A man walks with a dog and feeds it. [Photo/IC]

However, there are alternative theories circulating throughout the scientific community. A study published in Nature magazine that also used DNA evidence and archaeological findings puts the point of origin for the domestic dog in the Middle East. This is more in line with previous theories, which relied solely on archaeological evidence, but Savolainen points out that this study did not include samples from the region of Asia where this genetic diversity was found.

Issues relating to the number of DNA samples collected from various regions represent some of the key difficulties in analyzing the origins of dogs; some areas have been sampled extensively, while others are left almost untouched.

This not only creates gaps in knowledge, but can also lead to bias as researchers develop assumptions. In addition, distinguishing between wolf bones and dog bones can be a highly specialized task, which can also easily result in wolves being incorrectly identified as dogs.

The findings of this research into dog domestication also have some other intriguing ramifications. This would mean that certain wild dogs in far-flung locations, such as the Australian dingo, made their way to these locations from Asia after a period of domestication, and then went wild once again. As the only mammal with a placenta (aside from humans) that existed on the continent prior to European colonization, the dingo has drawn significant interest from scientific circles.

A 2004 paper, also involving Savolainen, determined that it was likely that people brought a small group of dogs from Southeast Asia to Australia sometime around 5,000 years ago.

Whether the dog was destined for the dinner plate or companionship, it is possible ancient Chinese farmers were responsible for the first generations of man's best friend.

Either way, it is certainly food for thought.

Courtesy of The World of Chinese, www.theworldofchinese.com

The World of Chinese