Dogs

Ancient Dog Breeds

Fourteen ancient breeds of dog have recently been identified through advances in DNA analysis. These breeds of domesticated dog show the fewest genetic differences from wolves. The breeds are geographically diverse, including dogs from Siberia, Japan, Alaska, China, Tibet, and Africa.

The identification of the fourteen "Ancient" dog breeds was established in the article "Genetic Structure of the Purebred Domestic Dog" in the journal Science [1], Volume 304 (May 21, 2004).

The fourteen ancient breeds

The following are the dog breeds listed as ancient in the published study and their countries of origin:

• Afghan Hound (Afghanistan)
• Akita (Japan)
• Alaskan Malamute (United States (Alaska))
• Basenji (Congo)
• Chow Chow (China)
• Lhasa Apso (Tibet)
• Pekingese (China)
• Saluki (Egypt)
• Samoyed (Siberia)
• Shar Pei (China)
• Shiba Inu (Japan)
• Shih Tzu (China/Tibet)
• Siberian Husky (Siberia)
• Tibetian Terrier (Tibet)

Controversy

There is some controversy over the results of the study, as some have noted that breeding between wolves and specific breeds in recent times may have led to inaccurate results. As a result of these breedings, the offspring would have gained genetic similarities with wolves and may mask the truth about the real differences between the breed and wolves before these interbreedings.

External links

• The Journal Science
• NY Times
• Working Dog Web

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