Top 20 Oldest Known Domesticated Animals

Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) are believed to have been domesticated from gray wolves around 15,000 years ago in Asia or Europe. The earliest archaeological evidence of dog domestication dates back to around 14,223 years ago, found in a bone bed in Bonn-Oberkassel, Germany. Studies suggest that dogs were first bred for specific tasks such as hunting and herding, with modern breeds developed over the past 1,000-2,000 years. The oldest known written record of dog domestication is attributed to an ancient Egyptian text from around 300 BCE.

Horses (Equus ferus caballus) are thought to have been domesticated in Central Asia around 6,000 years ago, with evidence of horse riding dating back to around 4,500 years ago in modern-day Ukraine and Belarus. Today, there are over 300 breeds of horses worldwide, ranging from the tiny Shetland pony to the massive Shire draft horse. The earliest known representation of a horse is a painting discovered in the ancient Sumerian city of Uruk in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) dating back around 4,500 years.

Sheep (Ovis aries) are believed to have originated from wild mouflon in the Middle East around 11,000 years ago. Archaeological evidence suggests that sheep were first domesticated for their wool and meat over 9,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent region of the Middle East. Today, there are over 1,000 breeds of sheep worldwide, ranging from small pygmy sheep to large commercial breeds like the Rambouillet.

Goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) are thought to have originated from wild goats in the Near East around 10,000 years ago. Archaeological evidence suggests that goats were first domesticated for their milk and meat over 9,500 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). Today, there are over 300 breeds of goats worldwide, ranging from small pygmy goats to large commercial breeds like the Boer.

Pigs (Sus scrofa) are believed to have originated from wild boars in Europe around 10,000 years ago. Archaeological evidence suggests that pigs were first domesticated for their meat and organs over 9,500 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). Today, there are over 100 breeds of pigs worldwide, ranging from small miniature pigs to large commercial breeds like the Large White.

Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) are thought to have originated from wild jungle fowl in Southeast Asia around 8,000 years ago. Archaeological evidence suggests that chickens were first domesticated for their eggs and meat over 7,000 years ago in ancient India and China. Today, there are over 300 breeds of chickens worldwide, ranging from small bantams to large commercial breeds like the Plymouth Rock.

Cows (Bos taurus) are believed to have originated from wild aurochs in Europe around 10,000 years ago. Archaeological evidence suggests that cows were first domesticated for their milk and meat over 9,500 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). Today, there are over 100 breeds of cattle worldwide, ranging from small miniature zebu to large commercial breeds like the Holstein.

Ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) are thought to have originated from wild mallards in Europe around 3,000 years ago. Archaeological evidence suggests that ducks were first domesticated for their meat and eggs over 2,000 years ago in ancient China. Today, there are over 100 breeds of ducks worldwide, ranging from small Pekin ducks to large Muscovy ducks.

Donkeys (Equus asinus) are believed to have originated from wild asses in Africa around 5,000 years ago. Archaeological evidence suggests that donkeys were first domesticated for their strength and endurance over 4,500 years ago in ancient Egypt. Today, there are over 40 breeds of donkeys worldwide, ranging from small miniature donkeys to large Burro donkeys.

Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) are thought to have originated from wild turkeys in North America around 2,000 years ago. Archaeological evidence suggests that turkeys were first domesticated for their meat over 1,500 years ago by the Aztecs and Mayans in Mexico and Central America. Today, there are over 20 breeds of turkeys worldwide, ranging from small Narragansett turkeys to large Broad-Breasted Whites.

LLamas (Lama glama) are believed to have originated from wild llamas in South America around 6,000 years ago. Archaeological evidence suggests that llamas were first domesticated for their wool and meat over 5,500 years ago in ancient Peru. Today, there are over 30 breeds of llamas worldwide, ranging from small miniature llamas to large huacaya llamas.

Alpacas (Vicugna pacos) are thought to have originated from wild guanacos in South America around 6,000 years ago. Archaeological evidence suggests that alpacas were first domesticated for their wool over 5,500 years ago in ancient Peru. Today, there are over 20 breeds of alpacas worldwide, ranging from small miniature alpacas to large Huacaya alpacas.

Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) are believed to have originated from wild European rabbits around 2,000 years ago. Archaeological evidence suggests that rabbits were first domesticated for their meat and fur over 1,500 years ago in ancient China. Today, there are over 70 breeds of rabbits worldwide, ranging from small Netherland Dwarfs to large Flemish Giants.

Geese (Anser anser) are thought to have originated from wild Greylag geese in Europe around 3,000 years ago. Archaeological evidence suggests that geese were first domesticated for their meat and eggs over 2,500 years ago in ancient China. Today, there are over 20 breeds of geese worldwide, ranging from small Chinese Geese to large Embden Geese.

Microminiature Pigs (Pot-Bellied Pig or Micro-Mini Pigs) originated as a result of crossing the modern domestic pig with miniature wild boar around 100 years ago in Europe, then introduced into North America about 50 years ago for pets and research.

Mandarin Ducks are believed to have originated from wild Anas platyrhynchos domesticus ducks around 500 years ago, native to Southern China. As a pet breed, they were popularized by European ornamental gardeners and Chinese nobility in Europe around 300 years ago.

Miniature Donkeys are the result of selective breeding of feral and domestic donkeys for desirable traits, resulting in miniature size around 3,000-5,000 years ago in Africa, while first bred as pets within Europe by 1800 A.D.

Silkies originated from China’s primitive duck or chicken ancestors that lived over 2,500 years ago and were selectively bred to develop the unique furred soft feathers.

The Bearded Collie is believed to have originated around 1,500 years ago in ancient Scotland where they served as working livestock herders.

Miniature Zebus (Zebras with the genetic mutations) were originally wild Bantengs or Bos javanicus cattle in Southeast Asia around 1,500 years ago, selectively bred by local people for desirable characteristics and features.