Do you know that long before dogs became household pets, some breeds were already living with people in ancient times? They were partners in survival and daily life. Their strength, loyalty, and intelligence made them trusted companions across many cultures and generations.
Learning about these ancient dog breeds helps us understand where our bond with dogs began. If you’re wondering which dogs have stood the test of time, here’s a look at five of the oldest breeds in the world. Each of them has their own life story.
So, let’s step back in time and meet these incredible survivors.
How did dogs become man’s best friend?
The inseparable bond between dogs and humans started centuries ago. You’ll be surprised to know that many experts believe dogs were first domesticated about 15,000 to 40,000 years ago.
This likely happened in parts of Europe or Asia when early humans formed bonds with wolves. Some wolves were less aggressive and more friendly. They started staying near human camps, probably for food and safety. These friendly wolves began working with humans, such as helping them catch animals and warning them of danger.
With time, the wolves began to change. Some changes happened naturally. However, humans also started to choose which wolves should have puppies based on useful traits.
Over many generations, the wolves turned into dogs with different looks and behaviors. This ultimately created the first dog breeds. So, let’s cut to the chase and discuss those ancient dog breeds.
5 Most Ancient Dog Breeds with a Story to Tell
Here are 5 dog breeds with a history as old as mankind:
1.Basenji – The Barkless Wonder from Africa
The Basenji comes with roots going back to around 6000 BC in Central Africa, especially in the Congo. This unique dog is known as the “barkless wonder”. Why? Because it doesn’t bark like other dogs. Instead, it makes a yodel-like sound.
Basenjis are very intelligent and act a lot like cats. That means they are quiet, clean, and independent. In ancient times, they were used for hunting in thick forests and sometimes for herding cattle.
Also, they appear in Ancient Egyptian art, possibly inspiring the look of the god Anubis.
2.Saluki – The Royal Dog of Egypt
This breed proudly holds the title ‘Royal Dog of Egypt’ because they’re fast, graceful, and elegant. Their history starts from the Middle East, especially Egypt, around 6000 to 7000 BC.
Moreover, in ancient times, Saluki was mainly used to hunt fast animals like gazelles. They were so loved that they were often buried with their owners and even kept as mummies in tombs. They appear in Egyptian graves and on Sumerian wall carvings.
During Egypt’s Eighteenth Dynasty, Saluki was very popular. The genes of this ancient Egyptian dog breed show they are closely related to wolves, which makes them a true ancient breed.
3.Akita Inu – Japan’s Loyal Guardian
Akita not only comes in the oldest but also in the most respected dog breeds. Its history goes back to between 8000 BC and 200 BC.
They are from Japan, known for being brave, strong, and very loyal. Long ago, this breed was used to guard royal families and help hunters catch big animals like bears.
The Akita’s ancestor was the Matagi-Inu, a smaller hunting dog. Archaeological findings show Akitas have lived in Japan for thousands of years. Though today’s Akitas are larger but the loyalty remains.
4.Tibetan Mastiff – The Mountain Protector
Have you heard about the high mountains of Tibet? The history of the Tibetan Mastiff is from these mountains. This huge and fluffy dog was mainly used to guard monasteries, homes, and livestock from wild animals.
Some experts believe it may be the oldest dog breed in the world, possibly dating back 58,000 years. Many cave drawings found in the Himalayas show dogs that look like the Tibetan Mastiff.
On top of that, DNA studies prove that this breed separated from wolves earlier than many other dogs. So, it was trusted for its strength and bravery, especially in the cold and rough mountain areas where it helped protect people and animals.
5.Chow Chow – The Lion-Dog of China
Our list of the ancient breeds of dogs ends with Chow Chow. This historic breed is from northern China, possibly dating back to 200 BC or earlier. The Chow Chow is famous for its lion-like appearance and its distinctive blue-black tongue.
In the past, they were used for many works like hunting, guarding homes, pulling carts, and being loyal companions.
Chow Chow were often seen with Chinese royals and are even shown in Han Dynasty art. Many believe this breed inspired the famous Chinese stone lion statues. It also shares some looks and history with the Chinese Shar-Pei, making it a truly special and noble breed.
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FAQs
What are the 5 ancient dog breeds?
The five oldest dog breeds are Basenji, Saluki, Akita Inu, Tibetan Mastiff, and Chow Chow. These dogs have been around for thousands of years and were often used for hunting, guarding, or as loyal companions to royals. Each breed is from a unique region of the world.
How did dogs become domesticated?
Dogs were first domesticated between 15,000 and 40,000 years ago, most likely in parts of Europe or Asia. It all began when some friendly wolves started living near humans for food and protection. Over time, these wolves changed and became more helpful, and humans began choosing which ones to keep, slowly turning wolves into the dogs we know today.
