What is the oldest breed of dog?
This is a complicated question, but there are helpful clues. It appears that two semi-domestic dogs — the Dingo of Australia and the New Guinea Singing Dog — are considered the last existing representatives of early dogs developed in southern Asia. These dogs are thought to have traveled with their human companions all the way to Australia and New Guinea. Another candidate is the Basenji, whose ancestor is also thought to have developed in southern Asia; it then moved with people into Africa, starting in Egypt. [See below for new confirmation from the latest dog genetic research]. The Canaan Dog of Israel traces to ancient pariah dog stock of the Middle East. Now, new genetic research published in May 2004 has identified 14 ancient dog breeds, with the oldest being the Chow Chow, Shar Pei, Akita, Shiba Inu and Basenji. “If you want to get your dog in touch with his “Inner Wolf” then teach him two things; to use his nose and to retrieve.
