Pariah
Pariahs are dogs that have lived next to humans for thousands of years, but have not been subject to interference with their reproduction. They are also called primitive because they were shaped by natural selection rather than artificial selection. Pariah breeds became hardy, unpretentious and independent of humans.
Indian pariah dog. Photo by Vengolis on Wikimedia Commons. CC BY-SA 4.0
Aso
The Philippine Aso is an ancient dog, its history goes back several tens of thousands of years. It is difficult to train, but people do not give up trying, since Aso is a born hunter. When chasing prey, thanks to its sharp claws, it can even climb a tree.
Representatives of the breed live mainly in the tropical forests of the Philippine Islands. They are known locally as "jungle dogs."
Externally, Aso are strong and lean, with brown fur and black stripes. Character independent, aggressive. Only true connoisseurs are ready to get a dog, since raising one is extremely difficult.
Bali dog
Mountain dog of the island of Bali - this is the name you can find the breed under. It is native to Indonesia, rare and poorly domesticated by humans. He lives near human settlements, but does not need company.
photo: Culture Trip
The Bali Dog is known for its endurance and vitality. Medium height, medium length, fluffy fur, mostly light in color. If you start raising a puppy from the first months of life, he will grow up to be a devoted and loving family member. However, he will remain wary of strangers and will not get along with other animals. Basenji
Among the pariahs, the Basenji is one of the most famous breeds. Basenjis are native to Africa, where they are known as forest dogs from the Congo. The peculiarity of dogs of this breed is that they do not bark. They are quiet and purposeful hunters, and for these qualities Basenjis are loved in Europe.
They have an elegant harmonious physique. The coat is smooth, red and white, brindle or black and white. Less common are cream, red or marbled dogs.
Basenjis have a strong independent character. They have a tendency to make independent decisions and do not always listen to human commands.
Canaan dog
Photo from Wikipedia website
The only species bred in Israel. In the ancient world, the Canaan dog was well known to people, but after losing attention it began to run wild. Although she retained close proximity to people.
Easily trainable. There is no aggression in his character, but he treats strangers with caution. He becomes very attached to his owner and gets along well with children. May behave cockily towards other dogs.
Canaanites are strong and muscular and of medium size. Boys are significantly larger than girls. The coat is coarse and dense, providing good protection from the sun. Color ranges from sand to dark brown.
Jindo
Photo from Instagram account dikichika
This is an ancient hunting breed native to South Korea. There it is recognized as a national treasure of the country. Jindos are not uncommon inside the state, but outside their borders it is difficult to find them.
Medium-sized dogs with a harmoniously developed body. The coat is thick, with a double undercoat. The color is usually light: white, fawn or gray. Jindos have a calm, balanced character.
They have a lot of energy and need physical and mental activity. They don’t get along well with other animals, but they are devoted to their family until their last breath. They try to please, are ready to protect from any danger and warn about it with loud barks.
Dingo
Photo from Wikipedia website
Dingoes appeared in Australia as early as the 8th millennium BC. They were domesticated by humans, but then went wild and became predators. They can be dangerous, by nature they are real wolves and require special attention and attitude. In some countries they are not even allowed to be kept as pets.
Dingoes are smart and independent. Parenting requires enormous patience, not because they cannot understand something, but because their instincts are adapted to a free life. They do not get along well with other animals; they are prey for them.
The physique is strong, height and weight are average. Externally similar to wolves or coyotes. The coat is short and dense, with undercoat. Usually dingoes are red or yellow, less often - gray, black or motley.
Indian Spitz
Photo from Wikipedia website
A working breed originally from India. It was used to guard the herd, and less often for hunting. Gradually she lost her purpose and gave in to others, becoming more independent of the person.
Indian Spitz dogs are kind and playful. Even without a person, they will always find something to do with themselves. They need early socialization and human love, without this they can show aggression. The breed is included in the list of the smartest dogs. Easy to train and learn tricks. Captures a person's mood.
Hoy
Hoy is native to North Africa. They have long been companions of nomads. Strong and slender legs allowed them to walk great distances and follow a person everywhere.
The character is calm and unperturbed. This is a dog that chooses one owner for itself and listens only to him. He treats other people without aggression, but if the owner gives a sign, he will not let them near. Peruvian Inca Orchid
The breed is common among the peoples of Latin America. She was originally a greyhound, then moved into the category of a companion. They were often taken on the road because, thanks to their high body temperature, Peruvians warm themselves well.
Breed standards include different types of dogs. It can be small, medium and large, as well as hairless and covered with hair. The physique is light and graceful. The skin is smooth and elastic.
By nature, he is a calm and smart dog with a lively disposition. A good watchman. Attached to home and owner and does not like to leave them.
Vietnamese Phu Coc
The breed lives only on the island of the same name in Vietnam. The dog is a born hunter with a high level of intelligence and a friendly disposition. Adapts well to conditions, is loyal to people and animals. We train well, and even without the help of a dog handler, a person will be able to teach him commands.
Photo: bambooclub
Fu Kok is of medium size, well-developed muscles and short hair. On the ridge, the wool grows in the opposite direction. The dog's specialty is its jumping ability. He can jump one and a half meters.
Santal dog
Santals are native to India and are especially common in rural and lowland areas. There is a version that claims that they have close family ties with the Australian dingo. The Santal dog was used for hunting and sometimes even as a source of meat.
Photo: io.ua
He never shows aggression towards people, but remembers behavior well. If a person is kind, she will gladly respond to affection. If you offend, you will never approach again.
Sika
Sika is a Japanese breed, descended from island wolves, as experts suggest. This is a passionate hunter with a stubborn and independent disposition. The person must show who is boss in the house, then the dog will obey and remain faithful for life.
Sika has a typical appearance for Japanese dogs: a bushy tail with a ring, “plush” hair, triangular ears. Size is medium. But the dog has better developed muscles, and the color is dark, wolfish.
New Guinea singing dog
Photo from Wikipedia website
A feral dog living in the forests of New Guinea. Ancient people hunted with the help of dogs, but did not completely domesticate them. It became truly famous only in the 20th century.
Externally, the dog is similar to a dingo, but smaller in size and more dexterous and flexible. The color is most often brown. Known for howling, reminiscent of birdsong.
The character is strong, they like to dominate. New Guineans are brave and tenacious and do not accept failure. They are friendly to people, but remain independent. The main trait is curiosity.
Telomian
The only breed native to Asia Minor. At home they are considered equal to mongrels. Previously, people used it to hunt snakes and rats. Their intelligence and intelligence make them stand out from other breeds in the region.
- Photo: wikimedia
Telomians are medium in size and have a compact build. The coat is short and dense, red or black with markings.
Telomians are obedient and loyal. They have a lot of energy and love to play. They get along well with children. They are unpretentious to conditions and are ready to live in any conditions.
Xoloitzcuintle
Photo from Instagram account nature_greatshots
National treasure of Mexico. Excellent watchmen who sense the approach of a stranger long ago. Previously, Xoloitzcuintles were sacrificed to the gods and endowed with otherworldly powers.
Affectionate towards all family members, but devoted to only one. The breed must be respected, otherwise it will not take root. Balanced, but sometimes too playful.
Xoloitzcuintles come in small, medium and large sizes, making them suitable even for apartment living. The fur is either absent or short and harsh.
Primitive dog breeds
Home \ ABOUT THE BREED \ Primitive dog breeds
Primitive dog breeds
Primitive dog breeds do not mean stupid, etc. Primitive dog breeds were created by nature and without human intervention, only through natural selection. Primitive breeds developed under conditions of extensive subsistence farming under the strong influence of natural selection. These breeds are well adapted to local natural conditions, have little variability, the animals are hardy, and are characterized by low but universal productivity. Primitive dog breeds retain features similar to their wild wolf ancestor, such as erect ears, a wedge-shaped muzzle, an almost square, slightly elongated format, small, deep-set eyes often with an oblique slit, and an independent character. Some also have a moderate number of pups, can feed them regurgitated meat, and have one heat per year only at certain times of the year.
Aboriginal breeds: dog breeds of a particular region or country that have not been crossed with imported dogs of cultivated breeds, well adapted to local climatic and economic conditions. The productivity of native dogs is usually low, but universal. It is worth noting that not every native dog breed is primitive.
Pariah: The term pariah here refers to a local or regional group of dogs that have lived and reproduced without human influence since at least prehistory. Although pariahs may have been domesticated in the past, their modern morphology has evolved only under the influence of natural selection. Although they are quite domesticated animals, they are able to survive on human waste and partly by hunting small animals. In many areas of their distribution, they are mixed with abandoned or lost dogs of cultural breeds or their crosses. As a result of this, the pariahs significantly lost their wild, aboriginal appearance. Not all pariah dogs in the past and now lived and live wildly.
Phenotypically Aboriginal: These breeds retain traces of aboriginal/primitive dogs, but their history is not sufficiently documented to judge whether they are autochthonous, a throwback to a historical type, or whether they were created by crossing with aboriginal breeds.
Those breeds that can still be restored to this day, their minimal populations, should be preserved, since they represent the cultural heritage of indigenous peoples. In addition, aboriginal dog breeds are carriers of a unique genetic fund, a reserve for improving many existing factory breeds that originate from them. It is studies of aboriginal populations that can answer the question of the origin of the domestic dog, as well as some questions relating to human ecology.
Many people know that the dog was the first domesticated animal. Comparisons of morphology, physiology, behavior and recent studies of mitochondrial DNA indicate that all dog breeds are descended from a single ancestor - the wolf.
The domestication of the wolf occurred about 15,000 years ago in Asia. Later, dogs began to spread among the human tribes of the world through migrations, wars and trade. The presence and participation of dogs provided humans with valuable experience, and this accelerated and facilitated the domestication of other animals. The domestication and modification of dogs continued wherever they were brought with people, and this largely depended on the traditions of their owners and local conditions. Together with people, dogs have significantly expanded their distribution range, populating all continents and landscapes, from polar deserts to tropical forests, and many islands of the southern seas, except Antarctica. As a result, indigenous dog breeds were formed.
The word aboriginal means “primordial,” and the name aboriginal dogs in this case applies to dogs of certain geographical areas of the world where they were discovered and described by travelers, ethnographers and naturalists. Naturally, their history in each particular place is connected with the history of the people with whom they live. Therefore, a significant part of the information about them came to us from ethnographic sources. Aboriginal dog breeds were formed under conditions of primitive selection and free breeding. They reproduced almost without artificial restrictions and with a minimum of care on the part of their owners. In some countries, they still live today the same way they lived hundreds and thousands of years ago. Physical isolation separated different groups of people from their dogs, and this was enough to ensure that the accumulated differences between local breeds persisted and became increasingly stable. Strictly speaking, these were not breeds in the modern sense, because there was no purposeful selection of pairs during the breeding process, the dogs multiplied uncontrollably. Many dogs were involved in breeding, and the mortality of puppies was the main limitation on their population growth. Differences between geographically close breeds were often only statistical, and dogs with mixed traits were common where trade contacts took place between their owners. Natural selection has always played a large role, and selection for qualities that people need came into play only when the owner supported the most valuable dogs in difficult times. For example, he gave food at the highest price to a bitch or moved her puppies inside the house in bad weather.
In addition to the primitiveness of traditional keeping and selection, we can also talk about the primitiveness of the dogs’ appearance, mental make-up, hunting style and other traits. Among native breeds, some individuals may have more primitive traits than others. Aboriginal dogs with primitive appearance living today are the oldest breeds in the world. In general terms, their appearance is quite typical in all countries and is easily recognizable by visible “wild” characteristics, such as an almost square or slightly elongated format, a wedge-shaped head with a pointed muzzle, obliquely set ears, and erect ears. These are dogs such as Russian huskies, dingoes and basenjis. Of course, in each region of the world they differ in details of appearance, such as coat color and length, head proportions, ear size and placement, and body size and proportions. There are also differences related to reproduction: the most primitive of them have one estrus per year in a strictly defined season. But much stronger are their differences in innate reactions to wild and domestic animals, familiar and unfamiliar people, and the tendency to hunt, guard, work in a sled, general obedience, etc. There are ancient aboriginal breeds that have become very specialized for a certain job, for example, tazy or Caucasian Shepherd Dogs, but they also carry primitive features in their character, working style and physiology. The evolution of indigenous breeds continued until recently. However, the growth of the human population and the global spread of cosmopolitan culture have become a serious threat to their existence. Many unique native dogs have already become extinct, others have become rare and are losing their uniqueness due to mixing with imported dogs of cultivated (farm) breeds. Those native breeds that have received recognition from kennel clubs also lose their original advantages by turning into factory breeds bred for exhibition sports. Primitive aboriginal dogs are more biologically advanced and better adapted to survive without human care. Aboriginal dogs, used by people for some kind of work or living freely, are built functionally correctly, without any excesses: their movements and running are economical, accurate, well-coordinated and light, like those of wild canines. This has always been supported by strict, albeit unconscious selection.
Other features of their perfection include a full set of large, symmetrically located teeth that are strong throughout life, something that many popular factory breeds rarely boast. They have a long potential active life span, innate immunity and greater resistance to local diseases transmitted by ticks and blood-sucking insects, and even immunity or tolerance to ticks, fleas and worms; Great endurance while working on the hunt, on sleds or when herding and protecting herds in difficult climatic conditions. They require less food because their digestion is more efficient. During a hunt, a primitive dog uses the entire range of senses given to it by nature to quickly find the game, just as a wolf would do. Unfortunately, primitive dogs began to be replaced by factory breeds and disappear, first in cities, then in individual countries, and finally, by the mid-twentieth century, their extinction accelerated on a worldwide scale. In some geographic areas, the extinction of native dogs also occurs as a result of changes in the lifestyle of the indigenous population. Unfortunately, efforts to save still living native dogs from extinction face many challenges. Zoologists, for the most part, do not study them because they consider them a trivial subject. After all, dogs are pets. National and international environmental organizations are not interested in them because indigenous dogs do not belong to wild species and, according to existing legislation, cannot be considered species that are in danger of extinction. They are not in the Red Book.
Aboriginal dogs are of great value to all dog lovers as unique creations of nature and man. Nowadays, when they are becoming rare, hobbyists are showing more and more interest in them. In order to unite the efforts of aboriginal dog lovers, the Primitive Aboriginal Dog Society (PADS) was founded in 1999 by Janice Kohler-Matznik.
A growing number of scientists agree that the dog is an evolutionary product descended from the southern race of wolves, and that the final step towards domestication took place in the east. The "domestic dog" became a reality as humanity transitioned from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to a more sedentary lifestyle. This process was completed by the end of the last ice age, that is, about 12 thousand years ago. Since the beginning of domestication, dogs quickly spread throughout Eurasia, reached America through Beringia, traveled with the Jomo people to Japan, sailed with Asian sailors to the Pacific Islands, accompanied nomadic shepherds with their herds, and came through the Suez Canal to Africa. As such, domestic dogs are not endemic to Africa. Like most other parts of the world, they came as immigrants. On the African continent, archaeologists have found the earliest remains of domestic dogs in Nabta Playa, Merim de Beni Salam and Maladi. All these places are located near the Nile Estuary in Egypt. Radiocarbon dating has shown that domestic dogs arrived in Africa about 7,000 years ago. During the first millennium after their appearance in Africa, dogs spread along the Nile River and throughout the northern region of the country, where Sudan is now located. Paintings on pots excavated near the ancient settlement of Hierakonpolis depict dogs on leashes or wearing collars. They clearly show that the dog was an important part of the Neolithic way of life in the area. This characteristic Neolithic art dates back to 5,700 years ago. We also have evidence that at the same time, domestic dogs accompanied nomadic pastoral tribes as they drove their herds into the Sahara region, which at that time was not as dry as it is now. Rock art discovered in the Hoggar and Tibesti mountains depicts scenes of hunting with dogs. And here archaeologists were able to date these finds 5,700 years ago. Further, archaeological evidence shows that the dog continued to spread further into western Africa and further along the Nile into the northern parts of Uganda and Kenya. It should be noted that the spread throughout northern Africa occurred long before the first pharaoh began to rule Egypt 5,300 years ago.
CHARACTER: These are primitive dogs. Their behavioral traits are not distorted and very bright. They become strongly attached to people, but are not intrusive, undemanding, exceptionally smart and resilient. They are willing to train and work, especially in a situation where they can take advantage of their natural intelligence. For example, teach them to track and search and you will be amazed at the results. They even accept our traditional obedience training, but do it only for positive rewards.
breed to the “primitive” type means that the dog is cool, interesting, closest to nature, with an unusual individual character. Primitive breeds are perfectly adapted to life without humans in the community of their fellows. These are the breeds least susceptible to the influence of humanity and artificial selection; they were formed a long time ago, regardless of people, and have remained so. These are the most natural dogs.
Semi-hounds of the Mediterranean
A very unique group of Mediterranean dogs, often classified as greyhounds: Canarian Podenco, Ibicenco Podenco, Portuguese Podengo, Sicilian Greyhound, Pharaoh Hound. These dogs have recently become of interest to cynologists, and so far they cannot agree on whether they should be considered greyhounds, hounds, Spitz dogs, or whether they should be singled out separately. Therefore, during the short history of factory breeding of Mediterranean dogs in the FCI, they have already been transferred from one group to another. First of all, it should be noted that all of these dogs are considered direct descendants of one of the ancient Egyptian hunting dogs. A similar large greyhound-like dog with erect ears and a curled tail appeared on the frescoes and bas-reliefs of Ancient Egypt beginning in the third millennium BC. It is well known to modern dog handlers under the name tezem. Thesesems, for example, are depicted in drawings from the tomb of Ptahhotep, dating back to the 3rd millennium BC. e., on one of which we see a hunter with two dogs, and on the other - a tezem who took a large antelope from the area. Many cynologists believe that the ancient Egyptian theses are the ancestors of almost all greyhounds. And one of the breeds from the island of Malta, due to its similarity with the name, and also to a large extent thanks to the efforts of English dog handlers, even received the name “Pharaoh dog”. And paying tribute to the ancient origins of these dogs, clubs of “pharaoh” lovers in England and the USA chose as their emblems the image of a dog found in the tomb of Antef II and dating back to 2000 BC. e. Whether the namesake was the ancestor of greyhounds or not is still impossible to say for sure, since in the middle of the second millennium BC. e. in Ancient Egypt, images of the tezem are already being replaced by a dog with hanging ears and a low tail. But the fact that the greyhound-like hunting dogs of the Mediterranean descend from dogs similar to the Tesema and, apparently, had not only the Egyptians, but also other ancient peoples of this region, is almost beyond doubt. It is believed that these hunting dogs were brought in ancient times to the shores and islands of the Mediterranean Sea, first by the Phoenicians, and then by the Greeks, Carthaginians and Romans. These ancient dogs lived for many centuries on the Mediterranean coasts of Greece, Italy, Spain, France, Crete, Malta, Sicily, the Balearic and Canary Islands. Thus, on a coin from Sicily dating back to approximately 400 BC. e., depicts a dog very similar to the modern Sicilian greyhound. And, for example, such dogs are believed to have arrived on the Balearic Islands, located in the western part of the Mediterranean Sea, already at the beginning of the first millennium BC. e., and maybe earlier, and they have survived here to this day without much change. Of course, everywhere their own local types of hunting dogs were formed. However, they turned out to have a lot in common in exterior: head type, erect ears, straight topline, manner of carrying the tail, range of colors, amber eye color and flesh-colored nose. In addition, they are used in similar conditions, and the manner of work of these dogs is almost the same. Since ancient times, Mediterranean dogs have been used to catch rabbits and hunt other small animals. They have always been distinguished by good scent, vision and hearing - essentially the same properties as our domestic huskies. And now, they are not only able to work “sightedly,” but also, using their hearing and sense of smell, they are able to detect a rabbit both underground in a hole and in dense thickets. When hunting with these dogs, tame furro ferrets can also be used. In this case, the dog waits at the hole and jumps to catch the expelled animal - a hunting method that was also used with real small greyhounds such as the Italian greyhound. An important feature of these dogs is also the ability, using their scent, to chase game along the scent with a voice like a hound. According to the classification adopted in England and America, Mediterranean dogs belong to the “Hound” group - “greyhounds and hounds” and are considered, in general, greyhounds. However, the combined use of sense organs is a qualitative difference between this group of hunting dogs and real greyhounds, which use vision in pursuit. In addition, the very exterior of the Mediterranean greyhounds does not imply the possession of agility - an integral property of real greyhounds. These dogs are distinguished by their lively temperament, and also, with sufficient independence, by greater contact - qualities that are not very characteristic of real greyhounds. Despite some ability to pursue an animal with a voice using scent, Mediterranean dogs cannot be considered real hounds, which use only scent when searching for and pursuing an animal. However, in the FCI system they were classified as hound dogs for a long time. And from 1987 to 1989, the FCI classified them as greyhound-related breeds, in other words, greyhound-like. These special properties, as well as some characteristics similar to Spitz (Laika) turned out to be quite compelling reasons for many cynologists to classify Mediterranean dogs as a special intermediate group - “half-Spitz” (i.e., “half-Laika”). Therefore, since 1990, these dogs have been classified in FCI Group 5 - “Spitz and primitive types of dogs.” Moreover, for some reason, the Pharaoh Hound is included in section 6 - “primitive types of dogs”, and the Canary Podenco, Ibicenco Podenco, Portuguese Podengo, Sicilian Greyhound in section 7 - “primitive type hunting dogs”. True, the classification of most of these breeds as hunting ones provided certain tax benefits in their countries of origin, which are enjoyed by the owners of hunting dogs and which are deprived of the owners of greyhounds. Although performance tests are still not required for them. Mediterranean greyhounds, despite all the commonality of their characteristics, depending on their place of origin, differ in some exterior features and have their own names. The Spaniards and Portuguese call such dogs respectively “podenco” or “podengo”, which means, of course, the same thing and can be translated as “hare hound”. In the Iberian Peninsula there is the Portuguese Podengo, and the Ibicenco Podenco is also found. The islands are home to two varieties of Spanish Podencos - the Ibicenco Podenco and the Canarian Podenco, as well as the Sicilian Greyhound and Pharaoh Hound. All of these breeds are recognized by the FCI, but in England and the States there are standards only for the Ibicenco Podenco and the Pharaoh Hound.
Greyhounds
They belong to the group of hunting dogs. They do not hunt with the help of scent, but observe and drive. Fast, agile and resilient. They are not well suited for apartment living, as they value freedom. Although, with proper upbringing, they learn to take up a little space and be quiet.
Afghan
Photo from Wikipedia website
The Afghan Hound is a tall and slender hunting dog with long, silky hair that protects well from the cold of the mountains. According to legend, she was among the animals that Noah saved during the Flood. In Europe, the breed was recognized only in the 1920s.
Difficult to train. Loving, playful disposition. Always happy for a person's company and needs attention. He gets along well with children, but sudden sounds and movements from them can frighten the dog. Makes friends with other animals if he knows that this is not prey. Otherwise, it will chase and try to catch.
Azawakh
Photo from Wikipedia website
An African hound that accompanied the nomads of the Sahara for a long time. For them, the Azawakh is a guard, a hunter and proof of their status.
The physique is dry, the muscles are flat - Azawakhs are ideally suited for the desert. He is tall and his limbs are long. The coat is short and thin. The color can be any.
Azawakhs are loyal to only one person, although they do not show their emotions. Ready to protect the territory to the last. They treat strangers with suspicion and do not make contact. Calm disposition, not playful.
Greek Greyhound
An ancient breed that was brought to Greece by the Phoenicians. It is practically not found outside the country.
The Greek Greyhound has an athletic build and strong paws. Strong jaws allow them to hold prey for a long time. The wool is hard and rough. Color: black with tan.
During a hunt, Greeks can be bloodthirsty, but in normal times they are devoid of aggression and love to have fun with people. They are well trained and enjoy following commands.
Sluggi
Photo from Instagram account annarella_szabo
One of the rarest and most ancient breeds. Known in the countries of North Africa, where residents, with the help of servants, hunted hares, wild boars, and gazelles. They were so highly valued that they were warmed with blankets and given the best pieces of meat.
Sluggs have long legs and well-developed muscles, but a graceful build. Their movements resemble those of cheetahs. There is practically no wool. The color is light, occasionally there is a black mask.
Servants are gentle and loyal with their masters; they are distrustful of strangers. They are hardy and adaptable, but love comfort and even luxury. Independence is felt in the character, commands are executed according to the mood.
Saluki
Photo from Wikipedia website
One of the oldest breeds. Designed for hunting small game and gazelles. The Arabs highly valued the Saluki for its strength, endurance and beauty. They were treated like family members.
The dog's character is calm and silent. They are independent and never seek human attention. Affectionate with people and even children. They treat outsiders with distrust.
Saluki is large but graceful. The hair on the body is short, but longer on the ears. Depending on the region, they can be taller and overgrown or short and thin.
Aboriginal dogs - who are they?
You've all probably heard the expression “native breed”; it applies to dogs and cats, as well as any other species of animal. Such animals are also called “natural” or “primitive”. Such breeds of animals, as a rule, are carriers of rare or even disappearing genes, which are completely absent in those bred by breeders. They also differ in appearance and, of course, character. As animals with deeper and more ancient roots, such breeds are much more willful and independent. Native cat breeds include Siberian cats or the Turkish Van cat, which we talked about recently. You don’t have to go far to find representatives of indigenous dog breeds, just look at the Armenian Wolfhound or Samoyed.
If we talk about dogs, not all natural breeds have been officially accepted and recognized by international canine organizations, and therefore only small groups of dog lovers are engaged in breeding them and saving their species. But the concept of “aboriginal” is quite broad and, for simplicity, is divided into four groups.
The first are the so-called pariahs , or wild dogs . They lived next to humans for many, many years, but never depended on people; in essence, these breeds are not far from wolves, although they look different, so they cannot be called mongrels. The population is strictly regulated by cruel natural selection, during which individuals who are unable to adapt and survive simply die. Representatives of these breeds are extremely difficult to train because their instincts are very strong and they are unlikely to ever become a good companion. Aboriginal pariahs include the Xoloitzcuintli, or Mexican hairless dog, which actually lives in Mexico.
Or, for example, the New Guinea singing dog, which lives in the forests. At its core, the New Guinea dog is a subspecies of the wolf, there is evidence that ancient people used them for hunting, but this does not make it domesticated or completely tamed. By the way, they are called singing ones because of the rather unusual manner of howling. The sounds they make are not similar to the familiar howling of yard dogs or wolves, but rather similar to the singing of birds or the sounds of whales.
The next group is the Northern Spitz . This is not quite the charming ball of fluffy fur that we are used to; representatives of the breeds that fall into this group, as a rule, live in the north. By their nature, these are herding dogs, who have been guarding and herding livestock since ancient times, which, by the way, also speaks about their nature - it is impossible to completely tame such dogs, because when you are dealing with livestock, there are situations when you need to act quickly, instinctively . there is not always time to wait for the owner’s command. In addition, such dogs will not be comfortable in urban environments, they need space, and their training requires a lot of time and patience. These breeds include Icelandic dogs, or Icelandic Shepherds.
Another rather striking example is the Karelian bear husky, which, you see, has nothing in common with the tiny Pomeranian Spitz. However, despite the difficulty in caring for and, say, raising, many of the breeds that fall into this group are very popular, and some are even under state protection, since they are of historical value and are a national treasure, such as , Japanese Kishu and Shiba Inu.
The third group of aboriginal dogs is the Mediterranean pointy-eared dog . In ancient times, these dogs were very often used by people for hunting, and therefore even now they have retained their hunting instincts, which can become a serious problem at home. This group includes dogs of the Cirneco dell'Etna breed, or the Sicilian hunting dog; their detailed studies have shown that they have come a long way and were bred in the Nile River valley, during the time of the pharaohs and the pyramids, from where, thanks to the Phoenicians, they came to Sicily. Although their images on coins and engravings of antiquity prove that these dogs could have been in Sicily much earlier...
Another example is the Ibizan Hound or Podenco Ibizenco, a hunting dog whose images, or at least very similar images, were also discovered in Egyptian pyramids and date back to 3000 BC. e. and even much earlier! However, due to the uncontrolled mixing of breeds, to improve health or appearance, there are catastrophically few purebred representatives of this group, which is why the price for them in nurseries is very high.
And finally, the last group is greyhounds . Representatives of aboriginal breeds can rightfully be called the best hunters, which is not surprising. It may be interesting that these aboriginal greyhounds rarely use scent, but hunt “sightedly.” They are also very hardy and capable of developing incredible speed, and therefore, living close to people, they were used more for driving game than for tracking it.
These include Iranian dogs of the Saluki breed, being very elegant, they are quite large and are designed for hunting not only hares, but also gazelles, which indicates their speed and reaction.
And also the Sluggi or Arabian greyhound, known for its incredible agility. So rare and so ancient is the breed that some cave paintings discovered in Tunisia, depicting very similar dogs, date back to the period from 7000 to 5000 BC. e.
Northern Spitz
These indigenous breeds were formed in the northern regions. Historically they were cattle herders. They have dense and thick wool, which protects well from the cold. They are unpretentious to the conditions, but will not take root in hot regions.
Ainu
Photo from Wikipedia website
In Japan, Ainu is a symbol of prosperity and happiness. The inhabitants of the islands bred a strong and fearless breed, with which they could hunt even large animals. Now it is considered a national treasure, and it is prohibited to export it outside the country.
Ainu are fierce hunters, but for humans they are affectionate and devoted friends. They may be aggressive towards strangers. They are extremely understanding and understand their owner perfectly.
Outwardly, Ainu look like a fox. The color can be monochromatic: red, brown, white, gray - or brindle. The fur is fluffy and dense. The Ainu is of medium size, with a well-built body and muscular legs.
Swedish Lapphund
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Lapphunds are guard, hunting and herding dogs. Now they play the role of companions. One of the oldest breeds in the world, which followed the nomads everywhere.
Swedish Lapphunds are slightly smaller than average in size. Externally, it is a typical Spitz. The coat is fluffy, mostly gray or black. Protects well from cold weather.
Lapphunds are an excellent choice for active people. They require regular exercise and this will make them loving and affectionate family members. Friendly, playful.
Finnish Spitz
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The dog comes from Finland and Karelia. People used it to hunt birds and animals. Now she is a national treasure of Finland.
Externally, Finnish Spitz are similar to wolves, but smaller in size and with a fox-like muzzle. The body is large and light. The coat is long and comes in various shades of red.
Spitz dogs have an easygoing disposition, but without activity they can behave badly. They need human attention and pay in return with love and devotion. They react quickly to danger and are ready to defend to the last.
Icelandic
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A herding dog used for herding and guarding herds and searching for lost livestock. It came to Iceland with the Vikings and has remained virtually unchanged since then.
Icelanders are shorter than average, but have an elongated body. The coat can be both long and short, in different shades of red. By nature, he is a friendly and sociable dog, very curious and playful. At the same time, he maintains natural vigilance and reacts to unfamiliar sounds and the approach of strangers.
Canadian Inuit
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The sled dog comes from the Arctic. Also known as the Eskimo Husky. She is now endangered. This is due to the loss of their significance and the development of genetic diseases.
Canadians are large, impressive-looking dogs. Similar to American wolves. The coat is thick and dense. All shades are available. These are smart and loyal animals. The character can be tough, but they love attention and are occasionally the first to show tenderness.
Karelian Bear
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The dog has a strong hunting instinct and can even go after a bear or elk. The breed was formed at the beginning of the previous species, but further wars on the territory of Finland did not allow it to become famous in the world.
Karelian Bear is strong, but not heavy, medium in size. The coat is thick, black or brown with white markings.
Needs early socialization, otherwise it will show aggression towards other animals. The character is complex: the dog is stubborn, independent. Parenting requires experience and a huge supply of patience and respect.
Kai
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The Japanese Tiger Dog is a hunter by nature. Even in Japan it is rare.
The peculiarity of the breed is its brindle color. The most common color is black with stripes, the rarest is red. The body is medium in size, muscular, but agile and agile.
Kais quickly understand what their owner wants from them and, if necessary, can make decisions on their own. They are calm and quiet. They will become good comrades if you give them enough attention and workload.
Kishu
Kishu are a national treasure of Japan, but even within the country it is difficult to find them. They belong to the group of hunting breeds.
- Photo: wikimedia
Outwardly, Kishu are typical Japanese dogs. Height and weight are average, the body is muscular and light. The coat is coarse with a soft undercoat. The most common color is white, less often – red and sesame.
By nature, kishu are calm and balanced dogs that always maintain equanimity. Independent, determined, well trained.
Norwegian Lundehund
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One of the rarest breeds. It appeared in northern Norway, where it was used to hunt puffins. Her unique physique allows her to climb rocks and caves.
Lundehunds are small dogs with a very flexible body. The coat is thick, sometimes with a small collar on the neck. White with spots of other colors. With age, the coat becomes darker.
By nature, Lundehunds are energetic and cheerful. They are obedient, but remain independent. Playful, they love to spend time playing with their owner.
Norwegian Buhund
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Norwegians are multifunctional dogs. They were used as guards, shepherds, companions and even nannies.
Size - slightly smaller than average. The body is light and mobile. The coat is thick, wheaten or black. Boys are much larger and heavier than girls.
The Norwegian's character is loyal, friendly, and reliable. He loves to spend time with people and gets along well with children. Not aggressive, but can be dominant.
Shiba Inu
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The smallest of the 6 Japanese breeds. It has ancient origins, but during the Second World War its numbers almost disappeared. Dog handlers have done painstaking work, and now Shiba Inus are known all over the world.
They are small, proportionally built, with well-developed muscles. Double wool. There are 3 colors: red, black and zone.
Shiba Inus are smart and quick-witted. They love their owner, but remain independent. They do not get along well with other animals. After 3 weeks the dog maintains its cleanliness.
Shikoku
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Shikoku are native to Japan, and even there you rarely see them. They appeared in the Middle Ages and were used for hunting deer and wild boars.
The Shikoku has a lot in common with the wolf: a ferocious appearance, speed and smooth movements. They are strong and powerful. The hard coat is predominantly black in color.
At the same time, Shikoku are obedient and friendly. They have a deep connection with a person. They respond well to training. They need early socialization, otherwise they will show aggression towards other animals.
Greenlandic
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One of the oldest sled breeds. It was the Greenlanders who helped people travel to the North and South Poles. They were also taken with them to hunt large animals.
The muzzle resembles that of a wolf. The coat is thick and hard, of any color. The body is strong and muscular. This is a large dog, and it will be cramped in the apartment.
Greenlandic natives have a harsh temperament towards other animals and strangers, but they become attached to their family and treat them with love. Although they always maintain independence. They require attention from the owner, especially without proper activity.
Eskimo
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The American Eskimo Spitz is related to the Samoyed. The breed is relatively new.
She is better known for her coat. It is very thick and completely white, less often creamy. Thanks to human intervention, Eskimos can now be found in 3 categories: toy, miniature and standard.
The character is flexible. They love human company. Walks and games are always welcome. They get along well with children. Eskimos are gentle, good-natured, but can stand up for themselves and remain wary of strangers.
Mediterranean pointy-eared
The history of these dogs goes back almost 5 thousand years. People used them for work, less often for hunting. Now representatives of the group are rare, which is why the price for them reaches hundreds of thousands. Breeders are actively working on them to improve their appearance, but this has led to the fact that there are no longer any Mediterranean pointy-eared animals that have not changed as a result of human influence.
Cirneco del Etna
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Another name is Sicilian Greyhound. Cirnecos are native to Sicily, where they were used to hunt hares.
The dog has a refined, light build. Height and weight are average. Cirnecos appear fragile, but they are strong and tough. The coat is short and harsh, fawn in color with dark or light shades.
Cirnecos quickly become attached to their owners and have a gentle disposition. With age, they lose their playfulness and become calmer. They can even sleep for days. They get along well with children and other animals.
Ibizan dog
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Previously, Ibissa, also known as Podenco Ibicenco, was used for hunting small game. Now they are racing participants and companions.
Ibissus is tall and slender, with long legs. The coat can be smooth and hard. Color red, white or mixed.
Podenco Ibicenco has a lively mind and a large supply of energy. Girls have a more obedient disposition and love to work. Boys strive to show dominance and do not get along well with other animals.
Itvina
Itwina is native to North and East Africa. Local tribes used them to hunt big game. In the 19th century, Europeans noticed the breed and began to actively crossbreed it with others to improve its qualities.
She is light and agile, strong and muscular. The coat is short, hard, and light in color. The character is confident and strong, independent. They can be stubborn and require a firm hand and experience in education.
Pharaoh Hound
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National breed of the island of Malta. There it is known as "rabbit". This is due to the purpose - rabbit hunting. But it has nothing in common with Ancient Egypt.
The Pharaoh Hound is light and elegant. The physique is ideal for hunting. The coat is bright red or brown, short.
By nature, pharaohs are playful and active. They are smart and easy to train. They are sociable, but distrustful of strangers. They can be stubborn, but they are affectionate with their family.
Portuguese Podenco
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National breed of Portugal. Comes in three sizes. Large dogs were previously considered animals of the noble class, while medium and small dogs were considered the animals of commoners. The former used them for hunting wild boars, the latter for rabbits.
Regardless of their size, mayflies are harmoniously built and have well-developed muscles. The coat is short and coarse - the coat depends on the climatic conditions of the region of residence. Color – yellow and fawn.
Podencos are smart, active, with a stable psyche. They are obedient and get along well with animals and children. They treat strangers with distrust.
Andalusian Podenco
The hunting qualities of Andalusian Podencos are so developed that they are still used to hunt small game and rodents. Like the Portuguese, the Andalusian has 3 types of sizes: large, medium and small. The coat can also be different: hard, long, silky and short. The color is brown with white spots or white with brown spots.
Photo: wikipedia
Podenko is distinguished by special loyalty to its owner. Always happy to spend time with people. He only accepts animals that he grew up with. The character is calm and obedient. Although without attention it can be excessively intrusive.
The list of native dog breeds is long, but few know who is included in it. They developed in one region, in close interaction only with representatives of their breed. Many of them are not accustomed to human company, but with proper upbringing they will grow into loyal and obedient comrades.
Aboriginal breeds in the modern world.
This article was presented at the First International Scientific and Practical Conference: “Aboriginal Dog Breeds as Elements of Biodiversity and the Cultural Heritage of Humanity,” held in 2007 in Kazakhstan by the Primitive and Aboriginal Dog Society (PADS).
The author is Doctor of Biological Sciences L.S. Bogoslovskaya, Chairman of the Scientific Coordination Council for Russian Domestic Dog Breeds at the Russian Institute of Cultural and Natural Heritage.
Currently, the problem of preserving indigenous and local animal breeds, including dogs, is recognized by the world community as one of the important areas for preserving the cultural and natural heritage of our planet. Since 1974, two UN agencies, the Environment Program (UNEP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), have jointly carried out several projects in this direction. The general interest in studying and saving endangered breeds of domestic animals is determined by the following reasons.
1. Aboriginal and local breeds are part of the Earth's biological diversity, that is, they are part of the planetary natural heritage.
2. Aboriginal breeds are always inextricably linked with the ancient cultural traditions of the peoples of the world. For indigenous ethnic groups, these animals are still iconic, often determining the characteristics of their spiritual world and religious identity (dog, horse, domestic reindeer, some breeds of cattle).
3. In so-called intense biocenoses, unique genetic material adapted over centuries and millennia, represented by the totality of gene pools of indigenous and local breeds, often cannot be replaced by any variations of domestic breeds from other regions.
In cases where the gene pool is preserved for a long time in a local area, it represents natural wealth, no less valuable than reserves of coal, oil, gold, etc. In our country, these include the gene pools of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog, northern sled dogs, hunting and reindeer huskies, many local breeds of horses, cattle, and poultry.
The famous Soviet geneticist A.S. Serebrovsky pointed to two processes that change the composition of the gene pool: selection (natural and artificial selection), which seeks to propagate some genes and destroy others, and mutation, which creates new genes. The gene pool of a breed is usually considered as a complex of hereditary inclinations, or a set of genes and their alleles that determine the main characteristics and qualities of the breed. In a literal sense, the gene pool of any type of domestic animal is determined by the diversity of breeds, offspring, populations and individual animals, which generally corresponds to the concept of “genetic resources”.
At one time, Darwin divided the breeds of domestic animals into artificial and natural. The former were bred as a result of targeted human selection activities - they often have an unnatural appearance and, without supporting selection, are largely inclined to lose newly acquired characteristics due, firstly, to a return to the appearance and behavior of the ancestor and, secondly, ongoing variability.
Natural breeds of domestic animals are ancient breeds that retain the appearance of their ancestral forms and have the fewest non-functional signs of domestication. They are optimally adapted to external conditions; due to poor feeding and harsh living conditions, they are distinguished by a strong constitution, great endurance and resistance to local diseases. Natural breeds that have extensive ranges, as a rule, consist of intrabreed groups, which can differ markedly in external characteristics and their purpose. Currently, natural rocks are found in regions of the planet little affected by civilization, although previously they were widespread and existed in all European countries. Deliberate selection rarely influenced them, more often it was unconscious and natural, since such animals take care of themselves and actively adapt to environmental conditions, while being directly influenced by even small differences in external conditions.
A significant part of natural breeds are aboriginal dogs. In our country, these primarily include Arctic and northern hunting and reindeer huskies, sled dogs, Caucasian and Central Asian shepherd dog breeds.
The Central Asian Shepherd is remarkable in that the regions of its historical breeding cover different landscape zones: steppes, semi-deserts, foothills and mountains of Central Asia and the western coast of the Caspian Sea. This breed is one of the oldest on Earth, its age goes back several thousand years. Over its long history, the Central Asian Shepherd “passed” from one pastoral people to another, preserving the regional characteristics of its appearance and behavior, which indicates the richness and stability of the breed’s gene pool, capable of providing the widest adaptations. Modern breeders must draw up breeding programs for these dogs in urban conditions with special care and pay special attention to the small pockets of the breed’s natural habitat that remain in Russia.
Thus, in the author’s opinion, one should be extremely careful about attempts to divide the Central Asian Shepherd Dog into a number of breeds, guided by such particular characteristics as color, some constitutional features, and the belonging of the areas of the current distribution of the breed to different states. This will mean fragmentation of the single gene pool, which may undermine the genetic, including immune and mental, health of the breed as a whole.
Specialists working with indigenous breeds in the territory of the former USSR should begin with an inventory of these breeds: mapping the regions of historical and modern breeding, describing the use of each breed for its intended purpose. This will help install:
1. degree of preservation and possibility of sustainable reproduction of the breed;
2. population and morphological structure of the breed, in other words, the level of intrabreed variability;
3. the modern economic need of a particular breed, since it is extremely difficult to preserve breeds that have lost their economic importance.
In conclusion, it is necessary to dwell on the moral principles of attitude towards indigenous dog breeds. You need to know a lot about each breed that was created by ancient peoples and, in many cases, preserved by other peoples, passing it on over the centuries literally “from hand to hand.” Our task is to preserve for future generations indigenous breeds of dogs and other domestic animals as unique objects of the natural and cultural heritage of the Earth.
