Middle Eastern Dog Breeds

The Middle East is famous for its impact on dog domestication. Archeological evidence of dog domestication dating back 12 millennia ago has been found in the region.

These dogs were generally bred to be hunting or companion dogs and could weather the harsh desert sun of their areas. Here are some breeds whose origins can be traced back to the Middle East.

List of Dog Breeds from the Middle East

• Afghan Hound              
• Akbash Dog              
• Kangal Shepherd Dog              
• Armant            
• Baladi Street Dog     
• Canaan Dog              
• Catalburun
• Caucasian Shepherd Dog              
• Central Asian Ovcharka              
• Ibizan Hound
• Kuchi Dog
• Pharaoh Hound
• Qatari Street Dog               
• Saluki         
• Sarplaninac              
• Sloughi              
• Turkish Hound

Middle Eastern Dogs by Size

Large Dog Breeds: Saluki

One notable example of how much the people of the ancient Middle East loved their dogs was found in several burial sites in Israel. Graves where people were cradling their dogs, dated about 8000-9000 years ago, have been identified.