If you’ve ever teased that your lap dog has a wolf’s heart, science says you’re not far off. A genetic study of nearly 2,700 modern and ancient dogs reveals that most of today’s pets carry traces of wolf DNA. In fact, researchers found that about two‑thirds of domestic dogs, from huskies to the tiniest chihuahuas, still bear this wild inheritance. Though wolves and dogs diverged roughly 20,000 years ago, the evidence suggests they continued to mingle far more than scientists once believed, leaving a genetic fingerprint that survives in our beloved companions today.
Curious what this means? Click through the gallery to discover how this wild legacy still influences the pets we love.