If you clicked on this, you are probably wondering about the most ancient dog breeds. We have listed them in all their aspects so you can satisfy your curiosity.

Here are ancient dog breeds from old to new!

Akita (10,000 years)

Akitas are an ancient dogs and iconic Japanese breed of medium size that do not hide their silly and loving side. They have dense fur that comes in a variety of colors.
They were used for Japanese imperial protection, fighting, deer and bear hunting, sled dogs, police and military work dogs. They have the hunting ability to hunt even in heavy snow. They have become a traditional symbol in Japan.

They know how to be friendly. They are very protective. They are brave. They are playful. These ancient dogs fulfill almost everything you could want from a dog. Their distinguished appearance has always made them stand out. So much so that they have been nicknamed “Doge” in popular culture, making them the leading role of a “meme”. I could pet an akita to death right now.

Yakutian Layka (8,000 years)

It is a working dog breed from the Arctic coast.
They serve as herding dogs, hunting dogs and sled dogs. Historically, they were bred by the natives through natural selection to function as working dogs in mammal and bird hunts.

These ancient dogs are agile and trainable. They are friendly, patient with children and sociable. They are not suitable for hot weather conditions. Although little known, they are a breed worthy of attention.

Due to natural selection for the hunt, it is a dog with a very high prey drive. For this reason, their relationship with dogs smaller than themselves should be supervised. Nevertheless, as long as you raise them together, it is highly unlikely that they will harm your other pets.

Afghan Hound (8,000 years)

Afghan Hounds originated in the mountainous regions of Central Asia and have a history of about 8,000 years. They were used as hunting dogs in and around Afghanistan. Their bodies are prone to maneuvering and jumping, which gave them an advantage in rocky terrain hunts.

They have a long and elegant build and a long silky coat. They have long heads, long ears and curled tails.

Afghan Hounds are usually independent, proud, timid and sensitive dogs. They can be affectionate towards their owners, but they often tend to act on their own. They are often seen trying to dominate other dogs. The relationship of this ancient dog with other dogs should also be monitored. They may require patience and consistency in training. They are prone to allergies and cancer.

Basenji (5,000 years)

Basenjis(a.k.a. “African Barkless Dog” or “Congo Terrier”) originated in Central Africa, especially in ancient Egypt.
They have been used for hunting and protection throughout history. These ancient dogs are of medium height and athletic.


They have short hair, round ears and a curled tail. Basenjis are naturally curious, playful, intelligent, very independent (hence stubborn) and affectionate.
Basenjis are not suitable for cold climates due to their short coat.

They do not bark, but communicate using a distinctive (not counting huskies) “yodel”-like sound. They are easy to train, unless it is done with methods that are harsh and do not play into the hands of the dog’s stubborn nature.

This ancient dog breed usually live between 12-15 years under normal conditions, but good care can lead to exceptions.

Saluki (5,000 years)

The Saluki (a.k.a. Gazal Hound or Arab Hound) originated in the deserts of the Middle East. They belong to the hound class. They were bred to hunt gazelles. They are known as a noble dog breed and have been used as hunting dogs since ancient times. It is known that the Arabs had a tradition of giving saluki as gifts and that salukis are good at guarding.

They are characterized by their long and slender build. They are known for being fast and hardy, with long legs and a long, thin head.

These ancient dogs are usually quiet and friendly, but can be extremely focused when hunting. While they are loyal and loving to their owners, they can often be distant with strangers. They are not known to be patient with children.

Xoloitzcuintli (3,500 years)

The Xoloitzcuintli is an ancient dog breed with origins dating back to ancient Mexico. Its name comes from the Aztec language and comes from the Aztec god named “Xolotl” and the word “itzcuintli”, which means guide of the dead, the link between the spirit world and the living.

Xoloitzcuintli have been used as pets and guardians by people in the Central American regions of Mexico for thousands of years. Found buried in temples and cemeteries in ancient civilizations, these dogs were deeply integrated into the beliefs and rituals of people at the time.

Anatomically, the ancient dog is a medium to large-sized dog with a muscular build. They have a lean and tight skin, which defines them as either hairless or short-haired. Their ears are usually large and triangular, and their eyes are large and lively. Their long legs and elegant body structure give them a quick and athletic appearance. An eye-catching feature of the Xoloitzcuintli is their tail, which is usually shortened to leave only the tip of the tail or a few marks.

The ancient dog has a loyal and sensitive character. They are devoted and affectionate towards their owners, but can often be distant towards strangers. Although they are intelligent and prone to learning, they have an independent nature and can sometimes be stubborn. With good training and socialization, the Xoloitzcuintli can be an affectionate and harmonious pet. They are usually quiet and rarely bark, but can be excellent protectors when in a stimulating situation.

Alaskan Malamute (3,000 years)

Alaskan Malamutes (a.k.a. Alaskan Wolf) were bred by the Mahlemiut Inuit, a native Eskimo people living in the cold and harsh conditions of Alaska. They have been used to pull sleds and hunt for thousands of years.

These ancient dogs are known for their large and muscular build. They have thick double-layered fur, triangular-shaped ears and curled tails. The fur is made up of hard outer hairs and softer inner hairs.

Alaskan Malamutes are generally friendly, intelligent and playful. They can be affectionate and protective of their owners, but sometimes tend to act on their own. They are highly intelligent and loyal, and a very good fighter when needed.

In order to avoid avalanches caused by the sound waves of dog barking, non-barking malamutes were favored by artificial selection, and today these dogs do not bark often.

Chow Chow (3,000 years)

Chow Chow (a.k.a. Chinese Lion) dogs originated in ancient China and were used as hunting dogs for the nobility during China’s dynastic periods. They are also known to do a good job as guard dogs. The Chow Chow dog is found for the first time in history in the remains of the Han Empire in 206 BC. It is said that the Chinese emperor of the time owned 2,500 pairs of Chow-chows.

These ancient dogs are strong and compact, with a thick, double-layered coat. They are giant in size. They are usually recognized by their round heads, small ears and curled tails. Their blue-black tongue is also a distinguishing feature.

Chow Chows are usually independent, stubborn and proud. Obedience should not be expected from them. Nevertheless, they can be trained consistently and calmly. They can be loyal to their owners, but can often be cold towards strangers. They may require consistency and patience in training. They do not like heat at all. When well socialized, they can be wonderful family dogs. They cannot come on a leash.

Samoyed (3,000 years)

Samoyed dogs are a ancient dog breed from the cold regions of Siberia. They are named after the native Samoyeds. They were used for hunting and as sled dogs.

They have a long, dense and white coat. They have a friendly face and a curled tail. Their eyes can be brown and black. I think they look like wingless angels whose feet slipped and they just fell from heaven. I want to play with them right now, like dough, like crazy.

By the way, ancient dogs are energetic, gentle, harmonious and loving dogs. They need activity. They are loyal to their owners and have a social nature. (Golden Retriever Demo Version)

Common Features of These Ancient Dogs

These dogs have some common features that seperates them with other breeds.

Aggressiveness towards Non-Human Lives

They have been artificially selected for hunting and protection and are therefore more aggressive towards non-human agents. They should therefore be left unattended.

Instinctiveness

In general, they have high instinct and drive. They are often primitive and therefore very difficult to train. I advise you to pay attention to this if you are going to get one of these dogs.

Quick Q&A

Which is the oldest dog breed?

It is Akita, an iconic Japanese breed 10.000 years old, have dense fur and were historically used for various purposes including protection, hunting, and sled work. Known for their friendly, protective, and playful nature, they have become a traditional symbol in Japan and even gained fame in popular culture as the “Doge” meme.

What was the first dog breed in existence?

It should be the Akita Inu, we guess which is probably 10,000 old and even older than popular answer, egyptian dog breed Basenji.

As a Result

So, in the end, diving into the world of ancient dog breeds shows us not just their cool history but also what makes them stand out. From the classy Saluki, built for desert dashes, to the tough Alaskan Malamute, bred to pull sleds through icy terrains, each pup has its own story to tell. But despite their different backgrounds, they all share stuff like loyalty, independence, and a knack for hunting or guarding. Still, if you’re thinking of getting one, just know they might need a bit more attention, training, and a setup that fits their natural instincts.