It is estimated that man and dog have lived together for 2,000 or 3,000 years. However, the relationship between dog and man is much older. Although the historical sources do not offer a precise date, they allow us to suppose that the domestication process began more than 20,000 years ago.
Many of today's popular dog breeds emerged from the 18th and 19th centuries, such as the German shepherd or the boxer. But surprisingly, some races survived thousands of years and evolved alongside humanity, maintaining certain original traits in their appearance and character. Today, our site invites you to discover the 10 oldest dog breeds in the world, and learn a little more about their origins.
Ancient dog breeds: shared characteristics
The oldest dog breeds in the world share some similarities in their physical constitution, and also in their character. As we can see, they are dogs with strong bodies, with well-developed musculature, but compact and resistant, in which coats with shades of reddish, brown or sand predominate.
Regarding their character, they are usually intelligent, active and very independent dogs. These breeds show great ease of learning and prefer to make decisions on their own, that is, they have great autonomy. In addition, they often have very keen senses and well-marked instinctive compartments, such as hunting or protecting resources with territory.
As a pet they can be excellent. However, close attention must be paid to training and socialization to prevent the development of behavior problems. If you want to know the changes in appearance that various dog breeds underwent during their evolution, be sure to visit our article about the evolution of dog breeds: before and after.
1. The oldest dog in the world: the basenji
The basenji is considered the oldest dog in the world according to a scientific study comparing genomic analyzes of 161 current dog breeds[1]It is estimated that their origins begin on the African continent, where they were used for hunting and tracking prey. His image was already portrayed in some Egyptian tombs that were located near this region.
The basenji has gained popularity in recent years due to some peculiarities inherent to its nature, for example, this dog does not emit the characteristic sound of canine barking, but it does make a very particular noise that resembles a laugh. For this reason, they are among the least barking dog breeds. In addition, they tend to clean themselves in a very similar way to felines, and they are not very fond of water.
two. Shanxi xigou or Chinese hunting dog
The shanxi xigou or Chinese hunting dog, sometimes also called "Chinese saluki" is the second race considered to be the oldest in the world and its origin dates back to 685 BC. C., during the Tang dynasty. This dog shows a unique profile. Its former functions consisted of hunting hares and protecting homes.
3. Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff, also known as the Tibetan Mastiff, is considered the ancestor of all mastiff dog breeds and its origin is dates back between the years 384 and 322 BC. It is a powerful, muscular dog with a dense coat, thus accentuating its large size. Since time immemorial, it has been a dog used to guard flocks and protect Tibetan monasteries.
4. Siberian Husky
Siberian husky dogs accompanied the original Chukchi tribe, which inhabited the cold territory where Siberia is today. In principle, they were used as working and guard dogs, carrying out herding duties, pulling sleds, and protecting their territory from invaders.
The inherent strength of a Siberian Husky is explained by its origins. In the extreme conditions of the Russian territory, only the most resistant and best adapted dogs managed to survive. And it was precisely thanks to the dedication and skills of these dogs that the original Russian peoples were able to survive in an inhospitable territory, whether due to its climate or its wild nature.
5. Greenland Dog or Greenlandic
The Greenlandic is one of the oldest breeds in the world and it is estimated that it arrived in Greenland with the Palo Eskimos and it is believed that its closest relative is the Canadian Eskimo Dog. Formerly it was used as a hunting dog and for sledding
6. Alaskan Malamutes
Also known as the Alaskan Malamute, this is one of the oldest and most cold-adapted breeds. Like the Greenland dog, the Alaskan malamute was used to pull sleds and for hunting It is a large, robust dog with a great capacity physical.
7. Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is one of the most popular dog breeds today, probably due to its adorable appearance. It is of Japanese origin and possible representations of it have been found dating back to 500 A. D., although even today there are controversies about its origin, since sources suggest that could be Chinese or Korean.
8. Akita Inu
The Akita Inu gained much popularity in the last century, but its origins go back to secular and traditional Japanese culture. They are very strong and resistant dogs, with a great capacity to adapt to cold and well-marked instinctive behaviors. They were historically used in hunting wild animals, but they also performed functions of guard and defense of households.
9. Shar pei
The shar pei falls in love thanks to its cute appearance, however, these dogs stand out for their hunting and herding skills. They are also quite independent and have a very strong character.
Currently, traces of their existence were discovered in the 3rd century BC on painted ceramic objects in ancient China. Back then, the Shar Pei was a faithful ally of farmers in protecting their land from predators and natural threats.
10. Chow chow
Many people see chow chow as "stuffed dogs". Although their fur and blue tongue are truly curious and adorable, these dogs are far from vulnerable as dolls. Their origins lie in the ancient Chinese territory, where they were historically used in protection of sacred temples and homes, as well as to help men in hunting. Like the Siberian husky, the survival of the chow chow is living proof of its physical resistance and ability to adapt to climatic and natural adversities.
eleven. Eurasier
The eurasier is a dog breed of German origin that is much older than is believed. It was not until 1960 when its popularity began. It is a balanced, alert and somewhat independent dog.
12. Samoyed
The Samoyed spread and conquered admirers all over the world only from the 18th century, but its origins go back to the original Samoyed tribes, who inhabited Russia and Siberia.
His appearance and character reveal similar genetic traits to his "compatriot" the Siberian Husky, but they stand out and differ for their long totally white fur. They are strong, resistant dogs, perfectly adapted to cold and weather, and very independent. Historically, they were employed in herding, hunting, and sledding jobs
13. Finnish Spitz
The Finnish Spitz is a breed of dog endemic to Finland that was used to hunt small animals, mainly rodents. In Finland it is considered an excellent hunting dog and is considered the country's national dog.
14. Japanese Chin or Japanese Spaniel
Although given this name, the Japanese Chin is considered to be a breed endemic to China. It is an independent, intelligent and very alert dog.
fifteen. Tibetan Spaniel
Of Chinese origin, the Tibetan spaniel was a popular dog in the monasteries of the Tibetan monks, which are believed to have been used to spin prayer wheels. Not everything is known exactly about their origin, but they are somewhat reserved and alert dogs.
16. Pekingese
As you can see, the Pekingese is physically different from the ancient dogs mentioned above. But his character explains why he managed to survive so many centuries alongside humanity. These furry little ones have a enormous courage and great adaptability
Originating in Beijing (China), they descend directly from the woolly dogs of Tibet, and from them they inherited very resistant genetics. Today, the earliest known accounts of its existence date back to the 8th century AD, when the Tang Dynasty reigned. The Pekingese was so highly regarded as a companion dog that it became the official mascot of the Chinese imperial family.
17. Lhasa apso
The lhasa apso is named after the city of Lhasa, which is sacred to the people of Tibet These little furry ones already They were worshiped by the Tibetan people in 800 BC, but at that time they only accompanied the nobility and monks. Despite its small size, it is a very brave and resistant dog, which is adapted to a wide temperature range.
18. Shih Tzu
Currently, the shih-tzu is one of the most beloved breeds in the world, whether for its charming appearance or its friendly temperament. However, this furry little guy is originally from China, and his name literally means "lion", in homage to his big mane that doesn't stop growing throughout his life.
