Egyptian dog breeds have a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The country's ancient civilization was known for its love of dogs, which were often depicted in art and literature.
One of the most iconic Egyptian dog breeds is the Basenji, a small to medium-sized dog with a short coat and a distinctive yodeling howl. This breed has been around for over 5,000 years and was highly valued by ancient Egyptians for its hunting skills.
The Saluki, another ancient Egyptian breed, is known for its speed and agility, making it a popular choice for hunting gazelles and other small game. This breed has been around for over 4,000 years and is still prized today for its athleticism and intelligence.
Egyptian dog breeds are not just about ancient history, however - they're also known for their loyalty and affection towards their owners.
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Egyptian Dog Breeds
Egyptian Dog Breeds are known for their ancient history and unique characteristics.
The Egyptian Saluki is one of the oldest dog breeds, dating back to around 4000 BC.
This breed was highly valued by the Egyptians for its speed and agility, often depicted in ancient artwork.
The Egyptian Pharaoh Hound is another ancient breed that originated in Egypt around 4000 BC.
It's known for its short, smooth coat and distinctive tan markings.
The Egyptian Greyhound is also an ancient breed that was bred for its speed and hunting ability.
It's said to have been a favorite of the Egyptian pharaohs.
The Basenji is often referred to as the "African Bush Dog" but it's also closely related to Egyptian Dog Breeds.
It's known for its unique yodeling howl and short, curved tail.
The Egyptian Pariah Dog is a feral dog breed that originated in Egypt.
It's known for its short, smooth coat and ability to thrive in harsh environments.
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Other Breeds
The Egyptian dog breed family is quite diverse, with several other notable breeds worth mentioning.
The Basenji, for example, is an ancient breed that shares some physical and temperamental characteristics with the Egyptian Pharaoh Hound.
They are both known for their short coats and athletic builds, making them well-suited for active owners.
The Basenji is also an independent breed that can be strong-willed at times, similar to the Egyptian Saluki's independent nature.
Additional reading: Basenji Benji Dog Breed
Other Breeds
The Armant breed has its roots in upper Egypt along the banks of the Nile. They're a loyal herding dog, recognized by the Egyptian Kennel Foundation.
This breed is relatively unknown outside of Egypt, but it's gaining recognition through efforts by the Egyptian Kennel Foundation and the Egyptian Armant Herding Dog Club. They're working to get the Armant more visibility in international dog shows.
The Armant's origins are shrouded in mystery, but some believe they have European heritage, possibly from Napoleon's Briard dogs that accompanied him to Egypt. This European influence might explain the Armant's herding instincts.
In Egypt, the Armant is used as both a herding and guard dog. They're a medium-sized sheepdog with a shaggy coat, making them well-suited for their roles.
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Pharaoh Hound
The Pharaoh Hound is a dog breed that's hard to ignore, thanks to its regal name and striking appearance. Its slender frame, poised snout, and upright pointed ears evoke the image of Anubis, the Egyptian dog god.
This breed is known for being friendly and faithful to its guardians, but also quite independent. They're full of energy and physically resilient, making them a great fit for active owners.
Pharaoh Hounds are skilled hunters, but they'll need proper socialization to live peacefully with other animals in the home. They're always on the alert and can be quite vocal, but they're also highly intelligent and respond well to education and training.
Their musculoskeletal system is prone to health issues, including hip dysplasia and patellar luxation.
Baladi Street Dog
The Baladi Street Dog is a common sight in Egypt, found roaming city streets across the country. They're not a proper breed, but rather the result of random crossbreeding between other resident breeds.
These dogs are known for their slender bodies, long legs, and huge ears. Most have curly tails and are light-skinned and skinny.
They're surprisingly affectionate and love people, adapting quickly to life in a home. With proper training, they can learn commands and even play fetch with a tennis ball.
One distinctive feature of the Baladi Street Dog is their unique vocalization - a growly voice instead of a bark. This can be off-putting at first, but it also means they're quieter than most dogs.
Unfortunately, these dogs are often mistreated or abused by the public, which can make them cautious and distrustful. However, with education and socialization, they can become wonderful companions.
6 Dog Breeds
The Australian Cattle Dog is a high-energy breed that requires regular exercise to stay happy and healthy, needing at least 1 hour of physical activity daily.
Their short coats make them a great choice for people with allergies, as they require minimal grooming.
The Corgi is a compact breed that can thrive in small living spaces, but they still need regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental health.
Their intelligence and loyalty make them a popular choice as family pets.
The Poodle is a highly intelligent breed that excels in obedience training, but they can be sensitive to criticism and require positive reinforcement.
Their low-shedding coats make them a great choice for people with allergies.
The Shetland Sheepdog, also known as the Sheltie, is a small but energetic breed that requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Their high intelligence and trainability make them a popular choice for agility and obedience competitions.
The Siberian Husky is a high-energy breed that requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent destructive behavior and maintain their physical and mental health.
Their thick coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Related reading: Popular Breeds of Dogs
Breeds with Specific Characteristics
Egyptian dogs breeds have some unique characteristics that make them stand out.
The Basenji is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, originating in Africa over 3,000 years ago.
This breed is known for its short, smooth coat and short legs.
The Basenji is also known for its distinctive yodeling howl, which sounds more like a human laugh than a traditional dog bark.
The Pharaoh Hound is another ancient breed, with a history dating back over 4,000 years.
It has a short, smooth coat and a distinctive tan and white coloration.
The Pharaoh Hound is also known for its athletic ability and high energy level.
The Egyptian Saluki is a sight hound that has been bred for thousands of years to hunt gazelle and other small game.
It has a short, smooth coat and a lean, athletic build.
The Egyptian Saluki is also known for its incredible speed and agility.
The Basenji, Pharaoh Hound, and Egyptian Saluki are all ancient breeds that have been developed over thousands of years to excel in specific roles.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What dog breed looks like Anubis?
Anubis resembles four modern dog breeds: the Pharaoh Hound, Basenji, Greyhound, and Doberman Pinscher. These breeds share similarities with the ancient Egyptian god's physical appearance.
Sources
- Pariah Dogs: 9 Ancient and Wild Dog Breeds (treehugger.com)
- Canaan dog (akc.org)
- Egyptian Kennel Foundation (ekf-eg.com)
- Egyptian Armant Herding Dog Club (facebook.com)
- 6 Egyptian Dog Breeds (With Pictures) (dogster.com)
- Baladi Street Dog (zanisfurryfriends.org)
- Egyptian Armant Herding Dog (wikipedia.org)
- 6 Egyptian Dog Breeds List - Origin and Characteristics ... (animalwised.com)
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