Months of excavation in Sweden has revealed the remains of a long-vanished breed of dog buried more than 8,400 years ago beside his master. Unearthed in September about 125 kilometres northeast of Malmo, the 250 kilo block containing the dog was transported to the Blekinge Museum in Karlskrona, where sediment was removed to expose the bones.
     Osteologist Ola Magnell of the Blekinge Museum calls it "one of the oldest grave finds of dogs in the country," adding that 'the dog is well preserved, and the fact that it is buried in the middle of the Stone Age settlement is unique.' The breed resembled a powerful greyhound.
     The area where the dog's remains were found has been the focus of one the largest archaeological digs ever undertaken in the region. Researchers have uncovered evidence of at least 56 structures, as well as fireplaces and traces of various pits and postholes, plus large amounts of flint. Experts believe the site was inhabited by hunters during the Stone Age. The settlement would have once been on the coast, before a sudden and violent rise in sea level covered it with layers of sand and mud that preserved its artefacts.
     In August this year researchers in southern Italy discovered what may be the oldest ever remains of a pet dog, dating to between 14,000-20,000 years ago.

Edited from Mail Online (24 November 2020), Republic World (25 November 2020)