World's oldest domesticated dog breed has cohabited with humans for 1,000 years, new study shows — but their population is plummeting
Share this @internewscast.com

It gives new meaning to dog years.

For nearly 10,000 years, people in the Arctic regions have utilized different breeds of sled dogs. However, recent research identifies one breed as the longest continuously domesticated.

A study featured in the journal Science highlights that Qimmit have been maintained by Inuit societies in Greenland for nearly a thousand years, unlike other sled dog varieties which have been selectively bred out.

“These dogs have been carrying out the same duties alongside the same communities for 1,000 years or more,” Tatiana Feuerborn, the lead researcher and a paleogeneticist at the National Human Genome Research Institute part of the National Institutes of Health, shared with Popular Science. “This longstanding relationship distinguishes them from other Arctic and sled dog breeds.”

However, the population of the special animal has been steadily declining as a result of “environmental changes and cultural transitions,” according to the study.

There are even fears that Qimmit could become extinct.

In 2002, there were about 25,000 in Greenland, but that number had plummeted to just 13,000 in 2020.

The Science study delves into the genetic history of the Qimmeq.

Other dog breeds that descended from a common ancestor include the Siberian husky, Alaskan malamute, Samoyed and Canadian Inuit dog. Similarly, these canines adapted to the harsh Arctic climate, but none have remained with the same population like the Qimmeq.

The team of researchers studied 92 genomes, ranging from contemporary to ancient, to trace how far back the breed goes, and how its isolation in Greenland impacted its development, as opposed to other comparable Arctic dogs.

“We’re not the first people to say this… but this is some of the first quantifiable evidence that really lends credence to it,” she added, clarifying the findings.

Older DNA samples were taken from bones and fur embedded in preserved Inuit garments, which were borrowed from museums, while contemporary saliva swabs were graciously given to researchers by modern-day Qimmeq breeders in Greenland.

Despite their lupine looks, the Qimmeq is less closely linked to wolves than previously suggested, researchers also uncovered.

“Qimmeqwolf hybrids have been reported to form strong bonds with a single owner and often display aggression toward humans outside of their ‘family,’ killing dogs from outside their team,” the study reports. “This highly territorial behavior makes it difficult to integrate them with new owners and unfamiliar animals.”

While the study is certainly interesting food for thought for dog lovers across the world, it also provides insights into how to preserve the current Qimmit population,

In many areas of Greenland, once-expansive ice sheets have become slushy seas, and researchers have marked billions of tons of ice loss in recent years.

“Dogs have been so intrinsically tied to human history as the first domesticated animal. They have been at the formation of every human society,” Feuerborn said. “In Greenland in particular, these dogs have been there all along. Being able to preserve that cultural history alongside the genetic history is important. It has immense cultural value.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Horror in N. Carolina: Multiple Casualties Reported As Killer on Boat Opens Fire on Dockside Restaurant

Tragedy Strikes North Carolina: Shooter on Boat Attacks Dockside Restaurant, Multiple Casualties

A tragic incident unfolded in the city of Southport, North Carolina, on…
Russell M. Nelson, oldest-ever president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dies

Russell M. Nelson, the longest-living president in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passes away.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Russell M. Nelson, the oldest-ever president of…
Trump's shutdown blame game: Why he says Democrats are at fault

Trump Blames Democrats for Government Shutdown: Here’s Why

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has had one refrain in recent…
Zelenskyy at UN: ‘Weak’ global bodies can’t stop Putin, only ‘friends and weapons’ can

Zelenskyy at the UN: Only Alliances and Arms Can Halt Putin, Global Organizations Fall Short

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized on Wednesday at the United Nations General…
Brandon Jones secures Xfinity Series Round of 8 spot at Kansas Speedway

Brandon Jones Clinches Spot in Xfinity Series Round of 8 at Kansas Speedway

(NEXSTAR) – Brandon Jones, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, showcased his incredible…
Russel M. Nelson, oldest president of the LDS Church, dies at age 101

LDS Church President Russell M. Nelson Passes Away at 101, Marking End of Historic Leadership

Russell M. Nelson, who was the president of The Church of Jesus…
Bad Bunny announced as Super Bowl LX halftime performer

Bad Bunny Revealed as Super Bowl 60 Halftime Show Performer

LOS ANGELES — Bad Bunny, known for his Latin trap and reggaeton…
Ex-FBI agent turned UVU professor breaks down the evidence trail Tyler Robinson left for detectives

Former FBI Agent and Current UVU Professor Analyzes Clues Left by Tyler Robinson for Investigators

A man suspected of killing Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk at…
Killer mom Susan Smith 'needs to remain incarcerated' says prosecutor who originally put her away

Prosecutor Who Originally Convicted Susan Smith Insists She ‘Must Stay in Prison’

<!–> Susan Smith prison call Aug. 13 Susan Smith can be heard…
Russel M. Nelson, oldest president of the LDS Church, dies at age 101

Russell M. Nelson, Oldest President of the LDS Church, Passes Away at 101

Russell M. Nelson, the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of…
Adventure Landing's future 'TBD' as it extends waterpark season

Future of Adventure Landing Uncertain Despite Extended Waterpark Season

Adventure Landing leadership decided to extend the waterpark season through Columbus Day…
Trump's comments on autism evoke anger and hope among autistic people and their families

Reactions to Trump’s Remarks on Autism: Anger and Hope Within the Autistic Community and Their Families

An Indiana mother with an autistic son has expressed concern over President…