The Surprising Genetics of Livestock Guarding Dogs (Coutinho-Lima et al 2024)

This study uses genomic data from 304 modern livestock guarding dogs (LGDs), along with data from ancient and other modern dogs, to explore LGD origins and evolutionary history. The research reveals that modern LGDs comprise two distinct lineages with multiple ancestries, contradicting a single-origin hypothesis. Extensive gene flow among LGD breeds is attributed to historical livestock migrations, and admixture with free-ranging dogs suggests reproductive isolation isn't crucial for maintaining specialized LGD skills. Finally, the study finds that LGDs primarily used as pets exhibit higher inbreeding compared to working dogs.

(Coutinho-Lima et al 2024. Multiple ancestries and shared gene flow among modern livestock guarding dogs. https://doi.org/10.1016/ j.isci.2024.110396)