Egypt is a country with a rich history. It is also home to some of the world’s oldest dog breeds, mostly not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and some organizations.
Artifacts discovered centuries ago have proven the existence of these dog breeds. One example is a carving with a man walking and holding a leashed dog. Tomb paintings also showed dogs along with the ancient Egyptians.
Usually bred to hunt, guard, and were known as sheepdogs. Above all, they were pets and companions of those who owned them. Similar traits are evident in the modern-day canines we see today, verifying their existence. Indeed, these were the very same breeds that the folks of ancient Egypt owned.
What breed of dogs are from Egypt?
Although there are some theories of scholars saying that these breeds were from neighboring countries or regions, accounts have proved that Phoenician traders brought these canines along with them during their sea trade. These canines grew in numbers in those countries where they were brought in.
Six dog breeds are known to have originated from Egypt, and these are the following: Baladi Street Dog, Basenji, Egyptian Sheepdog (Armant), Ibizan Hound, Pharaoh Hound, and Saluki.
1. Baladi Street Dog
Although not a pure breed, the Baladi Street Dog is the most common dog of all the Egyptian dog breeds. This dog is medium in size, with a slim physique, and weighs somewhere between 20-60 pounds.
The term “Baladi” means “local” or “of the country”; thus, they are referred to as “country canines” or “local dogs”. They are present across Egypt — both on the streets and countryside.
Baladi dogs are also called Thebes Land Dogs. These mutts are descendants of the Israeli Canaan dogs (Israel’s national dog) and the Egyptian breeds — Pharoah Hounds and the Salukis. The AKC does not recognize them because this is not a breed but only a designation or name of such street dogs.
Baladi Street Dogs also have large pricked ears and lean bodies like their purebred relatives; they resemble Dingoes. Although they are mutts and have lived in the rural countryside and streets, making them less refined than other dogs, they still make good companion dogs.
These native stray dogs have overwhelmingly grown in numbers that they have been considered a nuisance. Because many locals have seen them as a nuisance, these dogs have later been abused. Thanks to several successful spay and neuter campaigns. Also, adoption programs were initiated by some groups and advocates.
Some of them got adopted and were brought to the United States, not until 2019 when the US Center for Disease Control (CDC) issued a law banning such practice due to rabies issues. Most of the dogs that were being brought and adopted in the US were found to have contracted rabies in Egypt. Hence, the ban on importing these Baladi Street Dogs.
To date, there are still many locals who continue to adopt these mutts as advocacy groups continue their efforts to spread awareness against discriminating against these street dogs. Other people from other parts of the world came to adopt them, gladly welcoming them into their new and permanent homes.
The Baladis come in white, black, beige, and brown colors. Because they are strays, they are cautious and distrustful but once trained, socialized, and become domesticated dogs. They become well-mannered and able to adapt to home living. They talk like Huskies, but it is more of a growl and is quieter.
Mutts, as we know, are in some ways better than their ancestors in terms of health because they are less likely to inherit their breed’s predisposed ailments if any. They live long, and their recorded life expectancy is 12-14 years.
2. Basenji
Suspected to be among the world’s oldest dog breeds, the Basenji was said to be faithful companions of the Egyptian Pharaohs. Later, this breed spread south to Central Africa, where they were much valued for their fantastic hunting skills. This hound dog is small to medium in size, weighing about 20-25 pounds and standing about 16-17 inches to its shoulder.
You’ll never be wrong when identifying a Basenji because of its wrinkled forehead with curly, pointy ears. It has long limbs and a short body. Never was this breed touched or changed by any selective breeding, so basically, the modern Basenjis we see today are the same as the ancient breed.
These clever, alert, gentle, and loyal Basenjis also have a stubborn streak, so owners need some extra patience when training them. This intelligent breed loves learning new tricks.
They are affectionate with their owners and are considered good companions. While they form strong bonds with their families, they can be aloof when it comes to strangers.
Basenjis are likened to cats in terms of temperament because they love to seek attention on their terms. Hence, they are a poor choice for owners who want their canine buddies attached to their laps.
What makes Basenjis more interesting is the fact that they don’t bark. Basenjis produce a sound like that of Siberian Huskies but higher in pitch. That sound is called yodeling.
They can be a great choice for first-time dog parents because they are highly adaptable. They are also good apartment dogs.
In terms of grooming, they are low maintenance because of their feline-like grooming habits. They always love to keep themselves clean. Their very short coat shed but are barely noticeable.
Although they are relatively healthy, Basenjis are not at all exempted from the possibility of contracting any of the common canine conditions such as hip dysplasia, umbilical hernia, progressive retinal atrophy, and coloboma. Basenjis have a recorded life expectancy of 13-14 years.
3. Egyptian Sheepdog (Armant Dog)
Utilized within Egypt as a livestock guard dog and a herding dog by farmers, this dog breed is said to have originated from Armant, a town in Egypt. Hence, it is also known as the Armant Dog.
Historians said the Armant descended from Napoleon’s French Briards, which he brought to Egypt along with his armies. These French Briards were bred with the local dogs, producing the Armant breed.
Medium in size, its muscular body’s average weight is about 50-60 pounds. It stands 21-23 inches to its shoulder. Sadly, this very rare and old breed is not on the list of AKC’s recognized breeds.
Brave, outgoing, and energetic, the Armant dog is ideal for families with children and other dogs. This dog is also highly intelligent, a great observer, and a fast learner.
Usually, their ears are erect, but some have droopy ears. Their limbs are exceptionally strong with thick paw pads which allow them to navigate easily on rugged terrain.
Its rough coat is semi-long and comes in yellow, tan, gray, and black. Regular brushing is recommended because their coats easily develop knots and tangles.
The Armant dog has no record as to health conditions as with other canines, they can also contract common diseases. They can live fairly long for 14-15 years.
4. Ibizan Hound
Although listed as one of the native Egyptian dog breeds, some scholars claim that the Ibizan Hound is said to have originated from Spain’s Balearic (Ibizan) Islands. But tomb paintings are proof that these elegant sighthounds have their original lineage in Egypt. It has been said that ancient Egyptian sea merchants brought them to Spain.
Food and agriculture were scarce due to the islands’ warm climate; thus, the Ibizan Hound was utilized by natives in hunting rabbits and other small animals. They are great navigators even on rugged terrain, making them an integral part of the Ibizan life.
The medium-sized Ibizan Hound weighs 45-50 pounds and stands 22-28 inches to its shoulder. Because they are determined hunters with high prey instincts, they are not ideal to live in homes with small furry pets.
They can fit well in homes that can provide them with great outlets to unleash their energy. It does not matter if it is an apartment dwelling or a home with a big yard, so long as you can provide for their exercise needs. They are also good with children.
Their coats are of two types: wiry coat and smooth coat, which both come in red and white patterns, solid white, or solid red. As with grooming, both coats are so easy to maintain. Weekly brushing is needed to keep their skin and coat healthy.
Ibizan Hounds are relatively healthy but still not excuse from contracting common canine health conditions such as cataracts, deafness, allergies, axonal dystrophy, and even seizures. If well-cared, they can live for 12-14 years.
5. Pharaoh Hound
Also bred for hunting rabbits, the Pharaoh Hound is among those ancient dogs that trace its roots in ancient Egypt. As the name suggests, they were kings’ and other prominent leaders’ dogs in ancient Egypt. They were brought to other parts of Europe by ancient Phoenician traders. In fact, this breed was further developed in Malta, where it is considered their national dog.
This medium-sized dog has an average weight of 45-55 pounds and an average height of 21-25 inches. The Pharaoh Hound is known as “Kelb tal-Fenek”, which means “rabbit dog”.
Pharaoh Hounds will surely make you laugh with their clown antics. They are friendly, amiable, and energetic and can be good around respectful children and other dogs because of their playful nature but can be aloof with strangers.
These hounds are pleasers and intelligent, which makes training easier. They are very enthusiastic when it comes to playing and mental stimulation.
As with grooming, they have minimal requirements. Their chestnut tan to rich tan short coat needs weekly brushing.
While this breed is generally healthy, records have shown some Pharaoh Hounds to have sensitivity to anesthesia and suffer allergies, hip dysplasia, and patellar luxation, which are also common to some breeds. Like the other listed canines, they live long for an average of 12-14 years.
6. Saluki
The elegant and athletic Saluki is one of the oldest breeds in the world. Dogs depicted on a tomb dating some 5,000 years ago by ancient Egyptians show similar characteristics and attributes to a modern-day Saluki.
Similar to many sighthounds, this breed is incredibly fast. They were even prized by Pharaohs for their athletic hunting prowess and regal looks. Nomadic tribes brought them to Asia, Egypt, and the Middle East.
Categorized by the AKC as hounds, Salukis are large, weighing 40-60 pounds and standing 23-28 inches to their shoulder. They resemble long-haired Greyhounds. This Egyptian dog breed is depicted by ancient Egyptians in most of their artifacts.
In Arabic, the word “Saluki” means “noble”. Their appearance also lets others think that Anubis is a Saluki.
Salukis are gentle and affectionate but not known to be a cuddly breed. They are also a bit reserved. While you may love them for their beauty and exotic appearance, not all can be a perfect fit for these super-fast hunters, who can sprint at 30-35 miles per hour to chase their prey.
They are intelligent but independent thinkers, so training them can be challenging. Thus, always be firm and consistent. But with positive reinforcement, everything can work pretty well.
They are low shedders. Their smooth and silky coat needs weekly brushing to distribute oils and remove dead hair. A weekly combing is necessary to remove tangles.
Also a sturdy breed, Salukis have no recorded breed-predisposed ailments. However, they are not excused from contracting any of the most common canine health conditions such as hypothyroidism, cardiomyopathy, and hemangiosarcoma. Some also manifest anesthesia sensitivity. They are known to thrive long, with an average lifespan of 10-17 years.
What breed of dog is Anubis?
The Egyptian God of Lost Souls, Anubis, who has a jackal head introduced the process of embalming including mummification. He is said to have a striking resemblance to that of a Basenji. Some think that he was an Ibizan Hound while others also think that he was a Pharoah Hound. But Salukis are also somewhat similar-looking and so are Greyhounds.
Summary
So there you have a complete list of the ancient Egyptian canine breeds. Some may not be as known as other canines in the world today, but their significant contribution to humankind is vast.
They have proven to be great helpers, protectors, and companions to their beloved owners. As an act of gratitude and to highlight their importance, the early Egyptians were buried with their pets.
Truly their companionship and bond last ’til death.
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*photo by artvitae – depositphotos