Ancient DNA Reveals Earliest Domesticated Dog at Cheddar Gorge

New DNA analysis of ancient animal remains from Cheddar Gorge’s renowned Gough’s Cave has dramatically reshaped our understanding of early dog domestication. A 14,300-year-old jawbone discovered during excavations between 1927 and 1931 has been identified as genetically closer to a dog than a wolf, making it the earliest confirmed evidence of a domesticated dog in the UK—and one of the oldest in the world.

This jawbone was unearthed alongside notable finds such as Cheddar Man, a complete human skeleton dating back around 10,000 years, cementing Cheddar Gorge’s significance as a window into prehistoric life. The specimen was donated to the Natural History Museum in 1928 by Thomas Thynne, the 5th Marquess of Bath, whose estate continues to oversee the caves.

Published in the prestigious journal Nature, the study extends beyond the UK to examine even older dog remains found at Pınarbaşı in Türkiye, dated to 15,800 years ago, and samples from Central Europe. Dr. William Marsh, the lead researcher, explained that DNA tests on fossil collections revealed this jawbone’s closer genetic ties to domestic dogs rather than wolves, marking a pivotal moment in pinpointing domestication timelines.

Ceawlin Thynn, the 8th Marquess of Bath and descendant of the original donor, expressed enthusiasm about the ongoing research efforts that enrich our knowledge of ancient human-dog relationships. Fenia Vitali, General Manager at Cheddar Gorge & Caves, highlighted the extraordinary nature of hosting both the oldest nearly complete human skeleton and one of the earliest domestic dogs in Europe, emphasizing future opportunities to share these remarkable findings with visitors.

This breakthrough not only underscores the enduring bond between humans and dogs spanning millennia but also showcases Cheddar Gorge as a crucial site for archaeological and genetic studies on early human history and animal domestication.