What dogs were in ancient Egypt? The Ultimate Guide

Baladi Street Dog

Also known as the Thebes Land Dog, the Baladi Street Dog is the most common dog in Egypt. These are strays that populate city streets across the country, and as such, they’re not a proper breed, even though they’re often referred to as one.

They have long, lean bodies and pricked ears, causing them to resemble Dingoes or other semi-feral breeds. They can make wonderful pets, but unfortunately, they’re prone to being abused by members of the public who don’t appreciate encountering packs of strays every time they venture out into the street.

What dogs were in ancient Egypt?

Known for their curled tails that pile up on their backs, Basenjis are often seen depicted on the tombstones of ancient Pharaohs. They’re also quite common in Africa, where they’re sometimes referred to as “the Congo Dog.”

These dogs are fantastic hunters, and they were often entrusted to use their own instincts while on a hunt. As a result, they’re extremely independent, even while being friendly and outgoing. They’re calm and somewhat aloof, making them a poor choice for anyone who wants their pup permanently attached to their lap.

What dogs were in ancient Egypt?

The Saluki may be the oldest dog breed on the planet. Resembling a long-haired Greyhound, these Egyptian dogs have been depicted on all types of ancient artifacts. Their regal demeanor and ability to run down nearly every possible prey made them extremely valuable to Egyptian royalty, and military leaders from other countries often traded for them as well.

They’re incredibly fast and need a great deal of exercise, and they shouldn’t be kept in a house with smaller animals, as they’re quite incapable of turning off their prey drive. Once they’re tuckered out, though, they’re likely to spend the rest of their day sleeping rather than bothering you.

What dogs were in ancient Egypt?

There’s a certain amount of controversy as to where the Ibizan Hound originated, as some believe that they came from the Balearic Islands off the coast of Spain. Others, however, point to the fact that mentions of the breed have been found on ancient Egyptian artifacts as proof of their true heritage.

Regardless of their place of origin, the Ibizan Hound is an extremely athletic dog that can easily handle virtually any terrain. They’re energetic and require a ton of exercise, making them a poor choice of pet for apartment dwellers or sedentary owners. For everyone else, though, these dogs are affectionate companions that can truly make your house into a home.

Dogs in Ancient Egypt: The First Animals Domesticated in the Nile Valley A slate figure of a canine (jackal), ca. 3200–3000 BC, via the Hearst Museum of Anthropology

Ancient Egyptian dogs played an essential role in the development of civilization in the Nile valley. Egyptians domesticated animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs in the Pre-Dynastic Period (ca. 6000 – ca. 3150 BCE), but it seems that the dog was a companion for the ancient Egyptians even before there was an Egypt. The domestication of the dog happened in different ways, in different locations.

Some dogs arrived from the Middle East, where they were domesticated around 10,000 BCE. Others followed their owners, who came to the Nile valley from North Africa, searching for more favorable living conditions. The herders and hunters of the Sahara frequently depicted dogs on rock overhangs, which they used as shelter. The ancient Egyptians also domesticated the jackal — the African wolf — by sharing excess meat with wild animals who roamed the outskirts of early settlements in search of food. A pottery dish depicting a hunting scene, a handler holding the leashes of four dogs in the right hand, Pre-Dynastic period, 4500-4000 BCE, via the Pushkin Museum

In ancient Egypt, dogs are attested as early as the Naqada period, based on the physical evidence from graves, inscriptions, and wall paintings. Bones of the first dogs have been found at Merimde, one of the earliest Egyptian sites in the West Nile Delta. One of the earliest representations of the close association between the human and his canine companions comes from a pottery dish from the Pre-Dynastic Period (ca. 4000 BCE) showing the handler accompanied by four hunting dogs, each on their own leash.

Egyptian breeds proliferated over time and more than 1,000 miles for their energetic drive and skill as hunters, herders, and protection. If you value these breeds high-energy, intelligence, and determination to get a job done, then some dogs that might disappoint are dogs known for their lounging, lapdog tendencies. These lower-energy dogs also look nothing like Egyptian breeds: mastiffs, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, and Chihuahuas.

Some of the oldest dog breeds can be traced back to ancient Egypt. Its often suggested that it was the ancient Egyptians that domesticated dogs. A tomb dating back to 3500 BC shows a painting of a man walking a dog on a leash. These dogs closely resemble the ancient civilizations hieroglyphs and tomb drawings of Egypts iconic dogs.

The dogs originating from Egypt come primarily from a hot, dry desert or North African Mediterranean climate. Their bodies match well with those climates—not well suited for Arctic climes or humid tropics. These intelligent, high-energy dogs were also bred for an active, working lifestyle as hunters, shepherds, or guard dogs. Today, these breeds follow in the pawprints of their ancient ancestors, requiring plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and a sense of purpose.

When choosing a dog to come to be part of your family, where you live, and the climate can impact a dogs happiness. Big dogs with thick double coats have some difficulty acclimating to hot or tropical climates, while dogs with short, fine hair find harsh or snowy winters too much for their not-so-insulated bodies.

Here’s Why Dogs Were So Important to Ancient Egyptians