Although it is not known exactly when dogs became such an important part of human society, one thing we know is that the ancient Egyptians valued them almost as much as we do now.
They were used by the police and military, trained as guard dogs, used for hunting and, of course, kept as pets. In fact, they were so loved that they were often mummified and buried with their owners so that they could keep them company in the afterlife. Some puppies even received their own burials, and certain cemeteries had sections reserved exclusively for dogs.
It should come as no surprise, then, that Egypt has given us several marvellous dog breeds over the years. Although the list of Egyptian dogs may not be as long as that of other countries, this may be due to the fact that Egyptian dogs served as the basis on which other breeds were built.
Here are some of our favourite Egyptian breeds:
1. Pharaoh Hound
Would you expect a breed called Pharaoh Hound to come from Egypt, and these dogs don’t disappoint – or disappoint? Many experts suspect that although these dogs are commonly associated with Egypt, they did not originate there. Instead, it is believed that they were brought from Europe to the country by Phoenician merchants.
They are one of the oldest breeds on Earth and were widely used to hunt rabbits. This breed is extremely energetic and equally friendly, making it a great pet for anyone with enough energy to accompany them.
2. Baladi Street Dog
Also known as Thebes Land Dog, Baladi Street Dog is the most common dog in Egypt. These are lost dogs that populate the streets of cities throughout the country and, as such, are not a suitable breed, although they are often called one.
They have long thin bodies and ears standing, making them look like Dingoes or other semi-wild races. They may be marvellous pets, but unfortunately they are subject to abuse by members of the public who do not like to find flocks of lost animals every time they venture into the street.
3. Basenji
Known for their rolled tails that accumulate on the back, Basenjis are often seen depicted on the tombstones of the ancient pharaohs. They are also quite common in Africa, where they are sometimes called Congolese Dogs.
These dogs are fantastic hunters, and have often been entrusted with the use of their own instincts during a hunt. As a result, they are extremely independent, even though they are friendly and extraverted. They are calm and somewhat indifferent, which makes them a bad choice for those who want their puppy permanently attached to their laps.
4. Saluki
Saluki may be the oldest dog breed on the planet. Similar to a long-haired Greyhound, these dogs were portrayed in all kinds of ancient artefacts. Their royal behaviour and ability to shoot down almost all possible prey made them extremely valuable to Egyptian royalty, and military leaders from other countries often traded for them as well.
They are incredibly fast and need a lot of exercise, and should not be kept in a house with smaller animals, as they are unable to turn off the impulse of their prey. Once they are exhausted, however, they are likely to spend the rest of the day sleeping instead of bothering you.
5. Ibizan Hound
There is some controversy about the origin of the Ibiza hunting dog, as some believe that they came from the Balearic Islands, on the coast of Spain. Others, however, point to the fact that mentions of the race were found in ancient Egyptian artefacts as proof of its true heritage.
Regardless of its place of origin, Ibizan Hound is an extremely athletic dog that can easily handle almost any terrain. They are energetic and require a ton of exercise, which makes them a bad choice for apartment dwellers or sedentary owners. For everyone else, however, these dogs are affectionate companions who can really turn their home into a home.
6. Egyptian Shepherd Dog with Armant
A medium-sized sheepdog, the Egyptian Shepherd Dog is one of the least known and rare breeds on the planet. They are believed to have originated when Napoleon brought his Briards with him on a march through Egypt; these dogs then crossed with local stray dogs, creating Armant.
Although not popular outside Egypt, these mongrels are commonly used for everything from herding cattle to storing valuables, which makes them an excellent working dog.
Although the native dogs of Egypt may not be as popular around the world as those of some other countries, they have managed to produce truly spectacular breeds. Most of their animals are designed for hunting, which makes them energetic and intelligent, but they are also excellent pets.
Each of the dogs on this list would be a marvellous companion, so we can certainly understand why the ancient Egyptians often wanted to be buried with them.