Molecular genetic
tools have been used to dissect the
evolutionary relationships of the dog-like
carnivores, revealing their place in
the order Carnivora, the relationships
of species within the family Canidae,
and the genetic exchange that occurs
among conspecific populations.
Although the subject
continues to be controversial, most
authorities now agree that all dogs,
from chihuahuas to dobermans are descended
from wolves which were tamed in the
Near East ten or twelve thousand years
ago
