We’re blessed to have so many amazing dog breeds around the world.
Afghanistan Dog Breeds
1. The Afghan Hound
Description:
The Afghan Hound is a breed originating in Afghanistan and has a very unique, elegant appearance.
The female Afghan stands approximately 25 inches tall, while the male stands a little taller, averaging at 27 inches.
The Afghan has a very regal appearance, with a proud carriage and long, silky coat.
The Afghan hound has a long, narrow head and muzzle, with long ears that are often covered up by even longer fur.
The coat of the Afghan hound is long, fine, and silky, and comes in shades of black, red, cream, blue, brindle, domino, white, or black and tan.
Afghan puppies don’t resemble their adult parents. Instead, they are born with short, fluffy hair. It is only after about one year that the coat begins to shed and the longer, glossy fur starts to grow in its place.
Personality and Temperament
The Afghan Hound is a strong-willed and independent breed and is fiercely brave, but at times also very timid.
This breed tends to bond closely with one person, and though they are not aggressive or dominant, they often come off as indifferent to outsiders or strangers.
Because of this indifference, Afghans are not the best Asian dog breeds for guarding the home. In other words, they do not make good watchdogs.
Because an Afghan dog is such an independent thinker, they can be a challenge to train. They do not possess a strong desire to please their owners, nor are they strongly motivated by food.
They can often be stubborn and uncooperative, even for the most confident owners.
While some large Asian breeds of dog require strong, dominant owners, the Afghan may become withdrawn with such handling. They do best with gentle handling and a lot of patience.
The breed does not require a lot of exercises and is often described as both quiet and lazy.
History:
The Afghan hound breed is a member of the sighthound family and was originally bred by the nomads of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northern India.
Sadly, much of the history of the Afghan breed has been lost in time, but it is well known that they were often used in the past for chasing down both large and small game.
The breed was first brought out of the Middle East in the 19th century by British soldiers, and they were first recognized by the AKC in 1926.
The breed reached its peak popularity in the 1970s when it became known for its sense of regalness and glamour.
Despite their history as hunters, the breed is mostly now kept as house pets and show dogs. It is well known in the Middle East, as well as in North America.
💡 DID YOU KNOW?
- The popularity of the Afghan hound peaked in the 1970s when Barbie first found her way into North American homes, with her friendly Afghan hound as her pet of choice.
- Because so many people purchase Afghans without knowing precisely what they get themselves in for, many end up in shelters and up for adoption.
- Pablo Picasso owned an Afghan Hound named Kabul. It was featured in his 1962 painting “Femme au Chien”, which sold for over $10 million.
2. Kuchi Dog
Sabawoon Nezami [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
The Kuchi is a large breed of dog that is large-boned, with a massive head. They stand between 32-41 inches in height and weigh anywhere between 84-176 pounds.
The large variety in weight of the Kuchi dog is because they come in three different types:
- mountain-types- Have bigger boned, and has medium to long length fur.
- steppe-types- lighter in bone structure, and has short to medium-length fur,
- desert types- and the desert type has a short, dense coat with a woolen undercoat.
Despite their varieties, each type of Kuchi dog generally has cropped ears that sit close to their head, along with docked tails.
All varieties come in several different colors including red, fawn, grey, and black, and are often described as looking like “lions”.
Personality and Temperament:
The Kuchi is a fierce, courageous, and strong breed of dog that makes an excellent guardian and protector.
The breed is exceptionally gentle and loyal to their owner but can be very suspicious of strangers.
The Kuchi is a “pack” breed of dog, and can be very territorial, and often sees outsiders as threats.
When confronted with a predator, they will be fearless to death.
For this reason, it’s essential to socialize your Kuchi at a young age to avoid any aggression towards strangers and to help them determine the difference between a stranger and a threat.
Because they are so territorial, the Kuchi often do not do well with other pets and do not make good companions at the dog park.
The breed is very athletic, agile, and fast, and is happiest when given a job to do.
In history, the Kuchi was bred for protecting livestock and guarding against thieves, so they do best in areas with lots of room to roam.
They are not suited for the usual Western way of life in a family home and are not recommended as family companions.
History:
The Kuchi breed was first discovered by the Kochis or Kuchis people and was used by Afghanistan nomads to guard their caravans against thieves and their livestock against predators.
From the centuries that they spent traveling as nomads, the Kuchi dog developed to be very self-sufficient, with the ability to catch their food and adapt to a variety of different terrains and climates.
Unfortunately, the exact origins and ancestry of the Kochi are unknown, as are the exact dates in which they were first discovered.
Some people believe, however, that the Kuchi is a close relative to the Central Asian Ovcharka.
The breed is higher in numbers throughout Pakistan and Afghanistan, but rare throughout the rest of the world.
💡DID YOU KNOW?
- The Kuchi is not currently recognized by any Kennel Clubs in the Western World
- Sadly, large dogs like the Kuchi are still entered into illegal blood sport in some regions of Afghanistan
Indonesian Dog Breeds
1.Kintamani Dog
Imk0278 at English Wikipedia [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
The Kintamani is a mid-sized breed of dog that stands between 16-22 inches in height and weighs between 29-37 pounds.
The breed is a spitz-type dog with an elegant appearance. The Kintamani has high set, triangular ears that stand upright on top of the head.
They have muscular necks and broad chests, along with long, curled tails.
The breed has a thick, double coat of fur, and comes in shades of white, black, brown, and beige.
Personality and Temperament:
The Kintamani is extremely independent and often territorial.
Though they are affectionate and caring towards members of their family, they can be highly aggressive around other dogs.
Kintamani’s tend to share an intense bond with one particular owner but will share their love with all family members – including children.
Because of their territorial nature, the Kintamani makes an excellent guard dog. With that being said, they do have a strong prey drive, and should not be left alone around cats or other small animals.
The breed is extremely intelligent and resourceful, but because they are so independently minded, they can also be difficult to train.
They require a strong, dominant owner that can be both loving and affectionate, yet firm and consistent.
History:
The Kintamani is an ancient breed of dog that originated in Bali. Throughout history, many of these dogs have been feral.
As such, the breed was developed without human interference, and purely through breeding on behalf of the dogs themselves.
Ancestors of the Kintamani are believed to be the Malamute, the Chow, and the Samoyed.
Today, many Kintamani in Bali are still feral, though they are often taken in as pets too. They officially became recognized as a distinct breed of dog in Bali in 2006.
Sadly, a rabies outbreak in 2008 drastically decreased the Kintamani population in Bali, dropping it from 600,000 to less than 150,000.
Today, it’s believed that there are less than 12 000 Kintamani dogs in the Bali region, and fans of the breed are engaging in efforts to keep it alive.
💡DID YOU KNOW?
- The Kintamani is very vocal and energetic and does not do well in small homes or apartment settings.
- The Kintamani are excellent swimmers!
- In areas of Indonesia, Kintamani dogs are trained to sniff out narcotics
Vietnamese Dog Breeds
1.The Bac Ha Dog
Description:
The Bac Ha dog is a mid-sized dog that originates in Vietnam and is native to the Lao Cai province.
They originate from the cold, mountainous regions of Vietnam, and their thick main reflects their geography.
The Bac Ha dog has a thick, fluffy coat of fur that comes in colors of grey, tan, white, gold, black, and brindle. Some may have reddish hair as well.
The breed is described as being extremely majestic in appearance.
Personality and Temperament:
The Bac Ha has long been used as a hunting and guarding dog, and has been described as extremely territorial.
Despite their territorial nature, however, the Bad Ha has a calm, docile temperament, and is very loyal to their owners.
They are described as being highly intelligent and easy to train.
History:
Sadly, the Bac Ha dog is one of the lesser-known breeds in Vietnam, so not much is known about their history.
What is known, however, is that they originated in the mountainous regions of Northern Vietnam, which led them to develop their thick fur coat, along with their excellent hunting abilities.
💡DID YOU KNOW?
- The Bac Ha dog is an extremely intelligent, loyal breed of dog that is easy to train and very disciplined – they make good pets for first-time dog owners.
2. Dingo Indochina
Description:
The Dingo Indochina is a mid-sized breed of dog that stands weighs between 26-44 pounds, and stands between 15-20 inches tall.
The breed has large ears that stand erect on the top of the head and a fat round tail.
The breed has short fur that usually comes in shades of black or yellow.
In order to be considered purebred, the Dingo Indochina must have four legs with all white paws.
Personality and Temperament:
The Dingo Indochina is a very wise, independent, and territorial breed of dog.
They are often raised for hunting and guarding.
Sadly, because the breed is so rare, not much else is known about their temperament.
History:
The Dingo Indochina is a primitive breed of dog that originated in the mountainous regions of Vietnam.
The exact origins of the breed are unknown, but legend has it that they may be a cross between the Native Wild Dogs of Vietnam and primitive Asian dogs.
The Dingo Indochina is extremely rare, but when they are bred, it is usually by ethnic minorities for purposes of hunting and guarding.
💡DID YOU KNOW?
- The white paws of the Dingo Indochina are often referred to as “socks.”
- The Dingo Indochina is one of the lesser-known hunting breeds from Vietnam
3. Hmong Dog
Description:
The Hmong dog is a mid-sized breed of dog that is described as possessing a large head, along with large muscles.
They have small, pointy ears that stand erect on top of their head, and are naturally born with short or docked tails.
The Hmong breed boasts a thick coat of fur that comes in a variety of different shades including black, red, black and white, brownish red, and brindle.
Personality and Temperament
In history, the Hmong dog has long been bred for hunting and guarding, and still makes excellent guard dogs to this day.
The breed will protect both their territory and their owner, to whom they are very loyal.
The Hmong dog is very friendly and makes an excellent companion for children.
Their biggest downfall is their deep hatred of cats, as they will kill any cat they encounter.
History:
The Hmong is an ancient breed of dog that originated among the Hmong people who lived in the mountainous areas of Northern Vietnam.
Because they have long lived in treacherous conditions, the breed is very adaptable and flexible to their environment.
They are thought to share close ancestry with wolves, which is evident in their primitive hunting abilities.
Though the breed is rare, many dedicated admirers throughout Vietnam are dedicating their time and efforts to persevere the breed.
💡DID YOU KNOW?
- The Hmong dog is officially recognized by the VKA (Vietnam Kennel Association) as its distinct breed, with official breed standards.
- In the Vietnam Native Dog Club, the Hmong is presented with its own annual national dog show.
4. The Phu Quoc Dog
Description:
The Pho Quoc is a mid-sized breed of dog that stands between 48 to 55 cm in height and weighs between 44 to 55 pounds.
The breed has an athletic, muscular build with a narrow head and large, triangular ears that stand erect on top of the head.
They have a medium length tail that tapers at the end, and a short, coarse coat of fur. The Pho Quoc can come in a variety of different colors, including black, red, yellow, and brindle.
Personality and Temperament:
The Pho Quoc is a dignified and graceful dog that is known for being a faithful companion to their owners.
They are natural hunters and will protect their families from danger when deemed necessary.
Their protective instincts will cause them to bark at strangers, but this barking will rarely lead to aggression unless the dog feels as though it’s loved ones are in imminent danger.
The breed is naturally sociable and tends to get along well with both children and other dogs.
They are natural hunters and may chase after smaller pets like cats.
The breed is extremely independent, but also loves spending time taking walks, hikes, and runs with their owners. They are also excellent swimmers.
History:
The Phu Quoc dog is a type of ridgeback breed that originated in the Phu Quoc area of Vietnam.
Sadly, the exact origins of the Phu Quoc are not well-documented.
With that being said, there are several different theories relating to the origins of the breed.
Some scholars suggest that the Phu Quoc was brought over from Africa or Thailand, while others believe that they are the result of wild and native dogs being bred together.
Still, other scholars suggest that the Phu Quoc may be a descendant of the Australian Dingo.
The breed has long been used for hunting and guarding purposes, but has also been known to survive many years without human intervention.
Today, many Phu Quoc still fend for themselves as feral dogs in the streets of Vietnam.
💡DID YOU KNOW?
- Due to their rarity, the Phu Quoc dog is not officially recognized by any international bodies, and no official breed standard has ever been set.
- In 2018, the Phu Quoc dog was declared the mascot of the Ho Chi Minh Flower Show.
Thailand Dog Breeds
1.The Thai Bangkaew
Description:
The Thai Bangkaew is a mid-sized breed of dog that stands between 17-19 inches tall and weighs between 35-50 pounds.
They are a Spitz-type breed with a deep chest and a proportioned body.
The Thai Bangkaew has small, triangular ears, with a plume-shaped tail that curves moderately over the back.
The breed has a plush, double-coat of fur that is thickest around the neck and on the tail.
Their overall fur color is white, but they can also have patches of fawn, brown, black, lemon, grey, or red. In terms of breed standards, those with symmetrical markings are preferred.
Personality and Temperament:
The Thai Bangkaew is a loving and affectionate breed of dogs that most strongly bond with one particular member of the family.
With that being said, they do have a very strong and stubborn temperament, and training can be challenging.
As such, they require a strong and firm, yet patient and kind owner to become a well-rounded and socialized pet.
Once adopted to a family, this breed is extremely protective.
They are distrusting and wary of strangers, and remain alert at all times. If threatened, the Thai Bangkaew may become hostile and aggressive.
They can also become aggressive with other dogs, and do not do well with smaller pets like cats.
The breed is good with children but doesn’t always know their power. Close supervision is suggested when left with small children.
History:
The Thai Bangkaews are Thailand dog breeds that are thought to have originated over 100 years ago in Central Thailand.
Legend has it that a pregnant female dog was given to a monk in a Thailand temple, but because there were no males dogs in the area, it was assumed that the puppies developed as a result of the female mating with another species.
In recent studies, this theory was supported, showing that the Bangkaew actually does show DNA relations to the domestic dog and the Golden Jackal.
The physical appearance of the breed was then altered further through breeding with local shepherding dogs.
Today the breed is not officially recognized by any kennel clubs, and are rarely seen outside of Thailand.
💡DID YOU KNOW?
- The Thai Bangkaew is most commonly seen as a household pet but is also used as watch and guard dogs.
- The Thai Bangkaew is a challenging dog and is not recommended for first-time owners.
2. The Thai Ridgeback
Description:
The Thai Ridgeback is a mid to large breed of dog that stands between 20-24 inches in height and weighs anywhere between 35-75 pounds.
The Ridgeback is strong, muscular, and athletic, and gets its name from the ridge pattern that forms on its back. This ridge pattern is a line of hair that grows in the opposite direction of the rest of the dog’s coat and can come in over eight different patterns.
The breed has long legs, along with a long, tapering tail and ears that stand erect on the top of the head.
The Ridgeback has short, dense fur that comes in colors of solid blue, black, red, or fawn.
Many Thai Ridgebacks will also have spotted tongues or tongues that are completely blue or black.
Personality and Temperament:
The Thai Ridgeback was originally bred for purposes of hunting and guarding, and still make excellent guard dogs to this day.
In history, Ridgebacks often had to feed for their food, which led them to be independent and self-sufficient.
They are extremely intelligent and have strong survival instincts.
When properly socialized, the Thai Ridgeback will grow to be an extremely loyal and loving companion. They do well with children but may be overly rambunctious around babies, toddlers, or very small children.
The key to raising a well rounded Ridgeback is a strong, confident owner that will not let this independent breed push the boundaries.
History:
The Thai Ridgeback is one of the more ancient Thailand dog breeds and is noted in archeological documents that date back over 360 years ago.
At the time, the breed was mainly used for hunting and guarding purposes, as well as for escorting carts. For this reason, it was often referred to as the “cart following dog”.
Today, the dog remains close to its original form, as crossbreeding opportunities throughout Thailand are rare.
In 1997, the AKC began including the breed in its Foundation Stock Service Program, but still to date the breed is rarely seen outside of Thailand.
💡DID YOU KNOW?
- In history, the Thai Ridgeback was often used to kill Cobra
- Thai Ridgebacks are known as the ultimate escape artists!
- Some Thai Ridgebacks are born with dewclaws on their back feet.
Uzbekistan Dog Breeds
1. The Central Asian Shepherd Dog
Description:
The Central Asian Shepherd Dog sometimes referred to as the Alabai Dog breed, is a large breed of dog that stands between 27-32 inches in height and weighs between 121-176 pounds.
The breed is muscular and powerful, and is very imposing and intimidating in appearance.
The breed has a broad head, with strong jowls.
In many countries, the tails are docked, and the ears are cropped into a cauliflower shape.
The breed has huge paws, along with a dense coat of fur. This coat can be short or long but is always accompanied by a heavy undercoat.
Central Asian Shepherd dogs can come in colors of black and white, fawn, or brindle. In some cases, they may have a black mask.
Personality and Temperament:
The Central Asian Shepherd dog is described as an independent, fearless breed that makes an excellent guard dog.
Though the breed is not particularly aggressive, the Central Asian Shepherd dog will not hesitate to defend itself, or it’s family.
The breed is naturally wary of strangers and may try to dominate other dogs. They are loving and protective towards children, but due to their size, they should be monitored whenever small children are around to prevent accidents.
The biggest downfall of this breed is that they are prone to barking during the night. Aside from that, they make excellent companions but do require socialization at a young age to get along well with other family pets.
It’s also important to note that the Central Asian Shepherd is a working breed of dog, and enjoys having a job to do.
They require strong owners who can establish clear leadership and boundaries.
History:
As you may have already guessed, the Central Asian Shepherd dog is a breed that originated in Central Asia in the areas of the Ural River, Caspian Sea, and Asia Minor.
This is suspected to be an ancient breed of dog with origins dating back between 2000 and 3000 BC.
Unfortunately, the exact genetic origins of the breed are unknown, though they are thought to be a close relative of the Tibetan Mastiff. The breed may also share some genetics with other dogs like the Caucasian Shepherd, the Akbash, and the Kangal dog.
In history, the breed has been developed for three different purposes; guarding livestock, guarding homes, and sadly, dogfighting.
To date, this breed is rarely found in the United States but is recognized by both the National Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club.
Central Asian Shepherd Dog Facts & Figures
Did You Know?
- The Central Asian Shepherd dog gains the nickname “voldokov”, which means “wolf crusher” in Russian. This nickname gives you an idea of the immense strength this breed possesses.
- This breed was not created by man, but rather by climate and circumstance.
- The Central Asian Shepherd dog has an impressive lifespan and can live to up to 17 years old.
2. The Torkuz Dog
Description:
The Torkuz Dog is a large, molosser type breed that is sometimes referred to as the Uzbekistan Mountain Dog or the Sarkangik.
An ancient breed from Uzbekistan, the Torkuz is a large dog that stands over 31 inches tall and weighs over 200 pounds. These dogs have large, broad heads and muzzles, and are extremely powerful.
Their ears and tails are often docked, though they can also be found in their natural state in some areas of Uzbekistan.
The coat of the Torkuz is short but thick and dense. They come in colors of white, black, brown, grey, or tan.
Personality and Temperament
The Torkuz is a naturally territorial breed of dog and therefore makes an excellent guard dog. Though they are extremely intimidating to outsiders, the Torkuz is not at all vicious or aggressive.
With that being said, they may become confrontational around other dogs, and therefore require early socialization and responsible handling.
The breed makes a good companion and is both reliable and obedient to a confident owner.
History:
Large dogs like the Torkuz have been relied on to protect livestock from predators in areas of Uzbekistan for over 3000 years.
Though the Torkuz originally descended from the Alabai, it was also influenced by several other breeds of dogs such as the Persian Mastiff, the Mongolian herders, and the Russian ovcharkas.
The Torkuz dog has long since been bred for working, but sadly has also taken part in many dog-fighting tournaments across Asia.
Their popularity in Uzbekistan led them to be bred with other bloodlines native to the area, which has left only a small number of pure Torkuz’s left in existence.
Torkuz Dog Facts & Figures
Did You Know?
- This large Molosser breed is well adapted to the harsh climates of the region and is a very adaptable breed of dog.
Malaysian Dog Breeds
June from Malaysia [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
DescriptionThe Telomian is small to a mid-sized dog that stands between 15-19 inches in height and weighs between 18-28 pounds.
Because the breed is so rare, the right standard has not yet been developed. In return, the Telomian dog can vary in appearance.
With that being said, the breed is known for its athletic body and sturdy structure, along with erect ears that stand straight up on top of the head.
The breed has a smooth, short coat of fur that most commonly comes in colors of tan and white. With that being said, black and white, and sable and white, are also color options.
They may also have a black mask on the face.
In addition, the Telomian has a blue or black tongue that sets it apart from many other breeds.
Personality and Temperament
The Telomian has natural hunting and preying instincts, and is extremely intelligent and alert. For this reason, they have a strong intuition and make excellent guard dogs.
The breed is naturally wary of strangers, and will not hesitate to let their owners know when an intruder is near.
With that being said, unlike many other breeds of dog, the Telomian is known more for howling and growling as opposed to barking.
The breed has excellent climbing skills and dexterity. They love to play and enjoy games that involve the use of their intelligence and prowess.
Much of the Telomians personality and temperament are dependent on their upbringing.
Because the Telomian’s were bred in the wild, they remain indifferent to people when not socialized at puppyhood. When socialized properly, however, they can make excellent family pets and companions.
History:
The Telomian was initially bred within the Malaysian jungles to help control the population of small rodents, snakes, and other vermin.
Outsiders did not discover them until 1963 when a man named Dr. Orville Elliot found some wandering near the Telom River (where the dog received its name).
At this time, the first pair of Telomian were imported to the US. It is believed that all Telomians within the US today are the direct descendant of this original pair.
Sadly, the breed is too rare in the United States to be recognized by the AKC as of date.
Telomian Dog Facts & Figures
Did you know?
- In history, the Telomian often had to climb ladders to get into their owner’s huts. In return, they developed extraordinary climbing abilities and paw control. Still common within the breed today, most Telomians have such good control over their paws that they can even hold their own food and open doors.
- If left to fend for themselves, Telomian’s are excellent at catching small prey.
Kazakhstan Dog Breeds
1.The Tobet Dog
Suntery Kim [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons
They have a powerful muzzle and jaw, along with cropped ears and a docked tail.
Their coat is short but dense and comes in colorings of black and white, black and tan, reddish-brown, wolf-grey, and brindle.
Personality and Temperament
The Tobet is a fearless and powerful guard dog that will not hesitate to defend their owner or territory.
They have strong territorial instincts and an aggressive attitude towards strangers.
With that being said, the breed is very loving and loyal to their owner and is particularly good with children.
Because they have little tolerance for anyone outside of their family, it’s important that they have early socialization, handling, and training.
Grooming:
The Tobet dog has short but dense fur that requires a moderate amount of grooming.
Weekly brushing is recommended to keep down on fur loss, and bathing is recommended 2-3 times per year.
History
The Tobet is an old breed of dog that shares relations with the Shepherd dogs of Iran, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan.
Since ancient times, the breed has been used as a working dog, guarding both livestock and property for nomadic merchants.
In the 1700s when more and more non-indigenous people started entering the country, the Tobets became crossed with Caucasian Ovcharkas and German Shepherds, and the purity of the breed was compromised.
From there, the numbers of Tobets in existence dropped drastically throughout the 20th century, and only a handful of pure bloodlines survived.
In 1991, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, interest in Kazakh culture began to grow, as did interest in efforts to save the Tobet breed.
Sadly, despite efforts to save the breed, the numbers of Tobet in existence is still very small, and their existence remains threatened.
Tobet Dog Facts & Figures
Did you know?
- It’s estimated that there are only 40 pure Tobets left in existence today
- In history, Tobets stood as a prized defender against wolves, and have even been known to kill them.
2. Tazy Dog
Marcin Błaszkowski [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
The Tazy dog is a medium-sized dog that is very similar in structure to the Greyhound. They are very tall and slender, with a small head and long legs. The breed has dark eyes and a long muzzle, a lean belly, and a deep chest. Their ears are long and floppy, and their tail is long and slightly curled.
The typical Tazy is red with black tips of the hair on the back and ears, though they can come in different color patterns as well.
Personality and Temperament
The Tazy is an extremely athletic and agile breed that can run at speeds of up to 12-15 km per hour.
They have very high endurance levels and require a yard to run in. In return, Tazy’s don’t make good apartment dogs.
Tazy’s are both playful and vigilant and make good pets. With that being said, they are extremely independent and can be shy of strangers.
History:
The Tazy dog is considered to be one of the oldest breeds of dog in the world. Since ancient times they have been valued by the Kazakhs as a gift from God, and a symbol of happiness and wealth.
These dogs frequently accompanied the Kazakhs, hunting with them to help them chase down small prey.
Sadly, there are very few Tazy dogs left in existence today. It is estimated that there are less than 300 purebred Tazys left. With that being said, the Kazakhstan government is engaging in activities to prevent the breed from going extinct.
Tazy Facts & Figures:
Did you know?
- Because the Tazys were so treasured for their hunting abilities, they were rarely treated like other dogs. In fact, in Kazakh culture, it is forbidden to call a Tazy a “dog”.
- In ancient times, the Kazakh people would trade 47 horses for just one Tazy dog
Azerbaijan Dog Breeds
1.Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Description:
The Caucasian Shepherd is a large breed of dog that stands between 23-30 inches in height, and weighs between 100-170 pounds, with females on the lighter side.
The breed is both muscular and strong-boned, with long furry tails and short ears that are often covered by fur.
In their native country of Azerbaijan, the Caucasian Shepherd dog is usually found with cropped ears.
The breed has a thick, dense, weather-resistant coat that can vary in colors including gray, fawn, tan, pied, brindle, or white.
Personality and Temperament
The Caucasian Shepherd is an intelligent breed of dog that was originally bred for guarding livestock.
Their assertiveness, bravery, and courageousness make them excellent guard dogs around the home. The breed is always alert and will work hard to respect and protect its family.
The breed is loving and kind towards its owners but is not warm towards strangers. Due to the ability of this dog to become aggressive with people, it does not know, it requires early socialization and training by the owner.
The breed is good with children, but doesn’t always know its power, and should not be left alone with little ones.
With that being said, this breed of dog is strong, stubborn, and used to being the leader of the pack.
It requires a strong, dominant leader who can set clearly defined lines and rules. Without proper training, this breed can become aggressive.
History:
The Caucasian Shepherd originates from the Kavkaz (Caucasus) Mountain Range in Eastern Europe.
As the name suggests, it was used in the past to help guard and protect livestock and herds from predators like wolves.
While this breed wasn’t noticed until the 1920s, many others similar to the breed are thought to date back to ancient times.
Today, the breed is commonly shown in Russian dog shows, as well as in other parts of the former Soviet Union.
Though it’s no longer common to see the Caucasian Shepherd guarding the flock, the breed does remain popular in areas of Hungary, Poland, and the Czech Republic as a family dog, and extensive breeding programs are to ensure that the population does not die down.
Caucasian Shepherd Dog Facts & Figures
Did you know?
- The United Kennel Club officially recognized the Caucasian Shepherd in 1995
- In the 1960s in East Germany, the Caucasian Shepherd was used as a border patrol dog along the Berlin Wall
- A Caucasian Shepherd sells between $1000-$2000 in price.
- The Caucasian Shepherd is often referred to as the “Russian Bear Dog” for its intimidating appearance and bushy fur.
Kyrgyzstan Dog Breeds
1.Taigan Dog
Jan Scotland (Jan Eduard) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
The Taigan is a mid-sized breed of dog that stands between 23-27 inches in height, and that weighs between 54-73 pounds. The breed has a typical sighthound appearance, with a slender build and long, narrow head. Despite the slim build of the Taigan, they are powerful and muscular.
The breed has a long tail that points down, and long, floppy ears that are covered with fur.
The length of the fur on the Taigan varies on different body parts, with long hair covering the ears, thighs, and shins.
The breed also has thicker and coarser hair on their feet to help protect them against rough terrain.
The Taigan comes in a variety of different colors, including black, brown, grey, white, yellow, or a combination of black and white.
Personality and Temperament
The Taigan is an elegant breed of dog that is defined as both regal and mysterious.
They are extremely dignified, intelligent, and like to think for themselves. Rather than seeing themselves as below their masters, they want to think of themselves “on par” and demand to be treated respectfully and fairly.
Despite their tendency towards independence, the breed does form strong bonds with family members and is very gentle and even-tempered.
The breed is extremely loyal to their family, but often wary of strangers. Despite this weariness, however, they are never aggressive and demonstrate a calm demeanor around all.
The breed does well with other dogs, but because they have a strong hunting instinct, they may chase after smaller pets.
All in all, the Taigan is a beautiful dog that makes a loving, loyal companion for the entire family.
History:
The origins of the Taigan can be traced back to the indigenous people of Kyrgyzstan. They have long been bred and used for their excellent hunting and guarding skills.
While the exact origins of the Taigan are unknown, they are shrouded in legend.
As legend has it, the Taigan was hatched from an egg of the mythical bird dog.
The story goes that the egg was stolen from the nest of a vulture (named Kumai), and when the egg hatched, a puppy arrived.
This puppy was said to save the lives of the tribes by fending off wolf packs that were killing all of their cattle.
For many years after that, the Taigan lived with the nomadic tribes, journeying through the rough and rugged terrains of Central Asia and Siberia.
Sadly, when the need for guarding dogs wore down, so did the population of the Taigan.
It was not until 1964 that the USSR laid standard for the breed, and since then their popularity has again begun to incline.
Today they are considered to be a national treasure of the country.
Taigan Dog Facts & Figures
Did you know?
- To date, the Taigan is not recognized by any Kennel Clubs in the US
- The Taigan can run up to 60km/hr!
- Taigan’s name means undying, inextinguishable, and imperishable.
Israel Dog Breeds
1.Canaan Dog
Description:
The Canaan is a mid-sized breed of dog that stands between 20-24 inches in height and weighs between 45-55 pounds.
The breed has ears that stand erect, along with dark, almond-shaped eyes, and a long tail that curls over the back.
The Canaan has a double coat of fur, with a harsh, flat outer coat and a softer undercoat.
The breed comes in two distinct color patterns – white with a dark mask, or a solid color with or without white trim.
Personality and Temperament:
The Canaan breed is always alert and highly territorial.
The breed makes an excellent guard dog and will bark whenever someone comes to the door.
With that being said, the breed is not aggressive and will calm down as soon as they know that the stranger is not an actual intruder.
Though the breed is quite docile, they are also very smart and will not hesitate to try to dominate their owner.
In return, they require a strong leader that can establish clear and consistent rules. With the Canaan breed, early socialization and training are key.
History:
The history of the Canaan dog dates back to biblical times where the breed was used for guarding flocks of sheep and goat. At the time the breed was referred to as the “Kelef Kanani”, which is Hebrew for Canaan dog.
Drawings that date back to 2200-2000 B.C.E. depict the Canaan dog as differing little from the breed that we recognize today.
Over the centuries, the invasion of the Romans led the breed to become unemployed and forced them into the hilly deserts of Israel, where they took on a feral lifestyle.
It was not until WWII when Jewish settlements required strong guard dogs that could withstand desert-like conditions, and it was the Canaan dogs that fit the mold.
Shortly after that the dog became known as a popular guide dog for the blind.
The breed was officially recognized by the UKC in 1992, and eventually by the AKC in 1997.
Canaan Dog Facts & Figures:
Did you know?
- The Canaan Dog was the 141st dog on the AKC list
- The Canaan dog is extremely concerned with pack leadership and requires a strong owner that can take on the role of leader of the pack.
Armenian Dog Breeds
1.Armenian Gampr Dog
Sergey.Gabrielyan [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
The Armenian Gampr is a large breed of dog that stands between 23-24 inches in height and weighs between 99-130 pounds. The breed is well-muscled and very strong, and have large heads with strong muzzles. The breed has mid-sized triangular ears that droop down, but working dogs may have cropped ears to prevent predators from biting them in an attack.
Armenian Gamprs generally have high set, curled tails, but again, may have tails that are cropped.
The breed has a thick double coat of fur, where the outer coat is relatively rough to help protect them from both the cold and predators.
They come in a variety of different coat colors, but those with brown in their coat are considered undesirable.
Personality and Temperament
The Armenian Gampr is a natural guardian that is both cautious and courageous.
Though they are very loyal and protective of their family, they also tend to be somewhat reserved. Because the breed does not have a strong desire to please their owner, they can be challenging to train.
Though they are good with children, they have a tendency to be territorial around other dogs. In return, the breed requires early socialization to prevent aggression.
History:
It’s no surprise that the origins of the Armenian Gampr are traced back to the homeland of Armenia.
Because they are a breed that has developed through natural adaptations, there are plenty of variations within their appearance.
With the help of local petroglyphs, the history of the Armenian Gampr can be traced back to 1000 BC.
Such depictions showed that the breed was very popular at the time and that they may have even been the inspiration for the Aralez (dog-like spirits that resurrect dead heroes by licking their wounds).
Sadly, the 20th-century invasion of the Ottoman Empire led to a drastic reduction in the population of the Armenian Gampr.
Today the population has not yet fully recovered but is continuing to grow with a variety of efforts being established to preserve the breed.
Armenian Gampr Facts & Figures
Did you know?
- The Armenian Gampr is thought to both look and behave much like it did when it emerged as a breed over 3000 years ago.
Conclusion:
Wanna Travel To Other Continents?
You’ll find more fascinating dog breeds in the links below:
