13 Timeless Dog Breeds Captivating Hearts Today

The History and Origins of Some of the Oldest Dog Breeds

Dogs have been companions to humans for thousands of years, with many breeds tracing their lineage back to ancient times. While modern dog breeds are a relatively recent concept, dating back to the mid-18th century, there are still several breeds that have existed for centuries, often with roots in specific regions and roles.

Ciara Farrell, a Kennel Club Historian, explains that while the idea of “breeds” is modern, the types of dogs we know today have evolved from earlier working dogs. These early dogs were categorized by their appearance and function, such as sighthounds, scent hounds, and herders, which are considered ancestors of many modern breeds.

PDSA Vet Nurse Shauna Walsh adds that dogs likely descended from wolves, which explains why some of the oldest breeds have a wolf-like appearance. Breeds like Alaskan Malamutes, Japanese Akitas, and Chow Chows are reported to have been around for thousands of years. However, it's important to note that genetically, dogs are entirely different from their wolf ancestors and do not retain any other qualities or traits.

Here are some of the oldest dog breeds and their origins:

Italian Spinone

These large, friendly dogs belong to the Gundog group, which has been present in Italy since the 13th century. They were originally bred to find and retrieve game, and their tough, shaggy coat is ideal for wet, marshy environments. Their ancestry includes scent hounds from France and Italy, as well as Mastiff types.

Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is a Toy breed, bred to be a beloved family pet. It is a smaller version of its larger working counterparts, and dogs of this type are thought to have been around for thousands of years. Images of similar dogs have been found on tombs in ancient Egypt and Greece, with the modern name coming from their association with the Roman Empire.

Norwegian Elkhound

A typical Nordic "Spitz" breed, the Norwegian Elkhound is an all-rounder with pricked ears, a double coat, and a curly tail. Stone Age skeletons of dogs very similar to the modern Elkhound have been found in Norway, as well as in Viking graves. These dogs were used to track various types of game, including elk, reindeer, and bears.

Maremma Sheepdog

These dogs have been protecting flocks and properties in the mountains of Italy for over 2,000 years. Today, they are sometimes used to protect endangered wildlife from predators.

Deerhound

The Deerhound is a Scottish native breed descended from indigenous British sighthounds and has been around for at least 500 years. Known by names such as the Scottish Wolfdog and Scottish Greyhound, they were originally used for deerstalking and are now classified as a vulnerable native breed.

Canadian Eskimo Dog

Another Spitz-type dog, the Canadian Eskimo Dog, also known as the Inuit Sled Dog, has ancestors that helped the Inuit people transport themselves and their possessions across the Arctic tundra. These dogs have exceptional strength and stamina, but their numbers are now very low due to the use of snowmobiles.

Harrier

This breed is a typical scent hound with great tracking abilities and endurance. Scent hounds have been around since Celtic times and are found throughout Europe in many local varieties. With the decline of its traditional hunting function, the Harrier is now a Vulnerable Native Breed.

Glen of Imaal Terrier

Terriers have been around in the UK and Ireland for many centuries, typically working at digging and catching animals from underground. The Glen of Imaal Terrier comes from the rugged mountains of County Wicklow in Ireland. Despite their small stature, they are fearless and strong, but their numbers are so low that they are one of the rarest breeds.

Bearded Collie

Known for their shaggy coats and herding talents, the Bearded Collie is still incredibly popular today. For many centuries, ancestors of the Bearded Collie have managed herds of cattle in the Highlands of Scotland. There are many theories about their origins, including descent from the ancient Icelandic Sheepdog or the shaggy Polish Lowland Sheepdog.

Mastiff

Mastiff-type dogs are thought to have come to Britain in the first millennium BC, with the Romans taking them back to Rome. Originally bred to protect people, property, and livestock, they almost went extinct in the UK after World War II but have since been revived.

Alaskan Malamute

As their name suggests, this breed originates from Alaska and is known for being one of the oldest Arctic dog breeds. Malamutes have been an integral part of the lives of many indigenous groups in Alaska, used for transporting goods and expeditions. They have a double coat that keeps them warm in snowy or cold weather.

Japanese Akita

This breed is believed to have originated from the northern Japanese province of Akita. Now known as loyal family pets, Akitas were originally bred for their strength and used as guard dogs in the mountains. They are also known for their fearless and loyal personalities.

Chow Chow

Best known for their mane-like fur and blue-black tongue, Chow Chows have reportedly been around for many years. Like Akitas and Malamutes, they have a double coat. Originally from China, they first came to Britain in the 18th century and are unique for their stiff leg walk.