The Oldest Dog Breeds
Thinking about life without the company of a pet can be difficult to imagine. Dogs have been man’s best friends for (it is believed) 30,000 years. But what were the canines of bygone eras? In this article we will tell you about the oldest dog breeds.
Do ancient dogs share characteristics?
These animals are really special, they knew how to resist extreme conditions and heavy work. Among the common characteristics of the oldest dog breeds are:
- Compact and strong bodies
- Reddish, brown or sandy fur
- Independent and smart
- Distrustful and stubborn
- More developed instincts
What are the oldest dog breeds?
While it is true that animals and humans have evolved since ancient times, we can still find pets that belong to the oldest dog breeds.
1. Carolina
Also known as “American Dingo”, it was recently discovered in the 70s. These animals lived in a remote and solitary way in the Southeastern United States, and their behavior is similar to that of wild dogs. Their DNA is located at the base of the canine family tree, which is why they are considered a “pure breed”.
2. Shar Pei
Traces have been found that this dog existed in 206 BC thanks to paintings made on ceramic objects. S and believes the Shar Pei descends from Chow (both have bluish-black tongue ). These dogs were used in Chinese farms since ancient times and, although at one point they stopped being popular, little by little they regained their power against other breeds.
3. Siberian Husky
It is another of the oldest breeds of dogs, and it is estimated that the Chukchi Tribe of Russia used them to pull their wooden sleds and herd deer for centuries. Their strength is extraordinary, as well as their ability to survive extreme weather conditions, makes them unique. Husky are treated with great respect and revered in Siberia for their nobility and loyalty.
4. Basenji
It is a breed from the Congo area, in Africa, and it is known because it “does not bark” (it makes a curious sound to warn or alert). This dog has been depicted in Egyptian tombs and was used for hunting and tracking. It can weigh 13 kg and measure 43 cm. It does not like water and is clean like cats.
5. Samoyed
Studies have revealed that this pet is closely related to primitive dogs (a mix of wolf and fox). He was bred to pull sleds, hunt and herd reindeer by the ancient Samoyeds, in Siberia (Russia). At the end of the 19th century, the breed expanded beyond the limits of one of the coldest areas on the planet.
6. Pekingese
As its name suggests, the origin of this breed took place in the Chinese capital, Beijing. It is derived from the shaggy dogs of Tibet. It first appears in recorded documents 4000 years ago, although its popularity developed during the Tang Dynasty (8th century AD). It even has a mythological story about its origin. It is appreciated by Buddhists, and was for a long time the jewel of the Chinese imperial family.
7. Cantor of New Guinea
It is another of the oldest dog breeds. According to genetic analysis, it is a close relative of the Australian Dingo, and has remained on the islands (isolated from other dogs) for more than 5000 years. It howls like a wolf (many say it actually sings) and has large carcass teeth. There are still some specimens living in the wild in the mountains and swamps of Papua New Guinea.
8. Lhasa Apso
It is a woolly dog native to Tibet, and its name comes from the holy city of Lhasa. It has thick hair that protects it from extreme conditions (both cold and heat) and the first “recorded” specimen dates from 800 BC. At first, it was only owned by Tibetan monks and the nobility, because it was considered a sacred race. When the owner died, it was said that his soul entered the body of his dog.
