Without much energy, these fur-babies are fine with just a little indoor playtime. Indigenous to Finland, the Finnish Spitz was traditionally used for hunting small animals such as rodents. In principle, they are used as both working dogs and guard dogs. Tibetan Mastiff. Afghan Hound The Afghan Hound is truly elegant and noble dog breed. It was a very popular dog among Tibetan monks who were believed to have used them to spin prayer wheels. They will need training not to bite. It is known that the dog was the first domesticated species and that their closest living relative is the Gray Wolf. They need a lot of exercise. If you want to read similar articles to 18 Oldest Dog Breeds in the World, we recommend you visit our Facts about the animal kingdom category. This is why they are also among the breeds which bark the least. Makes a great companion as it once did for many members of Japanese royalty. Other than Europe, further ancient mitochondrial DNA tests also point to the Middle East (6), Central Asia (7) and East Asia (8, 9) as the main centers of dog domestication, going as far back as Upper Paleolithic period 14,700 years ago. Scientists have now established that dogs are the most ancient domestic animals on the planet (1), and all American dogs have originated in the Old World (2). Akita Inu. Once known as the “Persian Greyhound”, these sight hounds were also known in ancient Egypt. These tiny sight hounds have been observed in art of the Mediterranean Basin from around 2,000 years ago. Perhaps importantly to you, they can make excellent pets. These figures show that between 1905 and 1935, the Golden Retriever was consistently in either first or second place. 10. Pekingese are stubborn   and hard to train. They are strong and durable dogs, perfectly adaptable to to cold weather and also can be quite independent. Primitive dog breeds are best described as aboriginals that historically lived in a specific area of the world and were never affected by interbreeding and rarely cross paths with other dogs. Calm dogs, dogs in this breed do not need much exercise and they aren’t overly hyper. These pups would love to run obstacle courses every day, and they would excel. These canines also shed very little and are easy to keep clean and groomed. These small and furry little creatures possess a great amount of courage and adaptability. An experienced trainer is needed here. This double-coated breed cannot tolerate warmer temperatures. It has been estimated that human and dog have lived together happily for between 2,000 and 3,000 years. Like the Dachshund, a Jack Russell also once held the Guinness World Record for oldest living dog. Also known as the “Mexican Hairless”, this breed is said to be hypo-allergenic. AnimalWised invites you to meet the 18 oldest dog breeds in the world according to scientific research and reveals a little more about their origins. Like the watch dogs they are, they love to set the alarm – bark. The Shar-pei is believed to originate from ancient China during the Han Dynasty. These pooches are affectionate and playful, making them great with kids. Some canine researchers mention only seven breeds while others go up to 20. Sensitive and clever, the Tibetan Terrier loves to amuse and entertain. Known in Asia as far back as 5,000 years ago, molossers are ancient dogs of war. Instead of repetitive play, they like to keep things new and interesting. They don’t mind being alone. Archaeological records show that the first undisputed dog remains were buried with a human 14,700 years ago, with disputed remains occurring 36,000 years ago. As you may be able to see below, the Pekingese are physically a little different from many of the oldest dog breeds on this list. These are canines that by definition do not live among us anymore, even though some online sources incorrectly name existing breeds. They can pull sleds, pack supplies, and cart freight. Hailing from Africa, the Besenji os one of the most ancient of all dog breeds. They are great for apartments and tolerate alone time better than some other lap dog breeds. Chukchi People in Siberia were the first to have these dogs as pets. The Basenji has gained popularity (or notoriety?) Their short hair make them quick to bathe        and easy to groom. While many dog breeds are now extinct, today's domesticated pet dogs have a surprisingly direct connection to those ancient breeds. Bones found in China prove that this breed was there as early as 8,000 BCE. Did you know this popular breed hails from Tibet? Popular breeds, ” is one of the ancient dog breeds can now be top 20 oldest dog breeds a... 2 30! Play and live happily with children, making it one of the oldest dog breeds the... 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