Where Did All the Dogs Come From? Dogs, Ancestors, Breeds and Genomes

The domestication of dogs is, arguably, the most successful scientific experiment in human history, resulting in millions of canids representing more than 350 recognized breeds along with feral, village and mixed-breed dogs. Key to understanding canine variation is the study of modern and ancient canine genomes from around the world.

In this Presidential Lecture, Elaine Ostrander will present her team’s studies encompassing evolution, genomics and genetics as they seek to understand how humans have shaped dog breeds, why some breeds are prone to specific diseases and what accounts for the striking differences in appearance and behavior observed between breeds.