15 Oldest Dog Breeds Across the Globe

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Are you curious about the ancient legends of the dog kingdom? Meet the oldest dog breeds that have been part of human life for centuries. These breeds have stood the test of time, each with a unique history and remarkable traits. Let’s celebrate these wonderful breeds with a lasting legacy in the hearts of dog lovers worldwide.

Saluki

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The Saluki, a breed developed from ancient sighthounds, was historically used by nomadic tribes in the Middle East for hunting game by sight. Cherished by royalty in the region for centuries, the breed has been purebred since ancient times. It gained popularity in the West from the 1840s onward, with breed standards established in the 1920s–1930s.

Basenji

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With its origin on the continent of Africa, the Basenji is a hunting dog breed first described by Europeans in 1895 in the Congo. Local to the region, these dogs were known for their intelligence, courage, speed, and silence, qualities prized by the locals. Disease outbreaks thwarted initial attempts to introduce the breed to England. In the 1930s, a successful foundation stock was established in England and later in the United States.

Shar-Pei

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The Shar-Pei, hailing from southern China, faced near extinction due to 20th-century turmoil. By the 1970s, only 60 remained, earning it the title of the world’s rarest breed in The Guinness Book of Records. Thanks to a plea from Hong Kong businessman Matgo Law in 1973, international efforts, including support from the American Kennel Club, helped rescue this unique breed from the brink.

Afghan Hound

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Known for its luxurious, silky coat and distinctive curled tail, the Afghan Hound originates from the cold mountains of Afghanistan. Admired since ancient times for its beauty, this breed’s unique coat evolved to withstand the harsh mountain climate. It’s recognized as a basal breed, predating the modern breeds that emerged in the 19th century.

Alaskan Malamute

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The Alaskan Malamute, bred by the Malimiut Inupiaq people of Alaska, excels in strength and endurance as a sled dog. Originating before modern breeds, it was used for hauling heavy freight across rugged terrain. Recognized officially in 1935, largely thanks to Mrs. Eva B. Seeley’s efforts, it remains a beloved symbol of resilience and companionship.

Akita

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This large Japanese breed traces its roots to the Edo period, when the Satake clan ruled the Akita region. Initially employed as hunting dogs, the Akita gained prominence during the Russo-Japanese War for its adeptness in tracking prisoners of war and lost sailors.

Chow Chow

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Emerging from indigenous dogs in central China around 8,300 years ago, the Chow Chow is known as a basal breed predating modern breeds. It exhibits unique features such as a distinctive blue-black tongue, dense fur coat, and robust build, which evolved over millennia.

Lhasa Apso

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Traditionally used as interior watchdogs, the Lhasa Apso is a thousand-year-old breed that served as sentinels at palaces and monasteries high in the Himalayas of Tibet. Accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1960, this breed’s history as guardians and companions reflects its enduring significance and heritage.

Tibetan Mastiff

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The Tibetan Mastiff received its name from European visitors to Tibet, who categorized all large dog breeds as mastiffs. Bred originally to protect Buddhist monasteries and monks from predators like bears, wolves, and snow leopards, Meer Izzut-oollah noted these dogs in 1872 for their formidable guarding abilities.

Yorkshire Terrier

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Fondly called a Yorkie, this breed has its roots in the mid-nineteenth century when Scottish workers arrived in Yorkshire with various terrier breeds. Local mill workers in Yorkshire and Lancashire played a key role in breeding them. Miners later mixed Black-and-Tan Terriers with Paisley and Clydesdale Terriers in the 1800s to create a ratting terrier, shaping the charming and resilient Yorkshire Terrier we adore today.

Australian Cattle Dog

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The breed, also known as the “Red Heeler” or “Blue Heeler” for its coloring and herding technique of nipping at heels, originated when British colonist George Hall arrived in the New South Wales Colony in 1802. Initially classified under the “miscellaneous” category at the American Kennel Club (AKC) since the 1930s, full breed recognition required the formation of a National Breed Parent Club to advocate for and safeguard the breed’s interests.

Pomeranian

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A lively Spitz-type dog, it is named after the Pomerania region in Central Europe. Since the 18th century, it has been cherished by royalty, including Queen Victoria, who favored a tiny Pomeranian. Her preference for smaller dogs led to a widespread trend, and during her reign, the breed’s size significantly decreased.

Papillon

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This one on the list has a storied history captured through art. These elegant dogs, resembling today’s Papillon, appear in many famous Italian paintings, notably by Titian. Starting around 1500, Titian frequently included them in his works, including the iconic Venus of Urbino (1542).

Irish Setter

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The Irish Setter, a gundog and beloved family pet, has a literary mention dating back to 1570 in Caius’s De Canibus Britannicus. By 1845, it was noted that Irish Setters were predominantly red, with variations including red and white, lemon, or white with deep chestnut patches.

Beagle

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Although their exact origins are unclear, in the 11th century, William the Conqueror brought the St. Hubert Hound and Talbot Hound to Britain. These dogs were crossed with Greyhounds for speed and stamina in deer hunting. Similar to the Harrier and the extinct Southern Hound, Beagles are smaller and slower yet just as determined.

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