Scientists have discovered when the friendship between humans and dogs began

An international team of scientists analyzed ancient DNA from bones found at archaeological sites in the UK and Turkey and determined that these remains belonged to early dogs, not wolves. According to the study, confirmed genetic evidence of domesticated dogs dates back to approximately 15,800–14,000 years ago, thousands of years earlier than previously thought.

This means that humans and dogs lived side by side as early as the Late Paleolithic, long before the advent of agriculture. The scientists also found evidence that these ancient dogs were widespread across Europe and Anatolia, indicating deep and enduring connections between the species. Thus, the friendship between humans and dogs began much earlier than previously thought and represents one of the earliest forms of animal domestication.