Dog's Best Friend

Animal Behavior

The Dingo-Aboriginal Model of Dog Domestication

Mark Derr on May 12, 2023

Can studying dingoes and Aboriginal Australians provide insight into early humans and the development of dogs? New research suggests yes.

Can studying dingoes and Aboriginal Australians provide insight into early humans and the development of dogs? New research suggests yes.

Environment

Rethinking Wolf Pack Stability

Mark Derr on April 28, 2023

Does the "alpha" wolf theory of pack dynamics hold water? New research adds to the chorus that says no.

Does the "alpha" wolf theory of pack dynamics hold water? New research adds to the chorus that says no.

Genetics

The Dogs of Chernobyl

Mark Derr on March 24, 2023

The Chernobyl Nuclear Reactor plays home to a vibrant community of wild dogs. Do their genes show signs of mutation? What can the Chernobyl dogs tell us about radiation & genetics?

The Chernobyl Nuclear Reactor plays home to a vibrant community of wild dogs. Do their genes show signs of mutation? What can the Chernobyl dogs tell us about radiation & genetics?

Genetics

The Next Step in Canine Behavioral Genetics

Mark Derr on February 15, 2023

Lineages are a more subtle way than breeds to define types of dogs and their behaviors.

Lineages are a more subtle way than breeds to define types of dogs and their behaviors.

Career

Remembering Robert K. Wayne

Mark Derr on January 6, 2023

A brilliant career in science cut short.

A brilliant career in science cut short.

Genetics

New Views of Neanderthal Are Reshaping Prehistory

Mark Derr on December 11, 2022

Neanderthals turned raptor talons into art. What else does their society say about humanity today?

Neanderthals turned raptor talons into art. What else does their society say about humanity today?

Stress

New Study: Wolves and Dogs Bond Similarly When Hand-Raised

Mark Derr on September 26, 2022

Are wolves capable of human bonding like dogs? New research suggests the answer is more "yes" than ever before.

Are wolves capable of human bonding like dogs? New research suggests the answer is more "yes" than ever before.

Genetics

A Large Genome Study Shows Dogs Originated at Least Twice

Mark Derr on July 5, 2022

Once again, genetics chips away at the complex story of dog domestication.

Once again, genetics chips away at the complex story of dog domestication.

Genetics

Debunking the Myth That Dog Behavior Follows Breed

Mark Derr on May 7, 2022

You can't predict a dog's behavior by the cut of its genes.

You can't predict a dog's behavior by the cut of its genes.

Career

The Latest on Early Dogs

Mark Derr on April 19, 2022

Looking at the big and the little of it, scientists pin down a key characteristic of canids in their genes.

Looking at the big and the little of it, scientists pin down a key characteristic of canids in their genes.

Anxiety

How Would Dogs Fare in a World Without Humans?

Mark Derr on December 27, 2021

In a world without humans, many dogs would do just fine, suggest authors Pierce and Bekoff.

In a world without humans, many dogs would do just fine, suggest authors Pierce and Bekoff.

Genetics

Alternate Views on the Origins of Dogs

Mark Derr on August 30, 2021

New research could overturn a century's worth of theories about domestication.

New research could overturn a century's worth of theories about domestication.

Forgiveness

Prying Open the Secrets of Dog Domestication

Mark Derr on June 13, 2021

Sorting through the roles of various canids in the emergence of the dog.

Sorting through the roles of various canids in the emergence of the dog.

Genetics

Of Glaciers, Wolves, and Humans

Mark Derr on January 31, 2021

During the last great glaciation, people and wolves created dogs.

During the last great glaciation, people and wolves created dogs.

Diet

From Wolves to Dogs: Give the Dog a Hindquarter

Mark Derr on January 14, 2021

A new study gives weight to the notion that early human hunters actively fed wolves.

A new study gives weight to the notion that early human hunters actively fed wolves.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Has Pandemic Fatigue Got You Down?

Mark Derr on December 11, 2020

COVID-19 has altered the way we live. Is it also changing our brains?

COVID-19 has altered the way we live. Is it also changing our brains?

Genetics

Arctic Sled Dogs Are Uniquely Adapted to Frigid Climes

Mark Derr on July 21, 2020

Ancient sled dogs go back at least 9,500 years.

Ancient sled dogs go back at least 9,500 years.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Dogs in the Time of COVID-19

Mark Derr on June 8, 2020

How is sheltering at home affecting shelter dogs?

How is sheltering at home affecting shelter dogs?

Genetics

Farm Fox Theory Bites the Dust

Mark Derr on January 8, 2020

A cornerstone of domestication theory collapses.

A cornerstone of domestication theory collapses.

Attention

Shifting Perspectives on How Dogs Came to Be Dogs

Mark Derr on September 23, 2019

Will learning more about dog evolution save them from us?

Will learning more about dog evolution save them from us?