The relationship between dogs and the Ancient Egyptians was therefore far more complicated than the popular idea that Egyptians simply “worshipped” animals. Dogs could be workers, hunting partners, companions, status symbols and religious offerings, while canids also became closely associated with the world of the dead. Their place in Egyptian society changed according to period, circumstance and purpose, making their history much more interesting than the simple label of “pe

We often hear certain dogs described as “ancient breeds.” The Basenji, Saluki, Akita, Shiba Inu, Chow Chow, Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Samoyed and Afghan Hound are just some of the dogs regularly given this label. They are often described as being thousands of years old, genetically closer to the wolf and fundamentally different from the modern breeds we live with today.