'Made in China': DNA breakthrough rewrites dingo story

DNA study reveals dingoes came from China
Also reveals route dingoes took to reach Australia
But Australian scientist disputes DNA findings
DNA evidence has revealed Australia's native dingoes originated from China and migrated thousands of years earlier than previously believed.
The DNA breakthrough suggests dingoes arrived in Australia as far back as 18,300 years ago, despite the native dog not appearing in archeological records until roughly 3500 years ago, The Australian reports.

According to international geneticists, including Alan Wilton of the University of NSW, their analysis also reveals dingoes came through mainland Southeast Asia and Indonesia, and not via Taiwan and the Philippines as previously thought, a route highly dependent on boats.

But Australian National University archeologist Peter Bellwood says while a "Chinese ultimate origin is not in dispute", genetic-based dating techniques are unreliable.

"Dogs were not present in (the archeological record) in Indonesia or Australia before 3500 years before present, so obviously the dates are much too old," he said.