Tazi were the first Afghans. They're elegant, independent dogs that hunt deer and guard sheep. Their long, silky coats and gentle nature have made them modern favorites!
Akitas are Japanese too. These double-coated dogs are happiest tracking or hiking in cool weather. They make good guard dogs because they're loyal to their pack and aggressive if threatened.
Basenjis may have inspired many Egyptian Pharaoh tomb sculptures and carvings. They are quiet dogs with pointed ears, long legs, and tightly wound tails. African tribes hunted and packed them.
The mastiff's ancestor, the molosser, was a war dog 5,000 years ago. Mastiffs, the descendants of this extinct breed, are gentle family dogs.
Malamutes originated with the Alaskan Inuit Mahlemuts Tribe on the Bering Sea near the Arctic Circle. From Siberia, they crossed the Bering Land Bridge with their human pack.
The Saluki can be seen in Sumerian carvings from between 5,000 and 6,000 BCE. The ancient Egyptians had them, and they were formerly known as "Persian Greyhounds."
Another Asian export, this teddy bear-like breed is aloof and independent and may be related to the Samoyed, Elkhound, and Pomeranian. As early as 206 BC, dog fossils resemble today's Chow Chow.
The sacred Lhasa breed was once owned only by Tibetan royalty and monks. This pup was believed to absorb its owner's soul upon death. The 13th Dalai Lama gave America its first pair.