Oldest dog DNA suggests 16,000 years of human companionshipDespite being ubiquitous across the world, surprisingly little is known about where dogs come from. (Photo: AFP)PARIS - The discovery of the oldest ever dog DNA suggests they have been our best friends for nearly 16,000 years — 5,000 years earlier than had previously been thought, new research said Wednesday. The first study revealed that the world’s oldest canine DNA was discovered in a piece of a skull in Pinarbasi in what is now Turkey. Before Wednesday, the oldest-known dog DNA was from 10,900 years ago. This mass arrival of farmers resulted in human genetic mixing as people from different areas met and had children.

Source: Bangkok Post March 26, 2026 07:22 UTC