Indian Origins

So far the breeds the come from different countries seem to have a similar look to them. Obviously with larger countries the similarities should be lesser in scale, however that’s not always the case. To learn more about the breeds of Asia, be sure to also check out Chinese and Japanese breeds. Today we want to introduce you to the dog breeds of India.

Also called Mudhol Hound, Maratha Hound and Pashmi Hound, the Caravan Hound is an ancient breed native to the Deccan Plateau of India. Similar in lineage to the Saluki, their ancestors were introduced to India via trader caravans from Asia.

The origins of the Rajapalayam Hound are unknown, however it has been speculated that they were involved in development of the dalmatian breed. Once they were only found in the company of aristocracy and especially prized when born milky white. Sadly purebred animals are essentially extinct today, except in small pockets.

The Rampur Greyhound is native to the Rampur region of northern India and a member of the large sighthound family. This one tough dog as they were traditionally used to hunt large game, including lions, tigers & panthers. Today the breed straddles extinction and are incredibly rare outside of India.

More Breeds of the World

We hope you enjoyed meeting the breeds of India and that you’ll go check out the breeds of China and Japan and stay tuned to learn more about the dog breeds of Russia.

Japanese Origins

Looking at breeds by country is an interesting task, many of them clearly belong in their native land based on physical characteristics alone. The Japanese breeds are no different and there is quite a large list of them (& even some large sized breeds) for such a small place. If you haven’t already be sure to check out the Chinese breeds while you are here.

Also called Japanese Akita, Great Japanese Dog and Akita-ken the Akita Inu is the original breed from Japan. These great dogs are native to the region of Akita where they have lived unchanged for centuries. They are also the national dog of Japan and one of 7 breeds designated as a Natural Monument.

*It should be noted that there is also an Akita breed which is a descendant and largely considered American.

Also called Ainu Dog, Hokaidoken, Hokkaido, Ainu-ken and Ainu Inu the Hokkaido dog is rarely seen outside of Japan itself. The origins of this animal are a mystery and they were brought to Japan over 3,000 years ago on the heels of their namesake, the Ainu tribe. Over the years the tribal people & their dogs have migrated to Hokkaido where they live in relative isolation to continue their pure lineage.

Also called Japanese Spaniel or simply Chin, the Japanese Chin always been bred specifically as a lap dog & companion for nobility. Despite their name, the ancestors of this breed come from China, but were developed in Japan. Later in the 18th century they were introduced to Europe as a Japanese animal.

Also called Kai Dog, Kai Ken, Tora Inu and Tiger Dog the Kai Inu has been bred in Japan for centuries and is one of 7 breeds considered a Natural Treasure there. Developed in the district of Kai, this ancient spitz breed is one of the most ancient & purest breeds in Japan today.

Also called Kishu Ken the Kishu Inu is very rare outside of Japan where it has been a protected species since the early 20th century. The Kishu has been bred in the mountainous region of Kyushu in southern Japan for over 3,000 years. Traditionally used as a hunting dog, these animals have been bred in relative isolation and possess incredibly pure bloodlines.

Also called the Japanese Spitz the Nihon Supittsu is like many of the Japanese breeds in that their origins are unknown (however they are a relatively recent breed). Always pure white, it is thought that they share an ancestor with the Siberian Samoyed. Today their numbers have grown in Europe & North America while conversely they are not as popular in their native Japan.

Also called Japanese Small Dog & Shiba Dog the Shiba Inu is the smallest of the native Japanese breeds. Despite their smaller stature, they were traditionally prized for their hunting abilities. Today the Shiba is one of the most popular breeds in Japan and quickly making a name for themselves worldwide.

Also called Kochi-ken, Mikawa Inu and Japanese Wolfdog, the Shikokou is a native breed from Shikoku island (similar to the Shiba Inu). Rare outside Japan (and yet to be recognized by the AKC) this breed is one of the 7 breeds recognized as a Natural Monument of the country.

Also called Japanese Tosa, Tosa Ken & Japanese Mastiff, the Tosa Inu has been bred as a fighting dog in Japan for centuries. Created in the late 19th & early 20th century by crossing native fighting dogs with larger western breeds (like the Mastiff & Great Dane). Today they are considered a national treasure, although they are still used in illegal dog fighting in certain regions of Japan.

More Breeds of the World

We hope you’ve enjoyed meeting the many breeds of Japan – they are actually a pretty big bunch! If you liked these be sure to check out the Chinese breeds and stay tuned for breeds of India next time.

Chinese Origins

We’ve been laying breeds out by continent, but quickly realized that was going to have to change. Many countries have a variety of native breeds, so we’ve given the countries with a lot of breeds their own post. At the end we’ll compile a list that covers the entire Asian continent so readers can see them all.

The Chinese Crested dogs come in two types, hairless & powder puff – this breeds ancestors were actually thought to come from Africa (but a similar hairless type comes from North America). The hairless animals were picked up by the Chinese by trade ships to hunt vermin on the ship and re-named Chinese Crested dogs – a name that stuck.

The Chinese Imperial dog dates back to 700 AD and was first bred in the Imperial Palace where they were used as foot warmers to the Emperors. Seen as a symbol of status they were often also carried by the nobility in the sleeves of their robes.

Like many older breeds, the Chow Chow’s origins are a mystery, however some of the oldest known dog fossils are similar the Chow Chow in bone structure. Traditionally these big dogs were used as hunting partners, transportation in the form of carts & sleds, and for protection. Not only were their hides used to make clothing, but they were also bred for food.

Also called Peke & Peking Palasthund the Pekingese comes from the ancient city of Peking (now Beijing). Traditionally these animals were considered sacred and thought to drive away spirits. Due to their status they were only to be owned by royalty and people without noble rank were expected to bow to them.

Also called Carlin, Mops & Chinese Pug Dog, the Pug is one of the oldest known breeds and thought to have originated before 400 BC. Their origins are the topic of debate, however it is agreed that they share ancestors with the Pekingese. This breed later earned worldwide popularity during the 19th century and were often kept as royal pets.

As with many of the Chinese breeds, the Shar-Pei is very old – in fact pottery suggests they have been around since before 200 BC. They are physically similar to the Chow Chow, which which they clearly have an ancestor in common. Traditionally these animals were used as multi-purpose farm dogs, hunting dogs and for sport as fighting dogs.

More Countries On The Way

We hope you’ve enjoyed meeting the dog breeds of China and be sure to check back next time for the dog breeds of Japan.

Humble Origins

It’s interesting to see where different breeds come from and many native breeds have even grown to resemble the humans (& other animals) that have developed alongside them. Today we want to introduce breeds from the African continent, the place that spawned mankind is also home to a variety of canine breeds.

Thought to have come with the French to Madagascar, the Coton de Tulear is a bichon-type (probably interbred with local animals). They are a relatively rare breed, and generally only found in wealthy households in their native country. However they were re-introduced into Europe in the last 20 years and are growing in popularity.

Also called Tuareg Sloughi, this is a breed clearly well-suited to hot, desert climates, with its lean frame, long legs and regal bearing. The Azawakh comes from the Sehel region of Africa where they were traditionally bred by nomadic tribesmen for hunting, guarding livestock and companionship.

Also called Chien de l’Atlas, Atlas Sheepdog & Atlas Mountain Hound the Aidi comes from Morocco where it has been bred to protect both its owner and their property. This is thought to be a desert dog originating in the Sahara and while the name erroneously implies they are sheepdogs, these animals are not necessarily known for their talent as herders.

Also called Arabian Greyhound, Arabian Sighthound, Sloughi Moghrebi & Levrier Marocain the Sloughi is another breed that looks the desert part. Their origins are unknown, however they are thought to date before the 13th century in Morocco. Bred by nomadic Berber tribes, ownership of the Sloughi has traditionally been reserved for the likes of chiefs & kings.

Also called the Congo Dog, the Basenji is thought to come from ancient Egyptian animals – their likeness has been found in tombs that date back 5,000 years. Traditionally the Basenji was used by natives as a guide, a guard dog and a hunting partner. However their intelligent, alert nature and energetic spirit has made them a name worldwide.

Also called Hottentot Dog, African Dog, Unbwa Wa Ki-Shenzi, Bantu Dog, Khoikhoi Dog & Zulu Dog the Africanis comes from South Africa. While these animals are thought to be of ancient origin they are not a strict breed nor do they follow any set lineage. Africanis is more of a blanket name for non-specific dogs of Southern Africa.

As with many of the African breeds, the origins of the South African Boerboel are a mystery. However it is thought to have started with powerful Mastiff types brought by the Dutch, later to be influenced by the Bull Mastiff imported by De Beers in the 1930′s to guard diamond mines. Today they are a breed in their own right and considered native South Africa.

Also called the Lion Dog & African Lion Hound the Rhodesian Ridgeback comes from Zimbabwe and their ancestors come from Boer animals imported during the 16th & 17th centuries. Originally used by local tribesmen as hunting dogs, retrievers and guard dogs. It was later discovered that in packs they made excellent hunters and were bred to assist lion hunters.

Asian Dogs

That’s all we could find for the African dogs, (and this list is pretty small so we have to be missing some). Please let us know in the comments below if we’ve missed any dog breeds of African origin & stay tuned to meet the dogs of Asia.

Something Entirely Different

Being that we are big Star Wars fans (the original trilogy anyway) and big dog fans it’s no surprise that this clever video caught our eye…then our heart. Who didn’t dream of a miniature At At to play with as a child?

AT-AT day afternoon from Patrick Boivin on Vimeo.

Keeping With It

We like the idea of bringing a new type of dog video to the web, something different. Not to mention the idea of Star Wars and dogs colliding in a way other than Chewbacca.

Image from deanna_

A slim, lean dog the Saluki is a natural athlete and comes from the eastern Turkestan to Turkey. Meet another member of the ancient dog breeds of the world.

The History

This elegant and lean animal is thought to be related to the handsome Afghan Hound (another ancient breed). The royal dog of Egypt, the Saluki takes their name from the city of Saluki which no longer exists today. Their likeness appers on tomb paintings that date back to 2100 BC.

The Muslims considered them a gift from Allah so they were only offered as gifts & were never sold.

Global Popularity

This breed was introduced to England in the mid 19th century where it was primarily used to hunt hare. Since then they have spread to other parts of Europe and North America and have become a popular dog because of their regal bearing and sweet attitude. They were recognized by the AKC in 1929.

About the Breed

This is a tall, slender breed that is obviously built for speed & endurance. They are sweet, loyal and often become very attached to one person, although they can possess aloof tendencies. This breed is generally of submissive temperament and as long as they feel secure they are a pleasant & calm dog. It should be noted that they posses deep-rooted hunting instincts & while they are good around other dogs they are likely to chase (or worse) other animals.

Traditionally they were used as hunting dogs (hence the strong instinct to hunt prey) and also for racing.

Saluki animals with a patch of white on their forehead are thought to have been ‘kissed by Allah’ making them especially hardy & fast.

Interesting Fact

Of all of the ancient dog breeds we’ve visited so far, the Saluki is thought to be one of the oldest pure breeds in the world. In fact, recent Sumerian excavations that date back to 6,000 or 7,000 BC have unearthed dog carvings that bear a physical resemblance to the regal Saluki.

Other Names

Gazelle Hound | Arabian Hound | Persian Greyhound | Tanji | Persian Sighthound

Old Guys of the Dog World

We hope you enjoyed this quick look at one of the ancient dog breeds of the world. Stay tuned, because we’ll be getting to know more of the in the coming weeks.

Play Time

We went out and found some of the cutest dog toys in town, 15 of them to be exact & brought them here for you to ohh & ahh over. Some for big dogs, some for small dogs – we’ve got everyone covered. For each one there is a brief description and a link to where they can be found on Amazon.

More Dog At Home

We’ve put together several collections of clever & handy dog theme products, be sure to check out dogs in the kitchen, dogs in the bathroom and even dogs for your office.

Read About Dogs Anywhere

Because we want our readers to be able to enjoy dogs no matter where they are we added Caninest blog to their service for those who prefer it. The Kindle device allows users to wirelessly download hundreds of thousands of titles…not to mention the over 1.8 million out-of-copyright books that can be downloaded free of charge.

Pssst…You Don’t Always Need The Device

Many of us more tech-minded people carry around more gadgets than we know what to do with & that makes Kindle books even cooler. If you have a computer (Mac or PC), iPhone, iPad, Android or Blackberry you can read on them as well, syncing is easy and saves your place too.

Get Caninest on Kindle

If you are a Kindle user – or plan to be shortly we hope you’ll grab Caninest Kindle blog before you head over to the free book directories…you’ll be lost there for hours!

Out of all of the canidae art we’ve shared the wolf art has to be the most dramatic & intense. Often the subject is in dire straits or in attack mode, both of which seem to put them in peril.

Is It Fate?

Perhaps it is the cold fate of the wolf to constantly be in battle with mankind, a battle that rages on today as it clearly has for many centuries before. And here is the art to prove it. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out pt. 1.

So Much Art

Although we’ve depleted our existing resources of canine art, there is plenty more out there to be found. We hope you’ll take a look at pt. 1 and then there is the foxes too.

Image from WB – CMH

We like to participate in social media now & again and think that dog lovers should stick together in the wide web world. So we’ve developed a list of dog-specific social networks that our dog loving readers may want to become a part of.

Pack Mentality

It’s no secret that dogs are pack animals and by nature they like the company of others & we think dog owners tend to be social animals as well. These networks are online places where people who share an animal mindset can meet, discuss news & share pictures.

Join up, your dog may thank you. Who says they don’t burn the midnight oil checking out doggie social profiles?

Any Missing?

If you are a member or creator of a dog social network we’ve missed? We do hope you’ll leave your info in the comments so we can add you to the list. Happy networking!