Akita Inu, Alaskan Malamute, Basenji, Chow Chow, Shar Pei, Shiba Inu, and Siberian Husky are the only breeds whose DNA traces fairly directly to the first genetic branch from the Canis Lupus tree that could claim anything close to 14,000 years as a pure breed. Their behavior is quite striking compared to other breeds in that as a rule they care little about human approval, have exceptional intelligence but almost impossible to train to perform tasks (all housebreak very easily and bond quickly to their owner), have a double coat, and tend to behave with pack hierarchy and dominance behaviors very close to wild wolves. Most other breeds, and all hounds, are less than 800 years old, bred for herding and hunting, and in my opinion, have little in common in terms of behavior with the oldest breeds. I have been very close to each of the old breeds during my life, and always felt they were unique and related, but it is only in the last decade that this has been shown scientifically. Below is one of my girls, a Chow Chow.
