The oldest dog breed: description, photo, interesting facts from history

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Dogs have been living next to people for so long that today it is very difficult to say exactly when these animals were domesticated. According to one version, this event happened more than 15 thousand years ago and since then many varieties of dogs have appeared on Earth, differing from each other in both exterior and character. In today's publication, the main features of the most ancient dog breeds will be considered.

Saluki

These rare animals have a very long history, in which there are many obscure moments. The first remains of dogs resembling Persian greyhounds were discovered in Sumerian excavations dated to 7000-6000 BC. e. Salukis were successfully used to hunt hares and gazelles. They were trained in pair work with falcons and other birds of prey. And nomads, who considered dogs unclean animals, called Persian greyhounds a gift from Allah.

Saluki is oneone of the oldest dog breeds on earth. Its formation took place in a wide geographical area. Therefore, its exterior is somewhat heterogeneous. The average height of an adult varies between 58-71 cm at the withers, and the weight is directly proportional to height. Persian greyhounds give the impression of graceful animals, and their bodies are covered with short or long silky hair of any color except blue and brindle.

Saluki is one of the oldest dog breeds used for hunting. Their main purpose could not but leave an imprint on the character. These are quite complex dogs that love freedom. They are very independent, self-sufficient and wise. These graceful creatures need constant socialization or they become skittish.

Chow Chow

This is an ancient Chinese dog breed with a very rich history. Dogs visually similar to modern Chow Chows have been around since the reign of the Zhou Dynasty (11th century BC). They were kept at the imperial palaces, and Tibetan Buddhists revered them as the incarnation of the holy lion. At a certain period of history, they were bred not only as favorites of Chinese rulers, but also as guard and draft animals. And according to some reports, these dogs were also a source of delicious meat and valuable warm fur.

Chow Chows are compact, well balanced dogs growing to 46-56 cm at the withers. They are easily identified by their broad, flat head and blue tongue. The harmoniously developed body of a typical representative of this breed is covered with thick long or shortplush fur in cream, white, blue, black, or red.

Chow Chows are independent, reserved and selfish animals, which are naturally spoiled. They are very cunning and unable to get along with same-sex tribesmen.

Basenji

This is one of the oldest dog breeds, with a photo and name that many of you were not familiar with until today. There are many mysterious and obscure moments in its history. It is only known for certain that its formation took place over 5 thousand years in the harsh conditions of the hot African climate. These semi-wild pack dogs have long hunted together with local tribes and independently obtained their livelihood. They began to be brought to Europe not as exotic native dogs, but as potential inhabitants of zoos.

Basenjis are muscular dogs with strong bones and a level topline. The height of an adult is 40-43 cm, and the weight varies between 9.5-11 kg. On a beautiful short-faced head with flat cheekbones and a moderately pronounced stop, there are slanted almond-shaped eyes and neat pointed ears. The taut body with an oval chest and bulging ribs is covered with fine, glossy hair of brindle, black or red color with white spots.

Basenjis are dogs with a rather complex character, which bizarrely combines recklessness and intelligence, complaisance and obstinacy, devotion and the desire for independence.

Shar Pei

China is considered the birthplace of one of the most ancient breeds of dogs with an unusual appearance. According to experts, it came from mastiffs or smooth-haired chow chows. According to DNA analyzes, the estimated age of the breed is estimated at three millennia. Dogs similar to modern Shar-Peis lived during the reign of the Han Dynasty. Clay figurines of squat square dogs were found in the burial grounds of that time.

Shar Pei is a medium-sized dog growing up to 46-51 cm at the withers and weighing 18-25 kg. On a massive broad-faced head with a large black nose and thick lips, there are small triangular ears and almond-shaped eyes covered with skin folds. The muscular square body is covered with short hair in black, cream, fawn, isabella, red, blue or sable.

Shar pei are self-sufficient, funny and curious animals. They are distrustful of outsiders and will not listen to family members with low hierarchical status.

Akita Inu

This one of the most ancient breeds of dogs (approximately 2nd millennium BC) appeared as a result of crossing mastiffs with Chinese spitz-shaped dogs. Her ancestors were used to hunt large game. At a certain period in history, these animals were considered the privilege of the nobility and were inaccessible to the common people.

Akita Inu are fairly large dogs, growing up to 64-75 cm at the withers and weighing between 32-45 kg. On a beautiful short-faced flat headhave small eyes and neat triangular ears. The entire body of the dog is covered with thick hair of white, red or brindle color.

Akita Inu are cunning and very loyal dogs, perfectly coping with the role of a guard. They get along well with other pets and are easy to train.

Pug

The history of these animals, claiming to be the most ancient breed of dogs, is surrounded by numerous myths and legends. Similar dogs existed as early as the 5th century BC. According to experts, the unusual appearance of these dogs is the result of close inbreeding, since they did not leave the kennels of Chinese emperors for a long time.

Pugs are small creatures that grow up to 30.5 cm at the withers and weigh no more than 8.1 kg. They are easily identified by their rounded head with a high forehead, expressive eyes and a short, flattened muzzle. The compact body of such a dog is covered with a smooth coat of silver, beige, apricot or black color.

Pugs are energetic and playful animals, endowed with a friendly and sociable nature. They lend themselves well to training and do not require special care.

Cane Corso

These animals are descended from dogs from Ancient Rome. The Cane Corso breed originated from pickling dogs that fought against gladiators and wild animals. Throughout its centuries-old history, it has undergone many changes.

Cane Corso are large dogs, whose height reaches 64-68 cm at the withers, andweight varies between 40-50 kg. On a broad head with pronounced eyebrows and a square muzzle, there are dark oval eyes and high-set ears. Muscular elongated body with a straight topline and rounded ribs covered with a shiny short awn without undercoat.

Cane Corso are serious smart dogs that need early socialization and special training. They lack heightened hostility, which means they never attack for no reason.