The top 10 most ancient dog breeds
What is the world's oldest surviving dog Breed and when did dogs first become
domesticated? This is a question that Has puzzled many for years. Although some studies
suggest that dogs were domesticated as early as 40,000 years ago, recent evidence points to a
date closer to 14,000 years ago. While many of These have since gone extinct, there are
some bloodlines that still thrive today!
However, determining the exact age of a
specific dog breed is challenging, as their Lineages can date back to varying lengths. Recent studies have identified ancient dog Breeds with DNA evidence suggesting they
existed well before popular breeds such as Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds. There are
also many historical accounts and archeological Findings that can give us a glimpse into
the past history of certain canines. To uncover the first dog breeds on earth, we've
conducted extensive research and compiled the Most current information to determine the
oldest dog breeds known to man.
Our video today showcases 10 of the oldest
surviving dog breeds in the world!
Dog number 1: The Chow Chow
Did you know that the Chow Chow, With its distinctive fluffy appearance, has
a rich history dating back over 2,000 years To China? They were originally bred for various
purposes, including retrieval, pointing, sledding, Hunting, and guarding. In fact, the breed was
so highly valued that during the Han Dynasty, Depictions of the Chow Chow were created
and can still be seen today. It's even said That a Chinese emperor kept a remarkable
5,000 of these dogs for hunting purposes!
As the breed made its way to Britain
in the 18th century through trade, The name "Chow Chow" was given to the breed and
referred to miscellaneous items on trade ships That couldn't be classified in any other way.
However, this breed's popularity skyrocketed when Queen Victoria took an interest in it, solidifying
its place as a royal companion for the nobility.
So, while the Chow Chow might not be the oldest
breed on our list, it's certainly one with an Intriguing and fascinating history!
Dog number 2: The Chinese Shar-Pei
The origin of the Chinese Shar Pei might be
a mystery, but thanks to genomic testing, we Know their lineage goes back thousands of years.
This makes them one of the ancient dog breeds, Believed to have been first bred in China around
200 BC. And if you look at statues from the Han Dynasty, around 2,200 years ago, you'll see a
wrinkled dog that looks a lot like a Shar Pei.
Nowadays, people love Shar Peis for their
unique appearance. But way back when, They were valued for their ability to protect
farms and livestock from predators and for Hunting. It's crazy to think that this breed,
which has been around for over 2,000 years, Was almost wiped out in the 20th century.
During China's communist revolution, the Shar Pei population took a huge hit, but a breeder
from Hong Kong issued an appeal in Life Magazine
To save the breed. The resulting attention
from the magazine feature led to a boom in Shar Pei adoptions and breeding across the United
States. With any luck these wrinkly fellas will be Around another couple of thousand years!
Dog number 3: The Samoyed
This next breed dates back roughly 3000 years
and is among 14 breeds with a direct connection To wolves. Indigenous to Siberia, Samoyeds were an
integral part of Samoyedic culture and considered Important family members, providing warmth and
companionship. Their Siberian ancestry gives Them natural herding instincts, which they used
to help with nomadic reindeer hunts. During the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration, Samoyeds were
trusted companions to explorers like Shackleton, Amundsen, and Scott. They gained popularity in
England when Queen Alexandra became enamored With the breed and helped establish them
as both show dogs and beloved pets. Today, Many descendants of her dogs can be found in
kennels in the US, Canada, and Great Britain.
Dog number 4: The Afghan hound
The origin of the Afghan Hound is A topic of debate, with some suggesting
Egypt and others pointing to Afghanistan, As the name suggests. This breed is known
for its long silky hair, narrow face, And thin build, giving it a unique elegance.
Despite misconceptions of low intelligence, Afghan Hounds are actually just stubborn and
prefer to keep their ancient hunting instincts Intact, making them difficult to train. Recent DNA evidence suggests that the Afghan Hound is one of the oldest dog breeds,
with a history dating back over 3000 years. Legend has it that two Afghan Hounds were even
among the dogs depicted as being on Noah's Ark. The breed was highly valued as a hunting
companion by royalty and aristocrats in the Mountainous regions of central Asia, where their
long coats protected them from the cold and their Paw pads allowed them to traverse rocky terrain.
As sighthounds, they hunted leopards and gazelles By sight and were bred for their speed. By the
1800s, British soldiers brought Afghan Hounds To the UK as show dogs, which is why there are
still so many of them in the world today.
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Dog number 5: The Finnish Spitz
This breed has been around for an Incredibly long time. They already existed and
were brought from Russia by the Finno-Ugrian People who migrated over 3000 thousand years
ago. These tribes used the dogs primarily as All-purpose hunting dogs. And because they were so
isolated, the Finnish Spitz as a breed developed With little influence from other breeds. Later, two sportsmen from Helsinki observed The dogs in action and returned to Finland
with the best specimens they could find to
Continue the breed. They were bred to be
bird and squirrel-hunting dogs, and today, They are the national dog of Finland!
Dog number 6: The Siberian Husky
The Husky is a breed with a rich and captivating
history. Believed to have originated around 4000 Years ago in the Chuckchi, just a stone's throw
from Alaska, these dogs were first brought to Nome, Alaska in 1908. Today, Siberian Huskies
are synonymous with sled dog racing and the Vast frontiers of northern ice fields. But
their origins may be even older. Researchers Suggest that the Siberian Taimyr wolf may
have played a role in the development of the Breed by the Chukchi people, who lived in far
northeastern Siberia. These indigenous people Needed dogs that could not only be good family
companions, but also haul sleds and light loads As they traveled through the frozen tundra. Since
then, the breed has remained largely unchanged, And their wolf-like appearance makes it easy to
imagine their close connection to the wild.
Dog number 7: The Saluki
Now here is a breed steeped In history and royalty that has captivated
hearts for millennia. With its lightning speed, Comparable only to that of a greyhound, the Saluki
has long been a sought-after hunting companion, Chasing down the swiftest of creatures, including
gazelles, hares, and jackals. Along the Arabian Peninsula, these dogs would work in tandem with
falcons and hawks to bring down prey. With roots That date back almost 5000 years, images of
these slender, fast dogs with feathered ears, Tails, and legs can be found on historical
artifacts in the Middle East. Pharaohs, kings, And nobles all held the Saluki in high esteem, so
much so that they were even mummified in ancient Egypt. Archeological evidence of this revered
breed has been found in tombs along the Nile, Solidifying the Saluki's place as an iconic and
timeless symbol of royalty and prestige.
Dog number 8: The Akita
Discover the fearless and dignified Akita – prized for its calm demeanor
and unwavering loyalty. Historically, These dogs served as wild boar hunting companions
to Samurai in the mountains of northern Japan.
But the origin of Akitas has been the
subject of much controversy. In 1962, Bones of two canines were found at the
Kamikuroiwa Rock shelter site and were Carbon-dated to be between 9,000 and 9,400 years
old. However, recent research has shown that Carbon dating can be unreliable due to potential
contamination from surrounding materials.
Thanks to historical references and genetic
evidence, it's now believed that Akitas have Been around for approximately 6000 years. So embrace the rich history and noble spirit Of this dignified breed and remember they are
still one of the oldest regardless of current Debates.
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What breed of dog do you think is the
most ancient? Is there one we've missed?
Let us know in the comments and share
your thoughts with other enthusiasts!
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Dog number 9: The Basenji
Get ready to meet the Basenji – a primitive
hunting breed from central Africa. These dogs Were prized for their silent ways, lightning
speed, sharp eyesight, and incredible sense Of smell. Also known as the Congo Terrier,
they helped tribe members drive small prey From the bush and warn of bigger predators.
Basenjis are sometimes referred to as the Ancestors of all dogs, but oddly enough,
they have a personality more like a cat. They're known for their love of staying clean
and don't bark – instead, they yodel! They're Also nicknamed the "jumping up and down dog"
for their ability to leap high in tall grass.
Believe it or not, these dogs have a long
history. It's thought that they were gifted To the pharaohs of ancient Egypt over 6400 years
ago and are depicted in art from Babylon and Mesopotamia. Today, Basenjis are still used for
hunting in the Congo and make great family pets In the US. You'll often find them in lure
coursing events or as show dogs. Dog number 10: The Alaskan Malamute
This is no ordinary dog breed; They're living history! Their howl is a
throwback to their Paleothic wolf cries From deep within their bloodline. The Mahlemiut
Inuit tribe used these dogs for their nomadic Travels across the Kotzebue Sound in Alaska.
Malamutes carried heavy loads, scared away Polar bears during hunts, and searched
for seal breathing holes on the ice.
These dogs are some of the oldest
on the North American continent, Potentially dating back 12 to 20 thousand years
– that's older than the ancient Egyptians and Their pyramids! In fact, mammoths were still
roaming the earth when this breed appeared.
Evidence of the Alaskan Malamute's existence can
be found in the form of bone and ivory carvings That look nearly identical to the breed we
know today. Pair this with the discovery of A 9,500-year-old preserved dog on the remote
island of Zhokhov, whose DNA, extracted from Its remains, provides us with evidence of
very early diversification into sled dogs. To date, the Zhokhov dog houses the
oldest and most well-preserved dog genome, Demonstrating a direct ancestral link to the
Alaskan Malamute and the Greenland sled dog. This strong connection to the long history
of canine domestication makes the Alaskan Malamute one of the oldest living
breeds in the world today.
Of course, there are still many studies being
done, and technology is becoming more accurate As the years go by. With new archeological
finds and advancements in genetic testing, Today's rankings of the most ancient
dog breeds could continue to change, So make sure to stay tuned for future videos!
