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The Legend of Ancient Dog Breeds: Which Dog Breeds Go Back 9,000 Years Ago?
Dogs are animals that have a close relationship with humans. After a long period of artificial selection and breeding, more than 360 dog breeds have evolved that are recognized globally. Let’s go back in time and discover the ancient dog breeds closely associated with humans and their history dating back 9,000 years.
Start with the evolution of dog breeds
Dogs have evolved over the years from human needs including herding, hunting, guarding, etc. And dogs' diversity makes them among the most mutated mammals on Earth. This variability manifests itself not only in appearance, but also in behavior and personality traits. The origins of many modern dog breeds are tied to the 19th century Victorian era, when breeders worked hard to define and emphasize the unique characteristics of each breed.
Archaeological discoveries
According to a 2017 study, dogs appeared on what is now Siberia's Zhokhov Island 9,000 years ago. These dogs were differentiated into sled dogs or hunting dogs, proving that standards for sled dogs and hunting dogs already existed at that time. In addition, archaeologists have found remains in the area that show the size of the dogs at that time was similar to the standard of modern Siberian Huskies. The average weight of these dogs ranges from 16 to 25 kilograms, demonstrating the sophisticated breeding skills of ancient humans.
Supported by genetic evidence
With the advancement of genetic technology, research has discovered that there are significant genetic differences between different dog breeds. Many ancient dog breeds, such as the Basenji and Afghan Hound, display a different genetic makeup than modern breeds. According to research, the genes of ancient dog breeds date back thousands of years, showing they are the result of early interactions between humans and dogs.
Definition of ancient dog breeds
At the American Kennel Club, ancient breeds are no longer defined simply as historic breeds. In a 2004 study, the genetic makeup of dog breeds showed that 99% of dogs could be assigned to a breed based on their genome, further emphasizing that unique breeds are genetically distinct.
Epilogue: The future of dogs
Today, although most modern dog breeds are produced under the influence of human selection, as research continues, the characteristics and skills of ancient dog breeds still have a place in our society. Not only do they symbolize the deep relationship between humans and canines, they are also a constant reminder of our original connection. Do you think that ancient dog breeds can once again become humans’ companions in life and work in the future?
