Dogs have always exhibited remarkable variety in size and appearance, long before the rise of modern breeds. From the sleek elegance of a Borzoi to the compact charm of a Boston terrier, these differences reflect thousands of years of natural and selective evolution. Recent research into ancient canine skulls reveals that this diversity was well established over 50,000 years ago, shortly after the last Ice Age.

Understanding ‘Dogness’: How Shape and Size Vary

Archaeologists and biologists, including Allowen Evin from CNRS, analyzed 643 skulls—comprising fossils from ancient dogs and wolves, as well as modern specimens. By examining specific skeletal landmarks, such as muscle attachment points, researchers measured how skull shapes changed over time. Their findings indicate significant variation in skull morphology existed among early domesticated dogs, especially during the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods, when humans transitioned from hunter-gatherers to settled farmers.

According to experts, this early diversity suggests that selective breeding was not necessary to produce a wide range of dog types. Instead, natural variation, combined with early human preferences, led to the complex array of shapes we see today. This insight challenges the misconception that modern breeds are the sole source of canine diversity, showing instead that such variation has deep historical roots.

David Nield

Dave is a freelance tech journalist with over 20 years covering gadgets, apps, and the web. From Stockport, England, he covers news, features, and reviews for TechRadar, focusing on phones, tablets, and wearables. He ensures top weekend breaking news and has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci, and others. He edited PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook for years. Read me on x.com or linkedin.