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Before the internet made cats famous, dogs were already earning their place in history—etched in marble, cast in bronze, and even pressed into ancient coins. From royal companions to loyal hunting partners and fearless guardians of sacred temples, certain dog breeds were immortalized by civilizations that clearly knew good boys and girls when they saw them. Whether in Mesopotamian carvings, Roman mosaics, or Hellenistic coinage, these iconic canines captured the hearts of artists, kings, and emperors. While modern dogs get Instagram followers, these dogs are immortalized in metal and stone.
Saluki
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The Saluki may just be the world’s oldest glamour dog. Revered by ancient Egyptians, these graceful sighthounds were frequently depicted in tomb paintings and artifacts dating back over 4,000 years. Their slender frames and flowing ears made them ideal subjects for royal art, often shown hunting alongside pharaohs or lounging like divine beings. Salukis were so highly prized they were even mummified like royalty. If your dog thinks wearing a bandana is fancy, remind them that Salukis once got gold collars and a place in the afterlife.
Greyhound
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The sleek and speedy Greyhound wasn’t just built for the racetrack—it was once a superstar in ancient art. Egyptian tombs, Greco-Roman statues, and even medieval manuscripts feature this elegant breed with its distinctive arched body and long snout. Greyhounds were associated with nobility, both in life and death and were often shown hunting with aristocrats or lying regally beside kings. They also appeared on coins in ancient Greece, where their swiftness represented agility and grace. Basically, they were the luxury sports cars of the ancient dog world.
Basenji
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Straight out of Central Africa and straight into ancient carvings, the Basenji has one of the longest artistic résumés in the canine world. This barkless breed appears in Egyptian artifacts, engraved on walls and pottery, often in poses that make them look like dignified little statues. With their upright ears and tightly curled tails, Basenjis were considered elegant and mysterious—the enigmatic hipsters of ancient times. Their appearance in early art reflects their role as hunting companions and loyal pets to pharaohs and tribes alike. And yes, even back then, they probably still refused to bark when told.
Cane Corso
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Descended from the Roman Molossus, the Cane Corso was featured in Roman frescoes and mosaics and even carved into soldiers’ armor. These muscular guardians were used for everything from protecting estates to fighting in battle, earning their image in countless artworks across the Roman Empire. Their fearsome yet noble presence often represented power, protection, and Roman discipline. If ancient Romans had home security systems, the logo would probably be a Cane Corso giving a side-eye. They were, quite literally, built to be living statues of intimidation.
Akita Inu
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The Akita Inu is honored in Japanese history and art, frequently appearing in traditional paintings, woodblock prints, and even bronze sculptures from feudal Japan. This majestic breed was a favorite among samurai and nobility, symbolizing strength, courage, and loyalty. Though Japan didn’t produce coins with dogs on them as commonly as other cultures, the Akita’s presence in temple carvings and imperial scrolls is undeniable. Even in ancient artwork, you can tell an Akita would have seriously protected its family (and its snacks). Think of it as the samurai spirit wrapped in fur.
Afghan Hound
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With a regal bearing and a coat that screams “I belong on a runway,” the Afghan Hound has long been revered in Middle Eastern and South Asian art. This breed appears in ancient Persian tapestries and paintings, often alongside royals and hunters, portrayed as both companions and capable predators. Their distinctive long coat and proud posture made them a favorite subject of artists who clearly knew a fabulous creature when they saw one. Even in ancient art, you can almost hear the wind machine blowing through their fur. Drama? Always.
Lhasa Apso
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The Lhasa Apso was considered a sacred guardian in Tibetan monasteries, and ancient artwork frequently depicts this little lion dog in tapestries, scrolls, and carvings. More than just a lap dog, it was believed to bring good fortune and protect temples from spiritual threats. Their likeness appears in religious artworks, often in the presence of monks or deities, underscoring their spiritual significance. Basically, these tiny fluffballs were treated like holy little bodyguards with divine fur. If a dog could save your house, it would be a Lhasa.
Pharaoh Hound
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Despite its name, the Pharaoh Hound is not technically Egyptian—but don’t tell that to ancient Mediterranean artists who were obsessed with this sleek, pointy-eared beauty. Images of Pharaoh Hound-like dogs appear in Egyptian tombs, Maltese artifacts, and Phoenician carvings. Their statuesque posture and hunting prowess made them a recurring figure in depictions of nobility and divine scenes. They were like the Brad Pitt of ancient art—everywhere, iconic, and always looking photogenic. Whether they were actually from Egypt or adopted by it, they played the part.
Tibetan Mastiff
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Towering majestic and coated in fur thick enough to survive a Himalayan winter, the Tibetan Mastiff appears in ancient Tibetan art as a loyal protector and guardian. Frequently depicted alongside monks or in mythological roles, these dogs were more than companions—they were spiritual sentinels. Their fierce loyalty and intimidating presence made them symbols of strength and perseverance. You’ll find them carved into temple entrances, painted into religious scrolls, and possibly guarding the celestial dog park in the sky.
Pekingese
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Bred for Chinese royalty and treated like little emperors themselves, Pekingese dogs were commonly portrayed in Chinese paintings, scrolls, and porcelain artworks. These dogs were so sacred that only members of the imperial family could own them. Their images adorned palace tapestries and were even immortalized in jade and ivory carvings. Their squished faces and luxurious manes made them look like tiny lion-dragon hybrids, which is probably why they were considered divine. If a dog was ever too good for the common folk, it was the Pekingese.
Irish Wolfhound
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The Irish Wolfhound symbolizes bravery and strength in Celtic mythology and medieval European art. Frequently portrayed in ancient stone carvings and illuminated manuscripts, these gentle giants were the companions of warriors and kings. Their job? Hunting wolves, guarding castles, and looking majestic while doing it. These dogs were such a big deal that they were even given royal gifts between kingdoms. Imagine being such a legend that someone chisels your side profile into a rock wall. That’s Wolfhound-level fame.
Chow Chow
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This dignified fluffball dates back to the Han Dynasty in China and has been featured in everything from ancient bronze statues to scrolls and paintings. Revered for their lion-like appearance, Chow Chows were used for hunting, guarding, and occasionally being adorable imperial armrests. Their stoic expression made them perfect for serious, philosophical art—if a dog could contemplate the meaning of life while looking slightly offended, it would be a Chow. They were even immortalized in the earliest Chinese dog tax records. Yes, they were literally too fluffy to fly under the radar.
Shiba Inu
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Another Japanese treasure, the Shiba Inu, has been around for thousands of years, appearing as a hunter’s trusted companion in early Japanese art and folklore. Their compact frame and intense focus made them perfect for navigating rugged terrain and striking a pose for ancient woodblock prints. While not as flashy as their Akita cousins, Shibas earned their way into history through loyalty, agility, and a face that says, “I do what I want.” Even ancient artists couldn’t resist capturing that slightly judgmental stare.
Dalmatian
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Long before fire trucks and animated fame, Dalmatians had a seat in ancient European artwork, particularly in the Adriatic region, including what is now Croatia. While their origin is debated, their spotted elegance made them stand out in medieval frescoes and early paintings. These dogs were often painted beside noble families or trotting through pastoral hunting scenes, easily stealing the spotlight with their dramatic coats. Some even suggest Roman mosaics featured Dalmatian-type dogs, indicating their fashion-forward spots have been catching eyes for centuries.
Shar Pei
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The Shar Pei, with its unmistakable wrinkles and “perpetual grump” face, has been spotted in ancient Chinese pottery and statues going back over 2,000 years. Originally bred for guarding, hunting, and herding, these dogs were both beloved protectors and intimidating watchdogs. Their signature loose skin wasn’t just adorable—it served a tactical purpose in combat, and artists loved highlighting it in sculptures and carvings. These wrinkly warriors were often depicted in temples and tombs, standing vigil with that classic “I’ve seen things” expression.
The Real MVPs of Ancient Art Galleries
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These legendary dog breeds didn’t just win human hearts—they secured their historical places through ancient coins, scrolls, statues, and carvings. Long before camera phones and doggy influencers, these pups rode beside emperors, guarding sacred temples and striking poses worthy of gold leaf and stone. Their likenesses were etched into artifacts that still impress us today. So the next time your dog refuses to sit still for a photo, remember—some of their ancestors were basically the supermodels of ancient civilization and didn’t even need treats to shine.
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