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Fascinating Ancient & Designer Dog Breeds 🐕🔥
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items Once a very long time ago, I had pets … dog, budgies, cockatiels, guinea pigs, fish (but generally not all at the same time). I had dreams of becoming a veterinarian when I grew up, because that would mean that I could spend all my time with animals!...
I had memorized some 200 breeds of dogs before I turned 10; and still, there are so many breeds out there that, to this day, I am left amazed and wonder, “How come I didn't know about this breed?” So this list shows the breeds, old and new, that have...
Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no extra charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links.
I had memorized some 200 breeds of dogs before I turned 10; and still, there are so many breeds out there that, to this day, I am left amazed and wonder, “How come I didn't know about this breed?” So this list shows the breeds, old and new, that have...
Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no extra charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links.
Sections
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Ancient Dog Breeds
Designer Dog Breeds
Canine Essentials
Ancient Dog Breeds
Take a look at some of the breeds have been around for hundreds or even thousands of years. So many different shapes, sizes, colors, and coats! These are the ones that have captivated me from my first sight of them.
These had to be the pet dogs of the Ewoks! This German breed has mysterious origins, with a timeline that ranges from the 1600s to the 1800s. They were originally bred to hunt down rats and other small vermin.
Affenpinscher
This large Persian/Middle Eastern hound exudes stateliness and energy. With an ancient lineage that dates back to 4000 BC, they were originally bred to flush out rabbits and small game. Today, they are mostly (head-turning) companions.
Afghan Hound
A large Turkish livestock breed that has been guarding livestock for thousands of years. At a very early age (i.e. as soon as they have been weaned), Anatolian Shepherd pups are socialized with their charges – so much so that they spend more time in ...
Anatolian Shepherd
This ancient African hound doesn't bark – but it does cry and even yodel (like a human!) It predates even the Pharoah Hound by as much as 1,000 years, and has changed very little in that time!
Basenji
One of the most charismatic small dog breeds out there. I call them Q-Tip dogs – the hairstyle is what really got me interested in this hypoallergenic Franco-Belgian breed, which has been dated to the 13th century.
Bichon Frise
A stunning parti-color toy breed that's been chilling with British royalty since the 17th century. Has a popular and loveable personality!
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder when it comes to this toy breed, which comes in both hairless and powderpuff versions. This breed is believed to have originated in the 1200s, with the Mexican Hairless and Chihuahua figuring prominently into its ...
Chinese Crested Dog
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One of two dog breeds to have a purple tongue, this hardworking ancient Chinese breed has existed for 2,000-3,000 years. It looks cuddly (well, as much as a lion-esque looking dog can) while being protective of its family.
Chow Chow
With a lineage that dates to 3400 B.C., the athletic, playful, and dapper Podenco Ibicenco were originally bred to hunt small game in Spain.
Ibizan Hound
Making its first appearances in the 1600s, the Mop Dog is, without a doubt, a fascinating dog to see. It is also a challenge for groomers to bathe, because of their double coats (which protect them in cold weather).
The outer coat (which has hundreds of threads that must be wrung out individually) resembles a floor mop!
The outer coat (which has hundreds of threads that must be wrung out individually) resembles a floor mop!
Komondor
Could there be any more Os in the breed name? A friendly Italian hunting dog and retriever (with roots from the 15th/16th century), the water-loving Lagotto Romagnolo is more likely to be sniffing out expensive fungi today. Yes, that's right; it's a ...
Lagotto Romagnolo
Like the Affenpinscher (with whom it also shares common pest control duties), the lineage of the Min Pin is shrouded in mystery; they were not documented until the last couple hundred years. A teacup version of this hunting dog also exists.
Miniature Pinscher
This stunning French breed has been around since the 1500s. Papillon is French for butterfly, and the ears on this lapdog certainly look leptidopteran!
Papillon
The Lion Dog of the Far East has courage beyond its size! A favorite of ancient Chinese royals, this 2,000-year-old breed (with an interesting origin story tied to Buddha, monkeys, and lions) has won hearts over in the West, and is a popular entrant ...
Pekingese
Stubby legs, no tail to wag, pricked up ears, and very active (both physically and vocally). No wonder Queen Elizabeth had such a soft spot for them (30 of them, if memory serves!) It's funny how the Cardigan Welsh Corgi doesn't get quite as much lov...
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
That name is a mouthful, and this French breed, which dates back to the 15th century - is more often called by its initials - PBGV. It is a charming and family-friendly companion (it's not just a hairy Basset Hound)!
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
This ancient and elegant royal Egyptian breed has changed little in 5,000 years. They are funny, gentle, and extremely trainable. Their short coat makes them hypoallergenic around more sensitive members of the family. Fun fact: they can blush!
Pharaoh Hound
Just the right number of wrinkles in the right place, a short, curly tail, and a smooshed-in face. What's not to love?
Pug
A gorgeous sighthound of ancient Persia and companion to royals of that time, the magnificent Saluki is an energetic, fast dog that comes in several different coat colorations. With origins dating back to 7000 BC, it's one of the oldest domesticated ...
Saluki
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A herding breed of Siberia that is as cuddly and happy as it looks! Just try to resist the urge to pet one. They make excellent family companions, and their double coat is naturally (almost magically) dirt-repellent!
Samoyed
This must be the Benjamin Button of dog breeds … when Shar-Peis are puppies, their wrinkles are many, and when they grow to adult size, many of those wrinkles stretch out and disappear! That wrinkly coat wards off pesky insects. This is the other dog...
Shar-Pei
The all-black coat of this small, Spitz-type Belgian sheepdog makes it a striking canine. The Shipperke is quite a robust and active breed that is believed to have its origins in the 1600s.
Schipperke
The cute, fox-like face of this 2,000-year-old Japanese breed has made it a much beloved and popular family dog. Fun fact: inu is Nipponese for hound.
Shiba Inu
Usually called Xolos, the Mexican Hairless (which comes in hairless and hirsute varieties) dates back 5,000 years to the time of the Aztecs as royal watchdogs. Smart, calm, and loyal, the Xolo can make a great family pet.
Xoloitzcuintle
Designer Dog Breeds
The human thirst for in our lives is amazing, and that extends to our furbabies. Sure, we've heard about Old English Sheepdogs, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Dalmatians, and Saint Bernards, thanks to movies like “The Shaggy Dog”, “The Littlest...
If you're thinking “miniature Husky”, that's exactly what this breed (a mix of Alaskan Husky, Alaska Eskimo Dog, and Schipperke in the 1970s by Linda Spurlin) was intended to resemble! Klee Kai means “little dog” in Inuit … and the alliteration is cu...
Alaskan Klee Kai
Developed in the 1990s, the AED is the result of a Beagle x American Spitz cross (the latter is formerly known as the American Eskimo Dog). This beautiful, affectionate and playful hybrid likes to socialize with family, but can also be trained as a w...
American Eagle Dog
One of the more recent designer breeds. There's a least one owner of a Bernedoodle (Bernese Mountain Dog crossed with Poodle) in my neighborhood, and they are as cuddly-looking as they are friendly! Like its Poodle forebear, there are three sizes of ...
Bernedoodle
If that adorable face doesn't win your heart, that name (a hybrid of Cocker Spaniel and Poodle) will. They are a low-shedding, low-maintenance designer breed that has been around since the 1960s.
Cockapoo
The resulting offspring of a German Shepherd and Anatolian Shepherd is smart, trainable, and protective of its family.
German Anatolian Shepherd
I came across Shiloh Shepherds while watching an episode of Girl With the Dogs on her Youtube channel, and was fascinated to discover this large designer breed, which combines the bloodlines of German Shepherds and Alaskan Malamutes. They are friendl...
Shiloh Shepherd
You couldn't give a more poetic name to this relatively new breed, which was developed in 1985 by mating Borzois with other sighthounds. This small-to-medium-sized dog comes in a variety of colors, and is a friendly addition to the family.
Silken Windhound
Another darling designer dog breed, this Yorkshire Terrier and Poodle hybrid yields a dog that is adorable, intelligent, and sheds very little.
Yorkipoo
What do you get when you cross a Bichon Frise with a Shih Tzu? The hypoallergenic, super cuddly Teddy Bear dog, of course!
Zuchon
Canine Essentials
A pet is a huge responsibility, and here's what you need for your beloved pup (or pups) to stay happy, healthy, and engaged with you and their world!
Believe it or not, you're not always going to be there 24/7 to keep your pup engaged and happy.
Dog & Puppy Toys
From dry kibble to wet food and grain-free food, there's a wide selection of nutritious and tasty food for your pup – whatever age they are at.
Dog Food
These snacks don't just maintain the health of your dog's teeth, but they keep Fido engaged, too!
Dog Treats
With the selection of pillows, beds, and blankets available for your pooch, s/he won't be eyeing yours any time soon … right?
Dog Beds
Costumes, booties, jackets, bandanas … d'ya think they'll consider you a bit silly for spoiling them with clothes (have you walked into a PetSmart store before Halloween and Christmas?)
Dog Clothes, Shoes, Apparel & Accessories
Leashes, harnesses, collars – everything you need for those daily (and nightly) walks.
Dog Collars, Harnesses & Leashes
Explore a rich range of solutions for your dog's training and travel needs.
Dog Crates, Cages, Kennels, Carriers, Car Seats
Housebreaking your puppy has come a long, long way over the years.
Dog Diapers, Pee Pads, Poop Bags & More
Everything your dog needs to enjoy his/her meal: bowls, feeders, watering stations.
Dog Feeders, Food Dispensers & Waterers
Shampoos, wipes, conditioners, razors, de-shedders, nail clippers, home grooming kits … even short-haired dogs need maintenance to keep their good looks!
Dog Grooming Supplies
Make sure that your pup looks great, inside and out! Flea and tick control, heartworm medication, calming care, dental care, and more.
Dog Health
There's a full lineup of probiotics, supplements, and calming chews to keep Fluffy fit.
Dog Vitamins