Research suggests the domestic dogs of today originated nearly 33,000 years ago on the eastern portion of the Asian continent. The ancient Asian people knew the canine’s value for work and protection, but also found the dog could be their best friend too! From the Asian countries, dog love spread worldwide and has only gotten stronger with every year, decade, and century which passes.
Because the Asian continent serves as one origin point for the domestic dog, it comes as no surprise some of our favorite breeds today have Asian origins. And while we’ve covered some of the larger Asian countries like China and Japan, there are many more with unique dog breeds that you may never have heard of. Because Asia covers such a wide variety of terrain, there are a number of amazing dog breeds that have developed over time. Here are 21 Asian dogs, some you know, others will be an introduction!
21 Asian Dog Breeds
#1 – Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is a sighthound from Afghanistan and is one of the most ancient dog breeds still in existence today. The breed needs its long, thick coat to hunt in the cold climate of the mountains in its home country. Today, they are more commonly found as family companions and competitors in dog sports such as agility and lure coursing.
#2 – Kuchi
The Kuchi, or Afghan Shepherd, is a large livestock guardian dog from Afghanistan. Not only did it protect its flocks from natural predators, this brave dog protected its property and caravans from thieves and human threats. There are several variants of the breed depending on their specific regional origin. Today, Kuchi are relatively rare.
#3 – Georgian Shepherd Dog
The Georgian Shepherd is native to the Georgian Mountains. There, it has been used as a livestock guardian for centuries. The breed is very common in the country of Georgia but rarely seen outside of its home country.
#4 – Armenian Gampr Dog
The Armenian Gampr is a livestock guardian breed native to the Armenian Highlands. While this Asian dog breed’s history is relatively unknown, it’s believed to have changed very little since its initial development. The Gampr is considered the national dog breed of Armenia.
#5 – Indian Spitz
The Indian Spitz was developed in India from German Spitz dogs that were brought over from Europe. Although commonly identified as a Pomeranian, the two breeds are, in fact, very different. Indian Spitz are not recognized by any kennel clubs outside of India. They are an active and intelligent breed, though, and make great family companions.
#6 – Mudhol Hound
The Mudhol Hound is a sighthound from India and was used to hunt hare and other small game. Still a popular hunting dog in India, it is thought to be a descendant of the Saluki. The breed was popularized when the Maharaja of Mudhol State gave King George V a pair of the hounds in the early 1900s.
#7 – Rampur Greyhound
The Rampur Greyhound is a sighthound native to the Rampur region of India, where it was used primarily for jackal population control. The breed was also used to hunt lions, tigers and leopards! It was considered an honorable test of courage for a single Rampur Greyhound to combat and defeat a golden jackal. Today, the hunting of these animals by dogs is mainly prohibited, but this Asian dog breed has happily found purpose as a family companion instead.
#8 – Kintamani
The Kintamani is an Indonesian dog native to the island of Bali. It is believed the breed was developed from the domestication of indigenous, feral dogs that called the island home. Kintamani are known for their climbing skills and independent temperaments.
#9 – Saluki
Developing mainly in Iran and Egypt, the Saluki is one of the oldest breeds of dogs still in existence today. It was used primarily in Iran for hare and gazelle hunting. The breed is also known for having traveled the Silk Road with caravans and nomadic tribes. Today, they are more often seen as family companions than hunters.
#10 – Canaan Dog
The Canaan Dog is a feral dog indigenous to Ancient Canaan or modern-day Israel, a geographically Asian country standing as a crossroads between continents. Thanks to Israel’s position, this now-domesticated breed is now seen outside of its home country as a show dog and family companion. It is one of the most ancient dog breeds, dating back to biblical times. Canaan Dogs excel at many dog sports, including agility, obedience and tracking.
#11 – Korean Jindo
The Korean Jindo is a hunting dog native to South Korea, used mostly for catching deer and boar. They are unique dogs with a cat-like temperament, although they are very loyal to their families. The breed was popularized by Korean expatriates in the United States.
#12 – Sapsali
The Sapsali is a small dog native to Korea where it was originally believed to dispel ghosts and evil spirits. They are considered a national treasure in Korea and, today, make excellent family companions who get along well with adults, children and other animals.
#13 – Taigan
The Taigan is a sighthound originating in Kyrgyzstan, where it was used primarily to hunt animals such as wolf, fox, ibex and marmot. It is unique with its medium-length, somewhat curly coat. This Asian dog breed is currently working towards international recognition.
#14 – Telomian
The Telomian is a dog breed native to Malaysia and originally developed to control vermin. It is a very rare breed but can be found outside of its home country. They are known for their unique climbing ability as they would often sleep on top of their families’ houses.
#15 – Bully Kutta
The Bully Kutta is a guard dog originating from Pakistan, where it is becoming increasingly popular. Unfortunately, they are also commonly used for dog fighting due to their aggressive nature. This Asian dog breed is very protective and deeply loyal to their families, however.
#16 – Formosan Mountain Dog
The Formosan Mountain Dog is a small dog native to Taiwan. They are used as hunting dogs, guard dogs, family companions and even rescue dogs. They are an active and intelligent breed that can be easily trained for a variety of tasks.
#17 – Thai Ridgeback
One of only three ridged dog breeds, the Thai Ridgeback is a rare breed from Thailand. The ridge is created by hair running along the back in the opposite direction of the rest of the coat. They are intelligent dogs, growing in popularity both inside and outside of their home country.
#18 – Akbash
The Akbash is a Turkish livestock guardian dog also used as a shepherd dog. They are very large dogs with ancestors dating back to ancient times. Although unrecognized by any kennel clubs outside of their home country, the breed is growing in popularity.
#19 – Anatolian Shepherd
The Anatolian Shepherd is a livestock guardian dog from central Turkey. The breed’s ancestors date back to 6,000 years ago. They are large, powerful dogs used to combat wolves, bears and even cheetah to protect their flocks.
#20 – Kangal
The Kangal dog is a livestock guardian dog native to Turkey thought to be closely related to the Anatolian. Although the distinction between the two breeds can be difficult, they are considered to be separate. They are very powerful dogs employed to ward off wolves, bear and jackals.
#21 – Tibetan Mastiff
Native to Tibet, the Tibetan Mastiff has an ancient history as mysterious as the Himalayan Mountains these dogs are known to roam. A more rare Asian dog breed, these large dogs are intelligent and widely known for their skills as guard dogs.
Toledo, United States.
