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How did dogs become pets?

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When it comes to evolutionary debates, this one is a major dogfight. Since the time of Charles Darwin, scientists have argued over the origin of domesticated dogs, speculating wildly about how, when. read more

As researchers avail themselves of faster and cheaper DNA sequencing technology, experts are zeroing in on the time and place where dogs were welcomed into human society. PHOTOS: How wolves became dogs. In research published Thursday in the journal Science, evolutionary biologists analyzed the mitochondrial genomes of 18 ancient dogs and wolves. read more

"They have a long primary socialization period during which they can become closely bonded with humans." Dogs are active during the same hours as their owners, as opposed to nocturnal animals, said Irvine, author of "If You Tame Me: Understanding Our Connection With Animals" (Temple University Press, 2004). read more

In 2014, a whole genome study of the DNA differences between wolves and dogs found that dogs did not show a reduced fear response but did show greater synaptic plasticity. read more

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