Genetic history of dog domestication

Genetic history of dog domestication

From PNAS Science Sessions by PNAS

December 8, 2025 · 15 min

About this episode

This episode explores the genetic history of dog domestication and its impact on genetics and behavior.

Genetic history of dog domestication Science Sessions are brief conversations with cutting-edge researchers, National Academy members, and policymakers as they discuss topics relevant to today's scientific community. Learn the behind-the-scenes story of work published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), plus a broad range of scientific news about discoveries that affect the world around us. In this episode, researchers explore the impact of domestication on dog genetics and behavior. In this episode, we cover: •[00:00] Introduction •[01:00] Greger Larson explains how the history of gene flow between dogs and their wild relatives differs from what we know about other domestic species. •[02:38] Audrey Lin finds that low levels of wolf ancestry are found in almost two thirds of dog breeds. •[04:18] Linus Girdland Flink documents evidence of two genetic wolves on a remote Scandinavian island that may have been under human control. •[06:13] Clément Car explores how the mating systems of free-ranging village dogs could provide insight into canine domestication •[07:43] Katia Bougiouri explains how she used a statistical method to improve ancient genomes and…

People in this episode

Guests: Greger Larson, Audrey Lin, Linus Girdland Flink, Clément Car, Katia Bougiouri, Lachie Scarsbrook, Eleanor Raffan

Topics covered

  • dog domestication
  • genetics
  • behavior
  • gene flow
  • inbreeding
  • canine history

Keywords

  • dog genetics
  • domestication
  • wolf ancestry
  • inbreeding
  • canine behavior
  • gene flow
  • Scandinavian wolves

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: PNAS

Books & works: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

More episodes of PNAS Science Sessions

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the PNAS Science Sessions podcast page.