Discover the Oldest Dog Breeds on Earth

The Afghan Hound is one of the oldest dog breeds, with a history dating back over 4,000 years to ancient Mesopotamia. It's believed to have originated from the Middle East, where it was used as a hunting companion for royalty.

The Pharaoh Hound, another ancient breed, has a rich history that spans over 5,000 years, with its origins tracing back to the island of Malta. This breed was highly valued by the ancient Egyptians for its speed and agility.

The Saluki, also known as the Persian Greyhound, is one of the oldest dog breeds, with depictions of the breed found in ancient Egyptian and Persian art dating back to around 2,000 BCE. These dogs were bred for their speed and agility, making them ideal for hunting small game.

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The oldest dog breeds have been around for thousands of years, with some dating back to ancient civilizations. The Saluki, for example, is believed to have originated in the Middle East around 4000 BC.

They were bred to hunt small game, and their slender build and long legs made them well-suited for this purpose. Some Salukis can still be found racing in modern-day dog shows.

The Pharaoh Hound, on the other hand, is thought to have originated in Egypt around 4000 BC. They were bred to hunt small game and were highly valued by ancient Egyptians for their speed and agility.

Their short coats and athletic builds made them ideal for hunting in the hot desert climate. Some Pharaoh Hounds can still be found competing in dog agility competitions today.

The Greyhound, another ancient breed, is believed to have originated in Greece around 3000 BC. They were bred for their speed and were often used for hunting large game.

Some Greyhounds can reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour, making them one of the fastest dog breeds around.

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On average, the lifespan of a dog can vary wildly depending on its breed and size. The heavier and larger a dog is, the shorter its lifespan.

According to a British study, the average life expectancy for each breed can range from as little as 6.2 years for an Irish Wolfhound to as much as 15 years for a Chihuahua and a Boston Terrier.

Here's a list of average life expectancies for some popular breeds:

Dogs' average lifespan varies wildly depending on the breed, with some living as short as 6.2 years and others living up to 15 years or more.

The heavier and larger a dog is, the shorter its lifespan. This is evident in breeds like the Great Dane, which lives for only 8.4 years, and the Irish Wolfhound, which lives for a mere 6.2 years.

Mutts tend to live around a year longer than purebreds, but their lifespan is hard to estimate due to their mixed lineage.

Here's a list of average lifespans for various breeds:

Some breeds have a relatively short lifespan, such as the Bulldog, which lives for only 6.7 years, and the Bullmastiff, which lives for 8.6 years.

Bluey, a dog from 1910, lived to be 29 years and 5 months old. This record was set from June 7, 1910, to November 14, 1939.

The oldest dog to ever live was a Rafeiro do Alentejo named Bobi, who was verified by Guinness on February 2, 2023. However, his record has been suspended due to concerns over his age and identity.

Bobi was reportedly 31 years old when he passed away on October 21, 2023. Unfortunately, his owner's claims of his age have been questioned by several veterinarians.

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The Australian Cattle Dog breed stands out for its longevity, living one year longer on average than other breeds in its weight class.

Some breeds have a natural inclination towards a longer lifespan, and the Australian Cattle Dog is a prime example of this.

Bluey, an Australian Cattle Dog, is a notable outlier, living more than twice the average age for her breed.

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The Shar-Pei is a breed with a rich history that dates back thousands of years. It's believed to be at least 2,200 years old, with origins in ancient China.

Originally, Shar-Peis were guardians of farms and livestock, bred to fend off wild animals with their loose coats. They were also known to be loyal and protective of their families.

Their distinctive blue-black tongue is just one of the many unique characteristics of this breed. The Shar-Pei's deep wrinkles and distinctive appearance make it a recognizable breed.

In ancient China, the Shar-Pei was bred to serve as guardians that protected the royal family. They were highly valued for their loyalty and protective nature.

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The Afghan Hound is a very old breed, with some estimates suggesting it could be over 3,000 years old. They originated in Afghanistan, although some people believe they may have originated in Egypt.

These dogs are known for their long, silky coats that require regular brushing. Their coats are so impressive that they've been lauded for them for 3,000 years.

The Afghan Hound is a speedy breed, able to run quickly due to their athletic build. However, they're not as fast as Greyhounds, but they were still able to catch gazelles and leopards in their original purpose as hunting dogs.

Afghan Hounds have a unique appearance, with an arched body and elegant snout complementing their majestic coat. They're also known for their tall, wide bodies that helped them adapt to Afghanistan's rugged terrain.

These dogs tend to be independent, but they're also affectionate and sensitive towards their owners.

The Saluki is often cited as one of the oldest dog breeds in existence, with historical evidence pointing to its presence as far back as 7000 BC.

Revered in ancient Egypt, Salukis were believed to be the royal dogs of pharaohs, often depicted in Egyptian art.

They're known for their speed and agility, making them a popular choice for hunting game such as gazelles.

One of the most distinctive features of the Saluki is their athletic build and graceful appearance, which has largely remained unchanged throughout the ages.

They have very little "doggy odor" and only need an occasional dog bath, making them a low-maintenance pet.

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The Basenji is an ancient breed, believed to be depicted in cave paintings in Libya that date back to 6000BC.

They're known for their unique yodelling sound, rather than barking like other breeds. This means they're not the best choice for those seeking a quiet dog.

The Basenji is a small, unassuming dog that was purpose-bred, and they're still relatively rare outside of their normal range. Despite being described as "barkless", they're actually quite noisy.

They've been around for thousands of years, but the exact origin of the breed is unknown.

The Tibetan Mastiff is a breed with a rich history. It's estimated to be around 5,000 years old.

These dogs have a long and storied past, with some claiming they descended from ancient Roman dogs. Originally bred as guard dogs, Tibetan Mastiffs were meant to be fierce protectors.

Their aggressive nature has led to them being banned in various parts of the world, including the US, France, and Australia.

The Greyhound is about 8,000 years old. This ancient breed has a rich history that spans millennia.

Images of Greyhounds were found in ancient temples in present-day Turkey around 6,000 B.C. They were likely worshipped as sacred animals.

The Greyhound originated in Egypt, where they were highly valued for their speed and agility.

The Alaskan Malamute is a breed with a history deeply intertwined with the indigenous people of Alaska. Their name derives from the Malemiut people who developed this breed.

These dogs were bred for their strength and endurance, vital qualities for pulling heavy sleds over long distances.

Their lineage is believed to date back at least 4,000 years, making them one of the oldest sled dog breeds.

The Xoloitzcuintli is one of the most ancient dog breeds in the Western Hemisphere.

Its name is derived from two Aztec words: Xolotl, the god of lightning and death, and itzcuintli, dog. The Aztecs believed the Dog of Xolotl guided the souls of the deceased through the underworld.

This hairless breed is known for its intelligence and loyalty, making them excellent watchdogs that stay loyal to their favorite people.

The Xolo was believed to guide the soul of its owner to the afterlife, a testament to its special significance in Aztec culture.

Xolos are a great pet for allergy sufferers due to their hairless nature, but they still require regular care and attention.

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The Borzoi is a dog breed with a rich history, originally bred by Russian nobility for wolf hunting.

They're also known as the Russian Wolfhound, a nod to their ancestors' ability to capture wolves.

Borzois are one of the oldest dog breeds in Europe, with a long history dating back centuries.

Their athletic ability is unmatched, requiring lots of physical and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.

If you're considering bringing a Borzoi into your life, be prepared for a dog that needs to run and play regularly.

You can recognize a Borzoi by its distinctive features, including a long snout and smooth, silky coat.

The Shiba Inu is one of the oldest Japanese breeds, with a history spanning hundreds, if not thousands, of years.

Native to Japan, this breed has a distinctive fox-like appearance that's hard to miss.

Its spirited personality is well-suited for hunting small game, a task it was originally bred for.

They're sturdy dogs, capable of navigating difficult mountainous terrain with ease.

To this day, Shiba Inus still have a strong prey drive, which means they'll often chase small animals.

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The Australian Cattle Dog was the breed of the oldest dog ever. This breed lives one year longer on average than other breeds in its weight class.

Bluey, an Australian Cattle Dog, was a massive outlier, living more than twice the average age for her breed.

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The world of dog breeds is vast and exciting! Let's dive into 10 dog breeds that are sure to capture your heart.

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The Poodle is a popular breed known for its low-shedding coat, making it a great choice for people with allergies.

The Poodle requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of its fur.

The Beagle is a friendly and curious breed that excels at sniffing out small game.

Beagles are relatively small in size, weighing between 18-30 pounds.

The Boxer is a playful and energetic breed that loves to run and play fetch.

Boxers are naturally protective of their families but can be wary of strangers.

The Dachshund is a loyal and loving breed that comes in a variety of coat types.

Dachshunds are prone to back problems due to their long, narrow bodies.

The German Shepherd is a highly intelligent breed that thrives on mental and physical stimulation.

German Shepherds are often used as police and military dogs due to their loyalty and trainability.

The Golden Retriever is a friendly and loyal breed that makes a great family pet.

Golden Retrievers are highly social and love to please their owners.

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The Labrador Retriever is a popular breed known for its intelligence and trainability.

Labradors are often used as guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, and therapy dogs.

The Rottweiler is a confident and loyal breed that makes a great guard dog.

Rottweilers are powerful and athletic, requiring regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

The Shih Tzu is a friendly and outgoing breed that makes a great companion dog.

Shih Tzus are well-suited for apartment living due to their quiet and calm nature.