But how our feline friends became domesticated has... [![The wolf and the wolf pack: a perfect mechanism of social organisation](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Pack-of-wolves-2-1.jpg) ](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/the-wolf-and-the-wolf-pack-a-perfect-mechanism-of-social-organisation?hsLang=en-gb) [Impact of Human Activities on Biodiversity,](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/impact-of-human-activities-on-biodiversity) [Project stories](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/project-stories) January 24,2016 ###### [The wolf and the wolf pack: a perfect mechanism of social organisation](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/the-wolf-and-the-wolf-pack-a-perfect-mechanism-of-social-organisation?hsLang=en-gb) When you come to understand the inner workings of a wolf pack, the idea that only man is capable of living in a perfect social structure seems somewhat pretentious.... - [** ](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/dog-or-wolf-the-origins-of-the-domestic-dog?hsLang=en-gb) - [** ](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/dog-or-wolf-the-origins-of-the-domestic-dog?hsLang=en-gb) - [** ](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/dog-or-wolf-the-origins-of-the-domestic-dog?hsLang=en-gb) - [** ](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/dog-or-wolf-the-origins-of-the-domestic-dog?hsLang=en-gb) [** ](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/dog-or-wolf-the-origins-of-the-domestic-dog?hsLang=en-gb) ![Chat with us](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/icons/chat-icon.png) AlmoNature AI ![Close chat](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/icons/close-icon.png) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Almo Nature", "url" : "https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/author/almonature" }, "dateModified" : "2022-02-06T03:20:40.154Z", "datePublished" : "2016-01-24T23:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "Dog or wolf: the origins of the domestic dog", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/dog-or-wolf-the-origins-of-the-domestic-dog", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/almonature-logo-4.svg" }, "name" : "Almo Nature S.p.A" } } ```