Oldest Dog Breeds: List Of 14 Ancient Dog Breeds

Most dog breeds you see at the park were developed in the last few hundred years. But a handful of ancient dog breeds have been walking alongside humans for thousands of years, some since before written history.

What sets these oldest dog breeds apart isn't just their age. Genetic research has shown that their DNA sits closer to wolves than almost any modern breed. A major 2022 study confirmed what historians had long suspected: these ancient dogs share a deep genetic lineage that most of today's breeds simply don't have.

Here are 14 ancient dog breeds that are still around today, along with what makes each one remarkable.

1. Chow Chow

The breed originated in China and is said to date back to the Han era (206 bc-ad 220). It has quite a lot of genetic similarities to the wolf, which by simple deduction, would put them nearer to the ancient doggy ancestors. For more tips, see small breed temperament.

Chow Chows are instantly recognizable thanks to their thick double coat, lion-like mane, and a blue-black tongue that only a handful of other breeds share. They come in five colors: red, black, blue, cinnamon, and cream. Adults typically weigh between 45 and 70 pounds, with a sturdy, compact frame built for cold climates.

Chows are often compared to cats when it comes to personality. They are loyal to their owners but independent by nature, and they tend to be reserved or even aloof around strangers. Early socialization is important because they can be territorial. Despite that, they are generally clean dogs who are easy to housebreak.

Chow Chows were so popular in China that one Tang Dynasty emperor reportedly kept 2,500 of them. They pulled double duty as guard dogs, sled dogs, and herders, making them one of the most versatile ancient breeds on this list.

2. Shar Pei

This ancient breed has been said to have originated in China from about 200 BC. They are domestic dogs and were originally used for hunting and guarding but became famous as a fighting dogs following the entrance of bigger breeds from the West.

This breed is regarded as an independent dog and was created to hunt wild boar, safeguard farmers' livestock from predators, and protect its master's home.

The Shar Pei's most obvious feature is its deeply wrinkled skin, especially around the head and shoulders. Puppies are almost comically wrinkled, though adults tend to grow into their skin as they mature. They have a bristly, sandpaper-like coat (the name "Shar Pei" actually translates to "sand skin"), broad muzzle, and a distinctive hippopotamus-shaped head.

Shar Peis are calm and confident dogs, but they can be stubborn with training. They bond closely with their family and are naturally suspicious of strangers, which makes them effective watchdogs without much formal training. Their independent streak means they do best with patient, experienced owners.

By the 1970s, the breed was nearly extinct. A Hong Kong breeder named Matgo Law famously appealed to American dog enthusiasts through a magazine article, and that campaign is credited with saving the Shar Pei from disappearing entirely.

3. Akita

The precise time in which the Akita Inu originated is uncertain; however, archaeological finds indicate that a dog named the Matagi-Inu, which is thought to be the Akita's ancestor, lived between 8,000 B.C. And 200 B.C.

Akitas are regarded both as great companions and as excellent guard dogs, often known for their loyal sleeping habits. They are known to be gentle and easily trained.

Akitas are large, powerful dogs with a broad head, deep-set eyes, and a thick double coat that comes in several colors including white, brindle, and red. Males can weigh up to 130 pounds. Their bear-like appearance and confident stance make them hard to miss at the dog park.

In Japan, the Akita is considered a national treasure and a symbol of good health, happiness, and long life. Small Akita figurines are often given as gifts when someone is sick or when a baby is born. The most famous Akita of all time is Hachiko, who waited at a train station every day for nearly 10 years after his owner passed away.

4. Shiba Inu

The Shiba, an old Japanese breed, is a small yet well-muscled dog that was previously used as a hunter. The energetic, good-natured Shiba has become one of Japan's most popular companion dogs.

Shibas are small but athletic, typically weighing between 17 and 23 pounds. They have a fox-like face, triangular ears, and a curled tail that arches over their back. Their double coat comes in red, sesame, black and tan, or cream, and they are notorious shedders, especially during seasonal coat blowouts.

Shibas are spirited and independent. They can be affectionate with their family, but they're not clingy dogs. Many Shiba owners say they act more like cats than dogs. They're also known for the "Shiba scream," a loud vocalization they let out when they're excited or unhappy.

Shibas nearly went extinct during World War II due to bombing and a post-war distemper epidemic. Breeding programs using the few survivors from remote mountain areas are responsible for every Shiba Inu alive today.

5. Basenji

The Basenjis have been documented as long back as 4000 BCE. These dogs were bred to be hunting partners between the Congo Basin and South Sudan in Central Africa.

Basenjis are excellent household pets; this breed was previously largely employed for hunting small game and controlling rats in villages. They don't even bark but yodel instead.

The Basenji is a small to medium dog, typically 22 to 24 pounds, with a sleek muscular build, tightly curled tail, and a distinctively wrinkled forehead that gives them an almost quizzical expression. Their short, fine coat requires very little grooming, and many owners note that Basenjis groom themselves much like cats.

Basenjis don't bark. Instead, they make a sound called a "baroo," a yodel-like noise caused by the unusual shape of their larynx. They are intelligent but independent thinkers, which can make training a challenge. Basenjis also have an extremely high prey drive, so a fenced yard and leash walks are non-negotiable.

Ancient Egyptian artifacts show dogs that closely resemble the modern Basenji, including carvings in the tombs of pharaohs. They were prized as hunting dogs in Central Africa, where they wore wooden bells around their necks so hunters could track them through dense vegetation.

6. Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies descended from a Siberian lineage that was already well-established even 9,500 years ago. They've been vital to the survival of the natives in the Arctic region ever since.

Siberian Huskies are medium-sized working dogs, typically 35 to 60 pounds, with a striking appearance: thick double coat, erect triangular ears, and those famous eyes that can be blue, brown, or even one of each (heterochromia). Their coat comes in virtually every color and pattern, from pure white to jet black and everything between.

Huskies are pack dogs through and through. They are social, energetic, and can be mischievous when bored. They were bred to run, and they need a significant amount of daily exercise. Without it, they'll find creative (and often destructive) ways to burn off that energy. They are friendly with almost everyone, which makes them terrible guard dogs but excellent family companions.

The breed's biggest claim to fame came in 1925, when relay teams of sled dogs, many of them Huskies, delivered diphtheria antitoxin across 674 miles of Alaskan wilderness in brutal conditions. The lead dog of the final leg, Balto, became a national hero and has a statue in New York City's Central Park.

7. Alaskan Malamute

This dog was named after the Mahlemut people, a historic tribe who traveled from Siberia to Alaska between 2000 and 3000 years ago. This places malamutes among the few oldest dogs in the world.

This massive dog can weigh up to 85 pounds. This old breed is still used as a hunting dog and as a sled dog for moving large things, traveling, or more recreational sledding these days.

Malamutes are the powerlifters of the sled dog world. While Huskies were built for speed, Malamutes were bred to haul heavy loads over long distances. They typically weigh 75 to 85 pounds, with broad chests, heavy bones, and a dense weatherproof coat. Their plumed tail curls gently over their back, and their brown eyes have a warm, friendly expression.

For such big dogs, Malamutes are surprisingly affectionate and playful. They are pack-oriented dogs that do not like being left alone for long stretches, and they get along well with families. However, their strength and independent nature mean they need confident handling and consistent training from puppyhood.

8. Afghan Hound

The Afghan sighthound is an ancient breed as quick and strong as any other sighthound breed, and it was developed to hunt antelope and, some claim, leopards. Afghan hounds are closely related to the Salukis.

The Afghan Hound is one of the most visually dramatic breeds in the world. Their long, flowing, silky coat can reach the ground and comes in virtually every color. Underneath that glamorous exterior is a lean, athletic sighthound built to chase prey at high speed over rough, mountainous terrain. They stand about 25 to 27 inches tall and weigh 50 to 60 pounds.

Afghans are often called "aloof" or "dignified," but owners describe them as goofy and clownish behind closed doors. They are independent thinkers who do not always see the point in following commands, which has given them an unfair reputation for being unintelligent. They're plenty smart. They're just picky about when they feel like listening.

Some historians believe the Afghan Hound is one of the oldest of all dog breeds, with roots going back thousands of years in the mountains of Afghanistan. Their luxurious coat evolved as protection against the harsh cold of high-altitude terrain where they originally hunted.

9. Lhasa Apso

The richly coated Lhasa Apso has been around for a thousand years. They guard remote palaces and monasteries in the Himalayas as sentinel dogs. Lhasas are complex, intelligent, and self-assured. However, they are typically reserved around strangers.

Lhasa Apsos are small but sturdy dogs, typically 12 to 18 pounds, with a floor-length double coat that parts down the middle of their back. Their dark, oval-shaped eyes peek out from behind a heavy fringe of hair, and their feathered tail curls over their back. Coat colors range from honey and cream to slate, black, and parti-color.

Lhasas act like they don't know they're small. They are alert, assertive, and can be surprisingly bold. Tibetan monks believed these dogs were reincarnations of the lamas (priests) who had not yet achieved nirvana, which earned them deep respect and meant they were never sold, only given as gifts.

The Dalai Lama historically gifted Lhasa Apsos to honored visitors, and this is how the breed eventually made its way to the Western world in the early 20th century. Their keen hearing and natural suspicion of strangers made them ideal indoor alarm systems for Tibetan monasteries, where larger Tibetan Mastiffs guarded the grounds outside.

10. Pekingese

For generations, Pekingese dogs were raised to be the cherished pets of the Chinese imperial family. These shaggy dogs are still cherished household pets and show dogs today, bowing respectfully to everyone they encounter.

They've also often been referred to as "lion dogs" due to their similarity in appearance to Chinese lions, thus adding to their reputation. They gained a worldwide reputation with the coming of the Brits to China.

Pekingese are compact, low-to-the-ground dogs weighing 7 to 14 pounds, with a flat face, large round eyes, and a thick double coat that forms a distinctive lion-like mane around the neck and shoulders. Their rolling, unhurried gait is unlike any other breed and adds to their regal appearance.

Pekingese carry themselves with a calm confidence and can be surprisingly stubborn. They are loyal lap dogs who form strong bonds with their owners, but they expect to be treated with respect. They can also be braver than their size suggests. A Pekingese named Sun Yat Sen was one of only three dogs to survive the sinking of the Titanic.

11. Saluki

The Saluki dog breed is currently holding the world record as being the oldest there is. The Saluki has been documented archaeologically for at least 5,000 years.

This breed has a long and ornate history, tracing their remains to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Sumerians, and Persians. It's a favorite among royals due to its great hunting abilities alongside its graceful disposition.

The Saluki is built for speed, with a deep chest, long legs, and a lean, aerodynamic frame. They stand 23 to 28 inches tall and weigh 40 to 65 pounds. Their coat can be smooth or feathered (with silky hair on the ears, legs, and tail), and they come in a wide range of colors including white, cream, fawn, golden, red, and tricolor.

Salukis are gentle and reserved dogs who can appear almost cat-like in their independence. They are devoted to their family but tend to be shy around strangers. Inside the house, they are calm and quiet, usually found lounging on the couch. But outdoors they turn into focused, lightning-fast runners that can hit speeds over 40 mph.

In many Middle Eastern cultures, the Saluki was considered a gift from Allah and was never sold. They slept in the tents of their Bedouin owners while other animals stayed outside. Their Arabic name, "El Hor," translates to "the noble one."

12. Samoyed

With a history dating back more than 5,000 years, Samoyeds are among the world's oldest dog breeds. The name is a hunch to its origins, the Samoyedic people of Siberia, who bred them specifically to help with the workload.

Their exact age is quite hard to determine, but many experts agree that it has spanned for several centuries, as shown by their integral part in the Samoyed's culture. They gained popularity in the 19th century due to the arrival of European expeditions in the Arctic.

Samoyeds are medium to large dogs, 35 to 65 pounds, with a thick white (or biscuit-tinted) double coat that was designed to withstand temperatures as low as minus 60 degrees. They're best known for the "Sammy smile", a permanent upward curve of the mouth that prevents drooling and keeps icicles from forming on their face in extreme cold.

Unlike many working breeds, Samoyeds lived inside the tents of the Samoyedic people and slept with the family for warmth. This close contact with humans over thousands of years shaped them into one of the friendliest, most people-oriented breeds that exist. They thrive on companionship and can develop separation anxiety when left alone for too long.

13. Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a medium-sized dog breed and has been documented for at least 1,000 years. The breed's ancestors date even further back, namely the ancient Tibetan Terrier and Lhasa Apso breeds.

It is unsure what exactly is the reason what they were bred for, but what is undeniable is the fact that these little fur babies are some of the cutest pups out there!

Shih Tzus are small companion dogs, typically 9 to 16 pounds, with a round head, large dark eyes, and a flowing double coat that can grow to floor length if not trimmed. Their undershot bite gives them a distinctive expression, and they come in a wide variety of colors and markings, often with a white blaze on the forehead and a white tail tip.

Shih Tzus are friendly, outgoing, and surprisingly adaptable. They were bred to be companions, not hunters or herders, and they excel at the job. They are happy in apartments and houses alike, and they generally get along well with children, other dogs, and even cats. Their biggest demand is your attention, which they will seek constantly.

The breed came dangerously close to disappearing during the Chinese Revolution, when the imperial breeding programs ended. Every Shih Tzu alive today can be traced back to just 14 dogs (seven males and seven females) that survived this period and became the foundation of the modern breed.

14. Tibetan Terrier

They originated in the "Lost Valley" region of Tibet. The Tibetan Terrier has been around for almost 2,000 years. This breed was thought to bring good fortune to its owners and was never sold or bred with other breeds as a result.

Contrary to its name, it's not actually a terrier but more of a versatile and ancient dog breed. They were highly valued by Tibetan monks and herdsmen, serving as both good luck charms and working companions.

Tibetan Terriers are medium-sized dogs, 18 to 30 pounds, with a profuse double coat that can be wavy or straight and comes in virtually any color or combination. One standout physical feature is their large, flat, round feet, sometimes called "snowshoe feet," which gave them traction on the snowy mountain terrain of their homeland.

The name is misleading. Tibetan Terriers are not terriers at all. Western travelers gave them the name because of their size, but they share none of the terrier temperament. They are sensitive, affectionate, and loyal dogs who adapt well to their family's lifestyle. They can be reserved with strangers but are never aggressive.

Tibetan Terriers were known as "Holy Dogs" and were never sold because it was believed that selling one would bring bad luck to the entire village. The first Tibetan Terrier to reach the West was a gift to a British surgeon, Dr. Agnes Greig, in the 1920s, given as a thank-you for a successful medical treatment.

What To Know About The Oldest Dog Breed

Most of these ancient dogs originated in Asia. Scientists think that the oldest Asian breeds arrived in Africa and the Arctic via human migration, noting that both canine and human DNA provide clues to human migration patterns.

While a few of the breeds on the list were bred as companion dogs, most were working dogs, performing tasks like guarding, hunting, and pulling sleds.

The majority of today’s other dogs were developed relatively recently (hundreds of years ago instead of thousands), mostly in Europe.

So the next time you see an example of one of these ancient dog breeds at the dog park or walking down the street (or in your own living room!), you’ll be looking at a dog with genetic fingerprints most similar to wolves, even if some of them don’t look much like wolves anymore…Pekingese, we’re talking to you!

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FAQ

What's the oldest living dog breed?

The Saluki is widely considered the oldest living dog breed, with archaeological evidence stretching back over 5,000 years to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. Carvings of Saluki-like dogs appear in Sumerian tombs dating to around 2100 BC. The Basenji, Akita, and Chow Chow are also strong contenders depending on which genetic studies you reference. DNA analysis consistently places all four of these ancient dogs closer to wolves than any modern breed.

Who is the oldest dog breed?

There's no single definitive answer because ancient records are incomplete and DNA studies sometimes reach different conclusions. The Saluki, Basenji, Afghan Hound, and Akita all have strong claims. What is clear from genetic research is that every breed on this list of ancient dog breeds shares markers much closer to wolves than the hundreds of modern breeds developed in the last few centuries. The question of "oldest" depends on whether you're measuring by archaeological evidence, genetic distance from wolves, or documented breeding history. Want to learn more? See our article on Are There Hypoallergenic Cats.

Who is the oldest dog in the world?

The verified record for the oldest dog ever is held by Bobi, a Rafeiro do Alentejo from Portugal, who lived to 31 years and 165 days before passing in 2024 (though his record has faced some scrutiny). Before Bobi, the long-standing record holder was Bluey, an Australian Cattle Dog who reached 29 years and 5 months. The current oldest living dog changes frequently as new verified claims emerge. Regardless of breed, the biggest factors in canine longevity are nutrition, consistent veterinary care, regular exercise, and genetics.

Are ancient dog breeds harder to train?

Many ancient dogs have a reputation for being independent or stubborn, but that's not the full picture. Breeds like the Basenji, Shiba Inu, and Afghan Hound were bred to make decisions on their own while hunting, so they don't have the same eagerness to please that you see in breeds developed specifically for obedience work. They're intelligent. They just don't always see the point in doing what you ask. Positive reinforcement, patience, and keeping training sessions short and interesting tend to work best with these breeds.

Do ancient dog breeds have more health problems?

Not necessarily. Some ancient breeds are actually healthier than many modern breeds because they haven't been subjected to centuries of selective breeding for extreme physical traits. Breeds like the Basenji and Saluki tend to have relatively few genetic health issues compared to heavily modified breeds. That said, every breed has its vulnerabilities. Chow Chows are prone to hip dysplasia and eye problems, Shar Peis can develop skin fold infections, and Akitas are susceptible to autoimmune conditions. Research the specific breed you're interested in and work with a reputable breeder or rescue.