Indigenous Dogs of Baikal Region from Ivolginsk Fortress (Western Transbaikalia)

Archaeological sites of Baikal region have rich collections canid remains. By the Iron Age dogs become abundant in some Transbaikalia archaeological sites, especially Xiongnu complexes. Ivolginsk Fortress is one Transbaikalia's most important where a dog first (in faunal 1955–1974 excavations) and fourth collection 2017 excavation) numerous among domestic animals. However, remains from site are not extensively studied. To address parts this lacuna, paper describes ten skulls Fortress. The purpose study to determine morphological type living fortress during Age. Their similar size shape those East Siberian Laikas. For reason, we made comparison Laika early twentieth century, which showed general similarity characteristics these skulls. Therefore, all were identified as northern (Laika-like) dogs. Also, result description skulls, two groups identified. body mass it possible divide into three groups: small-, medium- large-sized individuals. population consisted primarily medium-sized dogs, small large abundant. Moreover, differed by characteristics: relative snout length (dogs with short medium-length snouts) skull width narrow wide skulls). Holocene Far regions Early Cis- (Pad Kalashnikova, Ust-Belaia) Medieval Amur sites. It could indicate that relatively widespread regions.