Dogs are the oldest recorded domesticated animal and are common in fossil records up to 14,000 years ago. Specimens from before 26,500 years ago are very rare, likely due to the last glacial maximum. Remains of a canine found in Russia date back 33,000 years and have been determined to be the oldest preserved fossil at this time.. Scientists have been trying to pinpoint the evolution of dogs from wolves. Where did dogs arise and when? READ MORE