The faithful relationship between dogs and humans is undeniable. Evidence has shown that dogs were the first animals domesticated by humans. In fact, fossils from 30,000 years ago had dog accessories. Dogs were found buried alongside humans. It shows that dogs have been human companions in multiple fields. They were used for hunting and herding. They have been used in sledding. Different militaries across the world have used dogs as well. Here are the five Asian dog breeds that have remarkable histories with humans.
Central Asian Shepherd
The Central Asian Shepherd is known by many other names, including the Central Asian Alabai, Alabay, and Ovcharka. Like other shepherds, these large-sized dogs have always been seen protecting their owners and families. They are quite loyal and friendly dogs.
One of the amazing things about this breed is that no one knows its exact origin in history. Neither the year nor the ancestor of this breed is known. They are estimated to have been produced over 5,000 years ago by natural selection. Despite this fact, it is one of the strongest Asian dog breeds that are not afraid of its large predators and has been a human companion since its birth.
- Average Height: 25.5-27.5 inches
- Average Weight: 88-110 pounds
- Average Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
Japanese Chin
Small dog breeds are often the calmest and friendliest of all. The Japanese Chin is no different from them. These dogs have got a royal history. In the very beginning, they accompanied the merchants traveling down the Silk Road due to their friendly nature. These merchants then gifted these dogs to the royal personalities living in the palaces. Back then, only people with high ranks were allowed to keep Japanese Chins as pets. But why are they called Japanese Chin? It is because later they were gifted to Japanese dignitaries.
- Average Height: 8-11 inches
- Average Weight: 7-11 pounds
- Average Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Pekingese
Pekingese belong to the group of toy dogs due to their small size and friendly nature. These dogs were also bred by the Chinese and are known to have royal history. Amazingly, these dogs were not allowed to be introduced outside the palace and were only kept as companions by the prince and other noble people of the palace.
Later, when the British attacked the old Beijing during the Opium war, these dogs were introduced to other countries. They were adored for their cuteness and kept as pets by ordinary people. Their loyalty toward their owners astonished the British. They found five Pekingese guarding the body of a mistress inside a palace room, who didn’t want to die from the British weapon and preferred suicide.
- Average Height: 6-14 inches
- Average Weight: 7-18 pounds
- Average Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Black Russian Terrier
Black Russian Terriers are among the Asian dog breeds that can thrive in harsh winters thanks to their thick black coats. They are not very welcoming to strangers but make good friends with kids. They are one of the most intelligent breeds out there. Thanks to it, they are easy to train. They are very brave dogs and can fight off predators. They seem to have some extra energy and are always seen playing around.
Most of their qualities are the result of their human companionship during wartime. The Russian military used these dogs in harsh winters as their companions on the borders during the 1950s. They were bred because the Russians lost their guard dogs in WWII. The Black Russian Terriers substituted those guard dogs very well and are now kept as pets in other countries as well.
- Average Height: 26-30 inches
- Average Weight: 80-130 pounds
- Average Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Afghan Hound
Afghan hounds are among the long-haired Asian dog breeds. Though they need a lot of grooming, they can be amazing pets for busy people. They know how to enjoy their alone time and can be left alone for some time. With that said, they are quite independent and are sometimes hard to train.
They are considered to be one of the most ancient breeds of dogs. In many legends, they are referred to by the names “Noah’s dogs” and “The King of Dogs.” It is because these legends report Afghan hounds being rescued from Noah’s Ark.
- Average Height: 25-27 inches
- Average Weight: 50-60 pounds
- Average Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Conclusion
Dogs and humans have made history together. These were the first ever animals domesticated by humans. They have accompanied men not only as pets but have also helped them in wartime, hunting, herding, and a lot of other tasks. From Central Asian Shepherds to Afghan Hounds, these are some of the Asian dog breeds that have remarkable histories.
