general
Jawbone shows dogs lived with humans in Britain 15,000 years ago
DNA analysis of a jawbone found in a Somerset cave confirms one of the earliest known domesticated dogs and ties early dog populations across Europe and Anatolia, showing a close human dog relationship by 15,000 years ago.
Mar 25th 2026 · United Kingdom
Insights
- A 9 cm jawbone from Gough's Cave in Somerset is genetically identified as a dog dated to about 15,000 years ago.
- The discovery pushes confirmed evidence of dog domestication back roughly 5,000 years.
- Genetic matches link this dog to similar-aged specimens across western Europe and central Anatolia, indicating early spread with humans.
- Isotope data show these dogs shared food with their human owners, implying close daily contact and cooperation.
- Analysis of more than 200 ancient samples suggests most modern dogs descend from a single ancient northern population.
Sources
- Bond between dogs and humans dates back more than 15,000 years, study finds www.theguardian.com
- Humans Had Dogs Before They Had Farming, Ancient DNA Confirms www.nytimes.com
- World’s oldest dog identified at ancient hunter-gatherer site www.science.org
- Dogs became man's best friend far earlier than thought, scientists find www.bbc.com
- Oldest known dog extends the genetic history of our canine companions www.newscientist.com
- Genomic history of early dogs in Europe www.nature.com
- Dogs were widely distributed across western Eurasia during the Palaeolithic www.nature.com
- Dogs have deep genetic roots in ice-age Europe www.nature.com
- Oldest dog DNA suggests 16,000 years of human companionship www.france24.com
- New research uncovers more of the story of man’s best friend www.economist.com
- Ancient dog DNA suggests 16,000 years of human companionship www.france24.com
- Who let the wolves in? Genetic record for domestic dogs pushed back by 5,000 years www.nature.com
- Humans and dogs — scientists find new proof of ancient bond www.dw.com