Top 10 Oldest Dog Breeds in the World (With Pictures)
By Hanh Duong
Updated on
Dogs are man’s best friend, as we all know, and they have played a significant role in the history of humanity. While there is an ongoing discussion on the origins of domesticated dogs, it is generally agreed that some breeds date back to the Pharaohs or even earlier. Almost every region of the world seems to have its own ancient breed that might be among the oldest, and some of them rank very high on the list of the most intelligent and hardworking animals.
Below are 10 of the world’s oldest dog breeds, many of which remain popular pets to this day.
The 10 Ancient Dog Breeds
1. Greenland Sled Dog
Genome sequencing has revealed striking similarities between the 9,500-year-old canine remains discovered on a remote island off the coast of Siberia and modern sled dogs in Greenland. The bones were found with components of sleds, providing experts with proof that the Greenland Sled Dogs were a functioning transport breed. Based at least in part on this genome sequencing, the Greenland Sled Dog may be the oldest dog breed in existence.
2. Greyhound
With evidence of the breed reaching back to the Pharaohs, Greyhounds are among the oldest domesticated dog breeds and the first confirmed records of canines resembling Greyhounds date to about 8,000 years ago.
As catastrophic starvation raged across Europe in the Middle Ages, the Greyhound was almost extinct. Fortunately, the clerics who preserved the species later bred them for nobles, earning the breed their prestigious reputation as a pet for the aristocracy.
The Greyhound is a sweet, loving dog that is eager to please. They’re intelligent, independent, and quick on their feet. With their speed and finesse, Greyhounds excel at agility and obedience and make ideal running partners—as long as you don’t attempt to keep up with them!
3. Afghan Hound
This breed has a long history. Afghan Hounds are part of the group of hound breeds known as sighthounds, which are canines that use their keen eyesight and quick reflexes to discover and hunt their prey.
Many experts agree that the Afghan Hound is one of the oldest purebred dog breeds. According to legend, the dogs in Noah’s Ark were represented by a pack of Afghan Hounds. It will never be known the precise date and location of the breed’s beginning in the enormous region, now India, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, since they predate written history by a few thousand years and come from some of the world’s most isolated regions.
What is certain is that Afghans have long served as the status symbols of Asia’s mountain kings’ royals, tribal chieftains, and nobles as agile hunting partners.
4. Basenji
This “barkless” breed has a long history of living as a hunting dog and companion near the Nile and Congo Rivers. Many of the carvings and sculptures discovered in the tombs of Egyptian Pharaohs may have been based on Basenjis. They are peaceful dogs who seldom bark and have recognizable pointed ears, tightly wound tails, and long legs. They were utilized by African tribes as pack animals and for hunting.
The breed is compact and athletic, making them a great travel companion and excellent for outdoor activities. They do best with rewarding, entertaining training that isn’t overly repetitious, but they’re not a good choice for first-time dog owners.
5. Mastiff
Over 5,000 years ago, the Molosser—the ancestor of the Mastiff—was employed as a fighting dog. The pure version of this ancient breed no longer exists, but the Mastiff continues to exist as a great family pet that is calm and kind. Although they must be socialized and trained before they grow too big to manage, they are fiercely territorial and make perfect guard dogs.
Anyone who can handle a Mastiff’s enormous size and doesn’t mind a little drool flung here and there will find them to be a good friend. If you’re searching for a large dog with loads of affection to give, this dog could be the one for you! On the other hand, you might want to consider another breed if you live in an apartment or are a first-time owner.
6. Saluki
Salukis are thought to have originated in the Middle East’s Fertile Crescent at least 4,000 years ago, according to solid archaeological evidence. Remains of this type of dog have been discovered in the tombs of the upper Nile, and Egyptian royal families regarded them as precious and respected pets. The Guinness Book of World Records lists them as the oldest dog breed, but this claim is based on sculptures of a dog that resemble a Saluki found in Sumer.
These canines are available in a wide range of colors and patterns, such as tricolor, white, fawn, cream, golden, red, black and tan, etc. Surprisingly, Salukis have a top speed of 42 miles per hour.
7. Xoloitzcuintli
The Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced shoh-loyts-kweent-lee) or Xolo, often known as the “Mexican hairless dog,” is said to have existed 3,500 years ago, during the period of the Aztecs. This unique breed was previously thought to be extinct, but they have risen in numbers since the 1950s.
Xolos are calm, intelligent canines that make excellent guard dogs and companions. They will learn quickly with gentle and persistent training. These pups are born with a thin coat of hair, despite the breed’s reputation for being hairless, and since they shed very little, they could be ideal for those who have allergies.
8. Chow Chow
These dogs are said to have existed for between 2,000 and 3,000 years. China is home to the unique Chow Chow breed, where they are used as guide dogs, hunting dogs, and sled dogs. Their coat comes in two different textures—rough and smooth—and both have the well-known blue tongue of the breed as well as wonderfully expressive faces.
Chow Chows are the best choice for anybody searching for a faithful canine companion since they develop an extraordinarily close attachment with their owner. However, they work best for people with lots of experience and households without small children. Note that they don’t usually quickly warm up to new individuals because of their independent, somewhat distant character.
9. Samoyed
Samoyeds, sometimes known as “Sammies,” are among the most affectionate northern breeds available, although they may be pricey pets. This charming dog originated more than 2,000 years ago among the Samoyedic people of present-day Siberia. Due to their thick coat, the Samoyed served as the tribe’s multifunctional companion, working as a watchdog, sled puller, hunting companion, and friend to keep warm. The Samoyed is still a well-liked sled dog today, but they also make a great bicycling, hiking, or running partner.
Although they make excellent family canines, they can be hard to train. Remember to make sessions short, concentrated, and enjoyable with lots of praise for a job well done.
10. Chinese Shar-Pei
The Chinese Shar-Pei has existed since at least 200 B.C. Statues similar in appearance to them have been found, and archaeologists believe they belong to that era. The region close to the village of Tai Li is said to be where the breed first appeared.
Their loose skin shields them in dogfights and allows these dogs to flee without fatal organ damage. So, they were often used to watch over and protect royals and royal palaces.
Although there is no genetic connection between the two breeds, Shar-Peis and Chow Chows both have black-blue tongues. Known for their intellect and loyalty, Shar Peis are powerful, regal, and independent guardians. Having been bred as guard dogs, they are wary of people and other canines.
Conclusion
These ancient breeds are respectable animals. In all this time, they have proven to be more than talented companions, lap warmers, guardians, and more.
Old-breed dogs are sometimes independent and stubborn. This is because they still exhibit certain primitive traits and are genetically more similar to wolves. They will be more demanding in terms of upkeep and training, so be prepared to learn about the breed and put in the extra effort required to properly care for them if you want one of these pups.
Featured Image Credit: M. Maggs, Pixabay
