All dogs are descended from wolves or other wild dogs and many have retained their original appearance and temperament to this day.
Although it has been centuries since dogs were domesticated, recent DNA studies have brought to light which breeds are recognized as being most closely related to wolves and their ancestors. . The study included 414 dogs from 85 different breeds and the results may surprise you! You can read more about the study at National Geography.
#1 – Shih Tzu
Although the breed looks nothing like wolves and other wild dogs, genetically the Shih Tzu is one of the most closely related domestic dogs to wolves. This companion dog is thought to have originated in China around 800 BC.
#2 – Pekingese
Like the Shih Tzu, this hybrid is of Chinese origin and despite its appearance and temperament, is one of the breeds least distinct from its ancestors. The breed has been owned and worshiped by members of the Chinese Imperial Palace for centuries.
#3 – Samoyed
A Northern Spitz breed from Russia, the Samoyed looks more believable when it comes to wild ancestry. The breed was social yet primitive, still used to pull sleds and herd reindeer in its homeland.
#4 – Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apso is known as the watchdog of Buddhist monasteries in his native Tibet. Researchers believe that the breed originated about 4,000 years ago, and its genetic makeup has proven this to be true. Regardless of their appearance, this breed is one of the closest relatives to wolves.
#5 – Tibetan Terrier
As its name suggests, this breed is originally from Tibet, but it is not a true terrier. Tibetan Terriers have been bred as purebred dogs in their native homes for over 2,000 years.
# 6 – Saluki
The Saluki is a breed of hunting dog that originated in the Middle East and was known for traveling the Silk Road with caravans and nomadic tribes. Salukis are believed to be one of the oldest surviving dog breeds, with ancient rock art showing Saluki-like dogs dating back to 10,000 BC. Genetically, the breed is still very closely related to its wild ancestors.
#7 – Afghan Hound
Like the Saluki, the Afghan Hound is a breed of dog that is also considered to be one of the oldest surviving domestic dog breeds. Genetic testing from this study demonstrated that they have little difference from wolves.
#8 – Siberian Husky
This northern breed comes from Siberia, where it was and is still used for skiing. Not only does this breed resemble its wild ancestors, but it has also been genetically little changed over time. Siberian Huskies allowed nomadic tribes to survive in the cold, harsh environment of northern Russia.
#9 – Shar-Pei
Like most other Chinese breeds, the Shar-Pei is genetically very ancient. Despite its appearance, its genes are very similar to those of wolves. Although the exact history of the breed is uncertain, there are pottery images depicting Shar-Pei dogs from 206 BC.
# 10 – Basenji
The Basenji is a small to medium sized hunting dog from Africa. Like other wild dogs and wolves, the Basenji is known for meowing rather than barking. Genetically, the breed is considered archaic and closely related to its wild ancestors.
#11 – Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is the smallest of the Japanese breeds and also a very ancient breed. It was originally used to hunt rabbits and birds, but is now more commonly seen as a family companion. Its DNA makes it one of the oldest living dog breeds.
# 12 – Akita
Often considered the larger version of the Shiba Inu, the Akita is a guardian dog from Japan. Like the Shiba, it is genetically very ancient and resembles its wild ancestors. Although the Japanese and American Akitas have become two very different types and were once considered separate breeds in some countries, they are still relatively similar.
#13 – Alaskan Malamute
This large northern breed was developed for sledding and sledding and it is still used today for this function. With its wolf-like appearance, it’s no surprise that this Alaskan native is very closely related to their wild ancestors.
#14 – Chow Chow
Of all the Chinese dog breeds, the Chow Chow looks like its wildest ancestor. Although there are still a lot of differences, the breed has ancient genetic origins and is considered one of the oldest dog breeds still in existence. They have an original temperament and have been used as guard dogs since 150 BC.
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