Posted by Man’s best friend has been by our side for thousands of years, and some breeds have histories that stretch back to ancient times. These dogs were there before all the fancy pedigrees and breed standards came to be. They were just natural companions that lived and worked alongside humans. Have you ever wondered what these original dog breeds looked like?
Well, you don’t have to go too far to satisfy your curiosity, as some of these breeds still exist today and have remained largely unchanged. In this article, we are going to talk about some of these breeds. So get ready to meet some new old friends!
8 oldest dog breeds
Read on to know about some of the oldest dog breeds in the world –
The Chow Chow: Aloof but Loyal
The Chow Chow is an independent spirit but is utterly devoted to its family. Chows tend to bond very closely with their owners and do not always warm up easily to strangers or other dogs. Early socialization and training is important for this breed. Behind their sometimes stoic facade, Chows do have a playful side and a tendency towards silly antics with the people they love.
The Friendly Samoyed
In contrast, the Samoyed has an extremely friendly temperament and tends to get along well with nearly everyone – human and canine alike. Samoyeds were bred as companion dogs to the Samoyede people of Siberia, so friendliness and loyalty are in their DNA. This big white fluffy dog breed tends to be gentle, playful, and patient, making them an excellent choice for families with children or other pets.
The Noble Saluki
The Saluki is considered one of the oldest breeds, with depictions found in ancient Egypt as far back as 2100 BC! Known as the “Royal Dog of Egypt,” the Saluki was a treasured companion of pharaohs. Today, the Saluki remains a symbol of nobility. With its silky fur and regal bearing, it’s easy to see why Salukis were held in such high esteem.
The Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound also has a long, distinguished history. Depictions of similar dogs have been found in Afghanistan dating back to the 16th century BC. Afghan Hounds were highly valued for their hunting ability in the mountainous terrain of Afghanistan. Their striking, flowing coats, and aloof temperaments led to their popularity among the elite.
Both the Saluki and Afghan Hound remain prized for their beauty and have had enduring appeal as companions. While they hail from different parts of the world, these sighthounds share a common thread of nobility and an ancient heritage as loyal friends of rulers and hunters. Their historic status is well deserved, as they are truly iconic breeds that have stood the test of time.
The Poodle
The poodle originates from Germany.With its distinctive puffy coat and pom-pom tail, the poodle became the epitome of lavishness and extravagance. Poodles were pampered and adored by French nobility and later found fame performing in circuses across Europe.
Today, the poodle is an elegant and energetic breed. Despite their froufrou appearance, poodles are actually quite intelligent and make excellent guide dogs, search & rescue dogs, and competitors in dog sports like agility and obedience. Poodles come in a variety of sizes – from tiny toy poodles to massive standard poodles. Whatever the size, poodles are playful and mischievous, and bond very closely with their owners.
The Pekingese
The Pekingese originate from China, where for centuries they were companions to emperors and members of the imperial court. Pekingese were bred to resemble small lions, with their abundant mane-like fur and squished face. These pampered pooches lived lavish lives within the Forbidden City, wearing ornate collars and only interacting with the imperial family.
Today, the Pekingese retains its regal attitude but in a more compact size. Despite their small stature, Pekingese have big personalities and can be quite stubborn or bossy. However, they are also playful, charming and form very close bonds with their owners.
Guard dogs from Tibet: Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is one of the oldest breeds, dating back over 2,000 years. These massive guard dogs were bred to protect Tibetan monasteries, villages, and nomadic tribes. Their intimidating size, loud bark, and natural guarding instincts were essential for warding off predators and intruders in the harsh Himalayan climate.
Standing up to 33 inches tall and weighing up to 160 pounds, the Tibetan Mastiff is an impressive canine! Their thick double coat and mane give them a lion-like appearance. These gentle giants are usually calm and docile around their families but become fiercely protective if they sense a threat. Their booming barks alone are enough to deter unwanted visitors.
Companion dogs from Siberia: The Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is one of the oldest dog breeds, used by the Chukchi people of Siberia as an endurance sled dog. These friendly, energetic dogs were bred to pull light loads over long distances in sub-zero temperatures, so they’re naturally athletic, hardy, and built for cold weather.
Conclusion
These furry friends have been by our side for thousands of years, helping with herding, hunting, guarding, and simply providing companionship. While modern breeds continue to gain popularity, it’s humbling to know that the dogs you see walking down the street in front of your home share DNA with some of the first dogs that humans ever domesticated. The next time you see a Chow Chow, Saluki, Afghan Hound, or any of the other original breeds, give them an extra scratch behind the ears – they’ve certainly earned it! Our lives are richer for the diversity and loyalty of dogs.
Author Bio:
With 5 years of experience in the field, Amelia Moore is an online entrepreneur by profession and a passionate blogger and content writer. She loves to write content about Pets, Travel, Entertainment, fashion, and many more.