Often considered one of the oldest dog breeds, Salukis were revered in ancient Egypt, where they were kept as royal pets and hunted gazelles. They are known for their incredible speed and grace.
This breed is known for its unique characteristics, such as its inability to bark (it makes a yodel-like sound instead) and its cat-like grooming habits. Basenjis are thought to originate from Central Africa and have been identified in ancient Egyptian artifacts.
Recognizable by its deep wrinkles and blue-black tongue, the Shar-Pei is one of the world's most ancient breeds. It is believed to have originated in China over 2,000 years ago, where it was used for hunting and guarding.
This breed has a noble and storied history in Japan, where it is considered a national treasure. The Akita's ancestors are believed to have been present in Japan for several thousand years, serving as hunting dogs for nobles and royals.
Known for its elegant beauty and long, silky coat, the Afghan Hound's lineage goes back to ancient times, with ties to the pre-Christian era. They were used for hunting large prey in the mountains of Afghanistan.
As one of the oldest sled dog breeds, the Alaskan Malamute has a history intertwined with the native peoples of Alaska. These powerful dogs have been used for heavy freighting in the Arctic for centuries.
Originating from Siberia, the Samoyed was used for hunting, herding reindeer, and pulling sleds by the Samoyedic peoples of northwest Russia. Their friendly and gentle nature has made them popular worldwide.
While they bear a striking resemblance to dogs depicted in ancient Egyptian art, the modern Pharaoh Hound was developed more recently on the island of Malta, with its lineage likely tracing back to ancient times.