Small Dogs Originated in the Middle East

Discovery News ^ | Tuesday, February 23, 2010 | Jennifer Viegas

[SunkenCiv]

Small dogs the world over can all trace their ancestry back to the Middle East, where the first diminutive canines emerged more than 12,000 years ago. A new study, which appears in BMC Biology, focused on a single gene responsible for size in dogs. Researchers found that the version of the gene IGF1 that is a major determinant of small size in dogs probably originated as a result of domestication of the Middle Eastern gray wolf, which also happens to be smaller than many other wolves. In terms of which came first, big dogs or small dogs, the answer is now the former. "Archaeological studies suggest that ancient (dog) remains found in Belgium, Germany and Western Russia, which date to 13,000-31,000 years ago, were most similar in body size to the Great Dane, while those from the Middle East dating to about 12,000 years ago were most similar to a small terrier," lead author Melissa Gray told Discovery News... Gray and her team first confirmed that all domesticated dogs trace their heritage back to gray wolves. She indicated the jury is still out as to when and where the world's first dog -- of any size -- emerged. All small dogs, normally weighing 20 pounds or less, share the variant of IGF1 also found in Middle Eastern gray wolves, the scientists discovered. This means the gene must have surfaced early in the history of small dogs, but after dogs in general were first domesticated.

[SunkenCiv]

cue the W.C. Fields...

[SunkenCiv]

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[Red in Blue PA]

Okay, so we got zero and small dogs from the middle east.

Since then? Nada!

[humblegunner]

Lots of Eaker’s dogs are Muslims? Ping.

That would explain why they bite me.

[BunnySlippers]

My little white chihuahua, Fidel?

[arbee4bush]

Ok, I've been told that my three dogs (a pom and 2 yorkies) are dems because they don't work, they get free food, health care and expect treats for doing nothing. But now I am appalled they may be muslim. Enough already!

:)

[real saxophonist]

My Mom’s Pekingese was smarter than most humans. His name was Ewok, because that’s what he looked like.

[Eaker]

Lots of Eaker’s dogs are Muslims?

Not Peanut; she is all pork!

[StopObama2012]

The only small dog I’ve seen from the middle east is 0bama.

[brytlea]

[johnny reb]

My little white chihuahua, Fidel?

I have read that chihuahuas were the favorites of the Aztecs and that Cortez et al were astounded to see such a small dog. So were did they come from Beverly Hills?

[gardengirl]

I’ve read that as well, and also that the chi’s were used as food animals for the the Aztecs. Check with CV, he can prob verify. I’m with you—where did they come from? LOL

[kanawa]

Woof

[rottndog]

Aw crap....so my dachi-huahua is gonna strap on some explosives and blow me up one day????

(not worried about my rotts...they’re just to uppity)

[ARridgerunner]

That’s a pretty pitbull! (don’t tell Chit)

[JLLH]

ROFLOL! Good post!

[LongElegantLegs]

Ha ha, my little dog’s name is Zero.

[uglybiker]

My Mom’s Pekingese was smarter than most humans.

Odd. It has been my experience that 'Pekingese' and 'smart' should not appear in the same sentence. ;-)'

[BunnySlippers]

I’m a heretic. I think they are from Asia. There are differing opinions on this issue.

[SunkenCiv]

• The Human-Influenced Evolution of Dogs [2006]
• 'Survival of the Cutest' Proves Darwin Right [2010]
• Dingo- The World's Oldest Dog [2010]