1997 Science magazine article. Mitochondrial DNA control region sequences were analyzed from both dogs and wolves, showed considerable diversity and supported the hypothesis that wolves were the ancestors of dogs. Robert K. Wayne, et. al. http://www.kc.net/~wolf2dog/wayne1.htm
The dog family, Canidae, is a diverse group of 34 species ranging in size and proportion from squat, dachshund-like bushdogs to the long-legged maned wolf. Robert K. Wayne examines their genetic relationships. http://www.kc.net/~wolf2dog/wayne2.htm
Although the subject continues to be controversial, most authorities agree that all dogs, are descended from wolves which were tamed in the Near East ten or twelve thousand years ago. http://www.kc.net/~wolf2dog/genetic1.htm