Akita Among dog breeds, the Akita is grouped with the so-called ancient breeds, owing to its retention of genetic markers that indicate a very close relation to wolves. (more) What Dog Is Closest in DNA to a Wolf? Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/science/What-Dog-Is-Closest-in-DNA-to-a-Wolf Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Sep 15, 2025 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot All dogs are close relatives of wolves—after all, domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) descend from gray wolves (C. lupus). Yet, several breeds, including the Shiba Inu, Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky, and Chow Chow, remain genetically closer to wolves than others. Because of this, they are often grouped together as the so-called ancient breeds. Genetic evidence indicates that the domestication of dogs occurred at least 15,000–35,000 years ago. Rather than a single event, domestication probably occurred multiple times across different regions of Eurasia. Wolves may even have played an active role in their own domestication, scavenging the kills of nomadic ...(100 of 182 words)

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