Dogs have been a part of human history for millennia, and it is safe to say that we would be lost without them. Over time, dogs have evolved from wild wolves into the friendly pets we know today.
While all breeds of dogs are special in different ways, some breeds stand out as being particularly old.
In this blog post, we will be looking at the oldest dog breeds in the world and how they have evolved.
So sit back and relax – you’re about to learn some amazing things about man’s best friend!
Akita Inu – 10,000 years old
The Akita Inu is a Japanese breed of dog that is thought to be around 10000 years old. The breed was used for hunting in ancient times, and they were also used as guard dogs by the samurai class in feudal Japan.
Canine remains found at the Kamikuroiwa Rock Shelter site in Ehime are believed to date back to the Jomon Period which is traditionally dated between 14,000–300 BC.
Today, the Akita Inu is still a popular breed in Japan, and they are also gaining popularity in other parts of the world. The Akita Inu is a large breed of dog, and they are known for being very loyal and protective of their family.
Greenland Sled Dog – 9,500 years old
The Greenland Sled Dog is a breed of dog that is thought to be around 9500 years old. The breed was used for sledding in ancient times, and they were also used as hunting dogs by the Inuit people.
Afghan Hound – 8000 years old
The Afghan Hound is a breed of dog that is thought to be around 8000 years old. The breed was used for hunting in ancient times, and they were also used as guard dogs by the royal families of Afghanistan.
Today, the Afghan Hound is still a popular breed, and they are known for being very loyal and protective of their family.
Greyhound – 8000 years old
The Greyhound is a breed of dog that is thought to be around 8000 years old. The breed was used for hunting in ancient times, and they were also used as racing dogs in the Roman Empire.
Today, the Greyhound is still a popular breed, and they are known for their speed and athleticism.
Saluki – 7000 years old
The Saluki is a breed of dog that is thought to be around 7000 years old. The breed was used for hunting in ancient times, and they were also used as guard dogs by the royal families of Persia.
Today, the Saluki is still a popular breed.
Basenji – 5000 years
The Basenji is a small, muscular dog with a short coat that attracts fans because of his wrinkled brow and tiny, muscular physique. His alert temperament, erect ears, and tail curled tightly over one hip distinguish him from other dogs. He has a quizzical and sometimes mischievous look on his wrinkled brow.
People who do not research the Basenji before obtaining one may be disappointed or frustrated when they discover that it has a specific temperament and personality.
Tibetan Mastiff – 5000 years old
The Tibetan Mastiff is a large breed of dog that is thought to be around 5000 years old. The breed was used for hunting in ancient times, and they were also used as guard dogs by the royal families of Tibet.
Alaskan Malamute – 3000 years old
The Alaskan Malamute is a large breed of dog that is thought to be around 3000 years old. The breed was used for sledding in ancient times, and they were also used as hunting dogs by the Inuit people.
Today, the Alaskan Malamute is still a popular breed, and they are known for being very loyal and protective of their family.
Chow Chow – 2000 to 3000 years old
The Chow Chow is a large breed of dog that is thought to be around 2000 to 3000 years old. They are known for their signature black tongue and blue-black coat. Chow Chows are considered to be one of the oldest dog breeds in the world and are thought to have originated in China.
Poodle – 2,000 years old
While many people think of the Poodle as a modern breed of dog, it dates back to early Germany. The Poodle was bred as a water retriever and was used to help fisherman retrieve their nets and catch fish.
The Poodle is a very intelligent breed and is known for its high level of trainability. They are also one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the world and come in a variety of sizes and colors.
Today Poodles are crossbred with other popular dog breeds to create dogs that don’t shed.
Tibetan Terrier – 2000 years old
The Tibetan Terrier is a small to medium breed of dog that is thought to be around 2000 years old.
The Tibetan Terrier, known as the “Holy Dog of Tibet,” is a historic watch and companion that has long been linked to Buddhist monasteries. The TT is loving, sensitive, and bright, with a thick coat that covers the whole body. Tibetan Terriers are medium-sized dogs that stand about 15 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 20 and 30 pounds. They have a thick coat that can be either straight or wavy and comes in a variety of colors including black, white, brown, gray, and golden.
While the Tibetan Terrier is not a terrier, it shares many of the same characteristics as other terrier breeds including being active, playful, and curious.
Today, the Tibetan Terrier is still a popular breed, and they are known for being very loyal and protective of their family. They are also known for being good with children.
Pekingese – 2000 years old old
The Pekingese is a small breed of dog that is thought to be around 2000 years old.
The Pekingese (also known as the Pekinese) is a toy dog breed from China. The breed was popular among Chinese Imperial court royals as both a lap and a companion pet, and its name derives from Beijing (Beijing), where the Forbidden City is located.
What Is The Oldest Dog Breed?
Many people believe that the Akita Inu is the original breed of dog, but scientific research claim that the Basenji originated first.
Cave paintings dating back 6,000 BC depict Basenji, although the recent Akita relics discovered at the Kamikuroiwa Rock Shelter site are older.
The Saluki, meanwhile, holds the world record for being the oldest breed of dog, having been developed in 329 BC or thereabout, but it falls short of the Akita’s prehistoric beginnings.
Are All Dogs Descended From the Wolf?
The gray wolf or Canis lupus is the direct ancestor of the domestic dog.
Despite the large range of domestic dog breeds, they can all be traced back to the gray wolf, albeit with significant modifications over time.
Which Dog Breed Live The Longest?
While determining the breed that outlives others is difficult, certain dog breeds have a significantly longer lifespan than others. The Great Dane has an exceptionally short life expectancy of 8 to 10 years, whereas the Chihuahua usually lives for at least 12 years and sometimes reaches 20 years in age.
The oldest dog in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, was born in 1910 and lived for 29 years. Bluey, an Australian Cattle Dog, spent 20 years working with sheep and cattle before being put down in November 1939.
So there you have it – a list of the oldest dog breeds in the world! We hope you enjoyed learning about these amazing dogs and their fascinating history. As you can see, these breeds have been around for thousands of years and show no signs of slowing down any time soon