| Abstract: | Ancient Chinese dogs excavated at three archaeological sites and stored in the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Academia Sinica, were the object of this study (Xiawanggang site, 5000–6000 years BP; Keshengzhuang site, 3000–4000 years BP; Shangsunjia site, Bronze age). During these periods, there were large morphological variations in Chinese dogs beyond a single dog class, as with Jomon dogs. Dogs with a large ‘stop’ were already present in China but not in Japan. At the Keshengzhuang site, middle to large class dogs were also excavated. At least three types were confirmed within these dogs. In the aged dog in Xiawanggang, antemortem loss of many teeth was observed suggesting active use of the teeth and it is possible that this dog was used for hunting as were the Japanese Jomon dogs. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
