New Analysis of Tumat Puppies Reveals Ancient Wolves, Not Dogs

A recent study published in the journal *Quaternary Research* has cast new light on the Tumat Puppies, two remarkably preserved canids from the Late Pleistocene era found in Siberian permafrost. Contrary to previous hypotheses that suggested these remains belonged to early domesticated dogs, the analysis indicates that they were likely wolf cubs, shedding new insights into the evolutionary history of domesticated dogs. This study, led by Anne Kathrine Wiborg Runge, a researcher at the University of York, was made possible through a multifaceted examination involving genetic data and chemical analyses of the animals' remains.

The Tumat Puppies were discovered in layers of permafrost in northern Siberia, approximately 40 kilometers from the village of Tumat. One of the puppies was found in 2011, and the other in 2015 at a site now designated as Syalakh. Both specimens were preserved alongside mammoth bones, which showed evidence of butchering by humans. This association led early researchers to speculate whether the puppies had a connection to human activity, possibly as domesticated animals or tamed wolves that scavenged from human kills.

The new research challenges earlier assumptions about the Tumat Puppies’ domestication. According to Dr. Runge, “The original hypothesis that the Tumat Puppies were dogs is based on their black fur color, which was thought to be a mutation unique to domesticated dogs. However, our findings suggest that they are not closely related to modern dogs.” This conclusion was supported by genetic testing that indicated the puppies belonged to a wolf population that eventually became extinct and did not give rise to contemporary domestic dog breeds.

The study revealed that the puppies had a varied diet, primarily consisting of woolly rhinoceros meat, and they were also found to have consumed plant material from their environment, indicating they inhabited a diverse ecosystem. Dr. Nathan Wales, another researcher from the University of York, noted, “The soft tissues preserved in the Tumat Puppies provide new avenues for understanding wolf evolution and behavior.” The puppies, likely sisters, exhibited signs of being cared for in a den, a behavior consistent with that of modern wolves.

The implications of this study extend beyond the evolutionary history of dogs. The findings help elucidate the ecological context of the Late Pleistocene, a period marked by significant environmental changes. The puppies lived in a habitat that supported a variety of flora and fauna, including the woolly rhinoceros, suggesting that their environment was rich and complex.

Furthermore, the research raises intriguing questions about the domestication of dogs. The Tumat Puppies challenge the narrative that black fur color was a definitive marker of domestication. This insight complicates the understanding of dog evolution and suggests that more research is needed to uncover the genetic and ecological factors that contributed to the domestication process.

In summary, the Tumat Puppies provide a valuable window into an ancient world and highlight the need for continued research into the origins and evolution of domesticated species. As Dr. Runge concluded, “While many will be disappointed that these animals are almost certainly wolves and not early domesticated dogs, they have helped us get closer to understanding the environment at the time, how these animals lived, and how remarkably similar wolves from more than 14,000 years ago are to modern-day wolves.” This study not only deepens the mystery surrounding dog evolution but also enriches our comprehension of prehistoric ecosystems.

The research findings were published online on June 12, 2025, in the journal *Quaternary Research*, and further studies may reveal more about the lives of these ancient canids and their interactions with early humans.