Cynodesmus fossil map
Where fossils of Cynodesmus have been found, shown on the Earth as it looked about 30 million years ago and on today’s map.
Dots are fossil collections recorded in the Paleobiology Database. The “then” view moves today’s fossil sites back to their positions 30 million years ago (the time slice nearest the median age of the fossils) using the Merdith et al. (2021) plate model; positions are approximate. Open on the timeline map →
| Group | Early mammals |
|---|---|
| Lived | 31.8–18.5 million years ago (Rupelian to Burdigalian) |
| Periods | Paleogene, Neogene |
| Family | Canidae |
| Named by | Scott 1893 |
| Fossil records | 30 occurrences at 5 locations (PBDB) |
| Found in | United States |
| Rock formations | Brule, txn:41189, Gering, Renova, Sharps |
About Cynodesmus
Cynodesmus ("dog link") is an extinct genus of omnivorous canine which inhabited North America during the Oligocene living from 33.3—-26.3 Ma and existed for approximately 7 million years.
Cynodesmus was one of the first canids to truly look dog-like. At around 1 metre (3.3 ft) in length, it was about the same size as a modern coyote, but had a shorter skull, heavier tail, and longer rump. The shape of its limbs suggests that Cynodesmus was not a very good runner compared to most other canids; it probably attacked prey from an ambush. Unlike modern dogs, it had five toes on each foot, bearing partially retractable claws.
Text in “About” is quoted from the Wikipedia article Cynodesmus (revision 1258215590), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0; introduction excerpted verbatim, formatting removed. Ages, family, authority and fossil records: Paleobiology Database, accessed 23 October 2026. Ages are those of the rock layers the fossils were found in. Wikidata: Q732045.
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