Elegant, aloof Afghan Hounds resembled hunting companions of Egyptian pharaohs and nobles thousands of years ago.

Arctic Spitz breeds like the Samoyed and Siberian Husky share DNA with Paleo-Indian dogs used to hunt big game. 

The massive, web-footed Newfoundland assisted its namesake Canadian island’s fishing families for centuries. 

Chinese Shar-Pei and intimidating Akitas defended property in the Far East for nobles and peasants alike.

Quick Chows herded cattle and hunted in their native China while Nihon Ken like Shiba Inu did the same in ancient Japan.

The little Lhasa Apso charmed Buddhist monks and palaces across Tibet and earned the nickname “sacred dog.”