Dogs have been living next to people for so long that today it is very difficult to say when exactly the domestication of these animals took place. 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 their 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 unexplained moments. The first remains of dogs resembling Persian greyhounds were discovered in Sumerian excavations dated 7000-6000 BC. e. Saluki were successfully used for hunting hares and gazelles. They were taught pairwork with falcons and other birds of prey. And the nomads, who considered the dogs unclean animals, called the Persian greyhounds a gift from Allah.
Saluki is one 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 weight is directly proportional to growth. Persian greyhounds give the impression of graceful graceful animals, and their bodies are covered with short or long silky hair of any color, except for blue and tiger.
Saluki - 1 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, otherwise they become fearful.
Chow chow
This is an ancient Chinese breed of dog with a very rich history. Dogs, visually similar to modern Chow Chows, lived during the reign of the Jou Dynasty (11th century BC). They were kept at the imperial palaces, and Tibetan Buddhists revered them as the embodiment of the holy lion. In a certain period of history, they were bred not only as pets of the 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-chow - compact, well-balanced dogs, growing up to 46-56 cm at the withers. They are easy to identify by their wide, flat head and blue tongue. The harmoniously developed body of a typical representative of this breed is covered with a thick long or short plush coat of cream, white, blue, black or red color.
Chow Chows are independent, restrained and selfish animals that are naturally spoiled. They are very cunning and are not able to get along with same-sex tribesmen.
Basenji
This is one of the oldest breeds of dogs, with a photograph and the name of which many of you have not been familiar to this day. In its history there are many mysterious and unexplained moments. 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 food. They began to import them to Europe not as exotic native dogs, but as potential inhabitants of zoos.
Basenji are muscular dogs with a strong skeleton and a flat top line. The height of the adult is 40-43 cm, and the mass varies between 9.5-11 kg. On a beautiful short-faced head with flat cheekbones and a moderately pronounced foot, there are slanting almond-shaped eyes and pointed neat ears. A taut body with an oval rib cage and convex ribs is covered with a thin, glossy coat of tiger, black or red color with white spots.
Basenji - dogs with a rather complex character, which foolishly combines recklessness and intelligence, docility and obstinacy, devotion and the desire for independence.
Sharpei
The birthplace of one of the oldest breeds of dogs with an unusual appearance is China. According to experts, it came from mastiffs or smooth-haired Chow Chows. According to DNA analysis, the estimated age of the breed is estimated at three millennia. Dogs similar to modern Sharpeis lived during 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 wide-mouthed 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 of black, cream, deer, isabella, red, blue or sable shade.
Shar Pei are self-sufficient, funny and curious animals. They are distrustful of strangers and will not obey family members with a low hierarchical status.
Akita Inu
This is one of the oldest breeds of dogs (approximately 2 thousand BC) appeared as a result of crossbreeding of mastiffs with Chinese spitz-shaped dogs. Her ancestors were used to hunt a large beast. At a certain period in history, these animals were considered the privilege of the nobility and were inaccessible to the common people.
Akita Inu - quite large dogs, growing up to 64-75 cm at the withers and weighing between 32-45 kg. On a beautiful short-faced flat head there are small eyes and neat triangular ears. The whole body of the dog is covered with thick wool of white, red or tiger color.
Akita Inu - cunning and very dedicated dogs, perfectly coping with the role of a guard. They get along well with other pets and are easy to learn.
Pug
The history of these animals, claiming the title of the most ancient breed of dogs, is surrounded by numerous myths and legends. Similar dogs existed in the 5th century BC. According to experts, the extraordinary appearance of these dogs is the result of close inbreeding, since they have not left the limits of the kennel of the Chinese emperors for a long time.
Pugs are small creatures growing up to 30.5 cm at the withers and weighing no more than 8.1 kg. They are easy to identify by their round head with a high forehead, expressive eyes and a shortened flattened muzzle. The compact body of such a dog is covered with smooth wool of silver, beige, apricot or black color.
Pugs are energetic and playful animals endowed with a friendly and sociable character. 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 fighting against gladiators and wild animals. Over the course of its long history, it has undergone many changes.
Cane Corso - large dogs, whose growth reaches 64-68 cm at the withers, and the mass varies in the range of 40-50 kg. On a wide head with pronounced eyebrows and a square muzzle there are dark oval eyes and high-set ears. The muscular elongated body with a straight top line and rounded ribs is covered with a shiny short awn without undercoat.
Cane Corso are serious savvy dogs that need early socialization and special training. They lack acute hostility, which means they never attack for no reason.