Mitochondrial DNA Variation among Dogs of Mongolian, Tuvinian and Altaic Nomads

Dogs originated from the domestication of Eurasian grey wolves. From a genetic viewpoint, they can be grouped into two main clusters: the first is represented by several breeds obtained by artificial selection, whereas the second is of dogs that adapted to a human commensal lifestyle. Here we have provided a molecular survey aimed to infer on the genetic variability of dogs from nomadic camps in Mongolia, and the Republics of Tuva and Altai belonging to the Russian Federation. The results provided evidence of typical marks of expanding populations with multiple origins. Such a scenario could be the result of genetic exchanges among dogs from different camps, that were likely mediated by nomads.