Ancient DNA Reveals Indigenous Dog Lineages at Jamestown, Virginia

Recent studies have shown that North American dog lineages were largely replaced by European breeds following European contact, primarily between 1492 and today. Researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the University of Iowa conducted a study to understand the timing and implications of this replacement. They sequenced mitochondrial DNA from archaeological dog remains, offering insight into the complex social landscape of dogs in early colonial America.

Both Europeans and Native Americans valued their dogs as companions and for their work. This similarity created a cultural tension wherein settlers labeled Indigenous dogs as "mongrels," a term meant to suggest a lack of care for breeding and ownership among Indigenous people. In contrast, Native Americans viewed European dogs as threats, prompting efforts to limit their usage.

"Our aim was to clarify previous claims regarding Indigenous dog populations in the continental United States. We wondered about the timeline of their decline and the roles of culling, competition with European breeds, or disease," explained Ariane Thomas, a recent Ph.D. graduate in anthropology from the University of Iowa.

The Jamestown colony in Virginia was a strategic choice for examination due to its extensive canine remains and documented Indigenous influence. Collaborating with Jamestown Rediscovery, the team identified and analyzed 181 canid bones from at least 16 distinct dogs. They specifically chose 22 remains representing various early settlement periods from 1607 to 1619. Extraction was carried out in the ancient DNA lab within the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, followed by sequencing at the Roy J. Carver Biotechnology Center to analyze dog ancestry.

"This project exemplifies team science, where diverse disciplines collaborate to address specific questions," said Alida de Flamingh, a postdoctoral researcher involved in the project, highlighting the benefits of interdisciplinary work.

Size estimates revealed that most Jamestown dogs ranged from 22 to 39 pounds, resembling modern beagles or schnauzers. Some bones exhibited signs of human-induced damage, including burning and cut marks. "The evidence suggests that certain dogs were consumed, indicating that the colonists may have relied on Indigenous dogs during times of food scarcity," noted Thomas.

Notably, DNA sequencing indicated that six of the studied dogs possessed Indigenous North American ancestry. "Our findings confirmed the presence of Indigenous dogs, contradicting the notion that they vanished immediately following European arrival," stated Thomas.

While the existence of dogs with Indigenous heritage isn't unexpected, the research implies potential trade and interbreeding between the colonists and Native tribes. The research team plans to explore additional archaeological sites, seeking more high-quality DNA samples and reconstructions of dog morphology. This effort could clarify the extent of Indigenous ancestry among these dogs and their potential mixing with European breeds.

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