​In the frozen silence of ancient Siberia, a starving wolf stepped out of the dark... and toward a human fire.
It wasn’t a hunter.
It was hungry. And curious.
And that moment, 23,000 years ago, sparked a transformation that would reshape the planet.
Today, we don’t just have wolves.
We have Pomeranians. And Great Danes. And pugs in Halloween costumes.
But how did we get from wild predator… to pampered pet?
Let’s take a journey — across frozen tundras, royal courts, and lost civilizations — to uncover the true history of the dog.

​Forged by Ice
In the Arctic north, dogs weren’t pets — they were lifelines.
The Siberian Husky, bred by the Chukchi, could glide over snow for hundreds of miles, fast and nearly silent.
The Samoyed, with its perpetual smile, slept beside its people to keep them alive through endless nights.
And the Alaskan Malamute? It hauled, hunted, and endured — a quiet giant born from the frost.
These dogs carry some of the oldest wolf DNA known today.
They’re not wolf-like. They are the echoes of wolves who chose to stay.

Dogs of Empire
While the north bred endurance, the East bred elegance, devotion — and secrecy.
In China, Pekingese, Shih Tzus, and Lhasa Apsos were divine companions.
Guarded by monks. Hidden from the world.
Some were smuggled west during war. Others were gifted like crown jewels.
In Tibet, Lhasa Apsos barked from within monasteries while Tibetan Mastiffs guarded the gates.
And in Japan, the Akita, Shiba Inu, Shikoku or Kai Ken stood beside samurai — fearless, noble, nearly lost after World War II.
Only a nation’s love brought them back.
These were not working dogs. They were symbols. Statements. Legacy in motion.

Europe’s Working Legacy
In Europe, dogs were shaped by need. Then reshaped by pride.
The Labrador Retriever, developed from Canadian working dogs, became the hunter’s perfect partner.
The Golden Retriever, refined through generations in the Scottish Highlands, worked rain or shine, field or stream.
Cocker Spaniels flushed birds with tireless energy.
Springer Spaniels drove game into the open, often born in the same litters as their smaller cocker cousins.
In France, Poodles dove into icy rivers to retrieve game, their signature haircut protecting vital organs from the cold.
In Germany, the Dachshund battled badgers underground — so brave they were bred with curved tails so hunters could pull them out by hand.
Then came the Bloodhound, with its unmatched scent-tracking legacy — able to follow a trail long after humans would lose it.
But as muskets replaced falcons, and silk replaced steel, many working dogs became luxuries.

The Lap of Luxury
And no one changed dog fashion more than Queen Victoria.
She adored the Pomeranian, and her love of smaller sizes triggered a breeding craze — shrinking the breed by half during her lifetime.
Noble courts across Europe embraced their own companions:
Maltese, Bichon Frisé, Papillons, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels — soft, elegant, born for velvet cushions and royal portraits.
These were dogs bred for presence, not purpose.
And yet even they, in their bones, remember the hunt.

Lost and Forgotten
Across the Atlantic, long before colonization, Native American peoples had their own dog breeds — lean, smart, adapted to local climates.
But colonization was merciless.
The Xoloitzcuintli and Chihuahua are the the most popular of the only few surviving breeds from those ancient lines.
And even they carry just faint traces — 3 to 4 percent — of pre-contact genetic markers.
In Africa, dogs of the Khoikhoi were slowly replaced by imports.
Only the Rhodesian Ridgeback still holds a glimmer of its African ancestry — and even that is barely visible in its blood.
History didn’t preserve all dogs.
Some were forgotten, unnamed, buried beneath the boots of empire.

The First Dogs
And yet — some survived it all.
These are the primitive dogs.
They weren’t designed in palaces or kennels.
They were carved by wind, heat, hunger — and time.
The Saluki, one of the oldest breeds on Earth, ran through the deserts of Mesopotamia thousands of years ago.
The Basenji, barkless and graceful, traces its roots to central Africa, still as alert and independent as ever.
The Pharaoh Hound and the Podencos? Living fossils of ancient Egyptian and Mediterranean hunters.
Then there’s the New Guinea Singing Dog, still roaming the highlands, howling in tones no other dog can replicate.
The Canaan Dog, descendant of wild desert pariahs, became the protector of Israeli settlements.
And the Carolina Dog, rediscovered in the American South, is believed to be the last echo of ancient native breeds.
In Russia, the Laikas — sharp-nosed hunters of the taiga — tracked game through snow and silence, fearless in the face of bears, birds, or bitter cold.

In the mountains of the Balkans and Anatolia, breeds like the Kangal, Akbash, Tornjak, Sarplaninac, and Karakachan guarded livestock long before fences existed.
Each one shaped by cliffs, predators, and the silence between villages.
And far from Europe, in India’s harsh landscapes, breeds like the Rajapalayam, Rampur Greyhound, and Jonangi evolved with minimal human influence — wild-eyed and rooted in their soil.
These dogs are not products.
They are survivors.
The Promise
Dogs didn’t just follow us through history.
They are history — in motion, in spirit, in flesh.
They were there when we hunted.
When we built temples.
When we fled. When we conquered.
They pulled sleds, hunted game, guarded kings, and comforted children.
And even now — when I’m just making YouTube videos — there’s still a dog right beside me.
Some were shaped by careful hands and selective breeding.
Others, by wind, hunger, and the law of survival.
But in all of them, there’s a promise.
One that started beside a fire, long before civilization — and has never been broken since.
Wherever humans go…
Dogs follow.
Because they always have.
And they always will.

Let’s start with the Saarloos Wolfdog — arguably the most ‘wolf’ of them all. Born in the 1930s, when Dutch breeder Leendert Saarloos crossed a German Shepherd with a Eurasian wolf, this breed was never meant to be a working dog. Saarloos believed modern dogs had lost their natural instincts… so he tried to bring them back. The result? A dog that looks like it just walked out of a forest — cautious, independent, but deeply loyal to its own people.

Next up — the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog. While the Saarloos was born from ideology… this one was born from military ambition. Created in the 1950s by the Czechoslovak army, they mixed German Shepherds with Carpathian wolves to create the ultimate border patrol dog. And it worked — they’re smart, trainable, and fearless. But don’t let that working-dog label fool you — this breed still carries the heart of the wild

Than we have the Kunming Wolfdog - a breed developed in Chinese mountains and forged in the fires of duty and discipline. It was born in the 1950s, when the Chinese military took German Shepherds and crossed them with native wolves — creating a breed with unmatched endurance, strength, and loyalty. Trained for border patrol and search-and-rescue, these dogs are as fierce as the wolves that run wild beyond the Great Wall. Kunming Wolfdogs are not just soldiers, they are warriors with the spirit of the wild pulsing in their veins.

Next to Kunming Wolfdog and Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, there is also third Wolfdog bred by military. Its name is Volkosoby – literally meaning wolf-dogs in Russian – and they were born deep in the cold forests of Russia. They are perfectly combining the wolf natural instincts with dogs obedience. They are extremely strong, but their strength isn’t just physical — it’s a legacy of survival passed down from ancient predators.
Now lets move across the ocean - in the heart of Mexico, a different kind of wolfdog emerged.

​The Calupoh was created in the 1990s through a controlled breeding program, mixing native dogs with Mexican wolves — an effort to revive a part of the country’s wild heritage. More than just a breed, the Calupoh is a symbol of cultural pride. Majestic, intelligent, and fierce — it carries the spirit of its ancient ancestory.

Now, the Hierran Wolfdog is a bit of a mystery. Native to El Hierro, the smallest of the Canary Islands, this rare breed is believed to have some wolf ancestry — though the details are a little murky. It’s not officially documented like the others, but locals say it’s part dog, part wolf, with a wild spirit that’s hard to tame. Living in isolation on a volcanic island, the Hierran has adapted to survive in tough conditions, blending the instincts of a wolf with the loyalty of a dog.

Now we’re moving into the ‘maybe’ wolfdog category — breeds where the wolf ancestry is a bit more uncertain. Even the Hierran Wolfdog was somewhat iffy, but now we’ll look at two others: the Kugsha and the American Tundra Shepherd.
These are the reasons why I said ‘alternatively 8’ in the intro — because their true wolfdog status is debated, and the story behind their origins isn’t completely clear.

The Kugsha — sometimes called the Amerindian Malamute, is claimed to have wolf ancestry, but the details are unclear. Some breeders say they carry real wolf blood, while others think they’re mostly Malamute with a wild look and attitude. Either way, the Kugsha has that wolf-like appearance and a strong, independent spirit — which makes it a popular choice for people wanting a true wolfdog vibe. But when it comes to actual wolf DNA, it’s hard to say for sure. That’s why it sits right on the edge of our list.

And then there’s the American Tundra Shepherd — a relatively new and mysterious breed.
Some say it was developed by crossing German Shepherds with wolves, mostly for military and working purposes, but there’s no solid proof or widespread recognition. It’s a large, powerful dog with a thick coat and a wild look that definitely hints at wolf heritage — but until more is known, it remains a ‘maybe.’

1. Eastern Greyhound (Hortaya Borzaya)
   

The Hortaya Borzaya – also known as Chortai or Eastern Greyhound - is a large, athletic sighthound native to Ukraine and western parts of todays Russia. It is known for not only its speed, but also endurance, which is typically their main weapon for hunting across vast open land of Ukraine. They are slightly smaller than the English Greyhound and they come in black, white and various shades of cream.

1. Spanish Greyhound (Galgo Espanol)
   The Galgo Español, or Spanish Greyhound, is an ancient and graceful sighthound with origins likely tracing back to Ancient Egypt, later brought to Spain by the Moors. They are known for their remarkable speed, agility, and determination, which are amazing traits for hunting hare and other smaller game in Spanish landscape.
   
2. Italian Greyhound
   The Italian Greyhound is a small, elegant sighthound that closely resembles its larger cousin, the English Greyhound. They really look like a miniature version of the English Greyhounds. This breed is gentle, affectionate, and loving, often forming strong bonds with its family members and they are known for being excellent companions.
   
3. Polish Greyhound (Chart Polski).
   One of the lesser known greyhounds is definitely the Chart Polski – also known as the Polish Greyhound.Just like majority of sighthounds, they were traditionally used for hunt, in this case – to hunt large game such as deer. With a sleek and muscular build, the Polish Greyhound has long, slender legs and a narrow head, much like other sighthounds.
   
4. Arabian Greyhound (Sloughi)
   The Sloughi, also known as the Arabian Greyhound, is a medium-sized, sleek sighthound with deep roots in North African history. Native to countries like Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, and Libya, this graceful and athletic dog was bred for hunting wild desert game, such as hares, foxes, jackals, and even gazelles.
   
5. Persian Greyhound (Saluki)
   The Persian Greyhound, mostly known as Saluki, is hailing from middle east, particularly from regions like Iran. With a graceful, slim, and athletic build, the Saluki is known for its unique coat, which can be smooth or feathered. Salukis are intelligent and independent dogs, often reserved or aloof with strangers, but they are loyal and affectionate with their families.
   
6. Rampur Greyhound
   Now we will move to India – which is a home to many many sighthounds. But if there is one, that is specifically known as a Greyhound, than it is definitely the Rampur Greyhound. It is believed, that these dogs were crossed with English Greyhounds in 19th century, which means that they are actually related! BTW, other Indian dogs that resemble Greyhounds would be Kombai, Chippiparai or Mudhol Hound.
   
7. Kazakh Greyhound (Kazakh Tazy)
   The Kazakh Greyhound, mostly known as the Kazakh Tazy, is a traditional sighthound breed native to Kazakhstan. The Kazakh Tazy is known for its impressive endurance, capable of running long distances at high speeds. The Kazakh Tazy is intelligent and independent, but also aloof and reserved with strangers.
   
8. Russian Greyhound (Borzoi)
   The Borzoi, also known as the Russian Greyhound, is a majestic and elegant sighthound breed originating from Russia.The Borzoi is known for its speed, grace, and noble appearance and it was originally bred to hunt large game, such as wolves, deer, and hares. While the Borzoi can be independent and aloof with strangers, it is known to be loyal, affectionate, and loving with its family.
   
9. Hungarian Greyhound (Magyar Agar)
   The Magyar Agar, also known as the Hungarian Greyhound, is a medium-sized, agile, and fast sighthound that hails from Hungary. Although it shares a similar appearance to the English Greyhound, the Magyar Agar is typically smaller and lighter, with a more compact body that allows it to be more agile during the hunt.
   
10. English Greyhound
    And last, i have to mention the English Greyhound. We all know them. They are fast, they are elegant, they are athletic and they are by far the most iconic sighthound of all. Though they are known for their speed, English Greyhounds are also known for their gentle and calm nature. They tend to be affectionate, friendly, and well-mannered, making them excellent companion dogs. Despite their racing background, they are typically laid-back and enjoy lounging around the house, making them well-suited for apartment living as long as they receive regular exercise.
    

1) History
The Qurdbasar – also known as the Azerbaijani Wolfhound – is an ancient livestock guardian dog from Azerbaijan.
Its exact origin is unknown, but it’s an extremely old breed that has existed in the region for hundreds, if not thousands, of years.
It is believed to be closely related to other Central Asian LGDs, such as the Alabai, Caucasian Shepherd, or Georgian Shepherd.
However, due to isolation, unique climate, and – most importantly – selective breeding by Azerbaijani herders, the Qurdbasar has evolved into a distinct and pure breed of its own.

​2) Protector
The Qurdbasar is typically kept in Azerbaijani rural areas, where it is traditionally used for guarding the livestock – especially sheep and goats. They typically work in mountainous landscape and they protect the livestock from very strong predators such as wolf.
More recently, they’re also used as property or personal guardians.
Thanks to their sheer strength, deep loyalty, and fearless nature, they’re incredibly effective at protecting what matters.

3) Wolf crusher
The dogs name Qurdbasar has a very cool meaning as it can be translated to english as something like „a dog crushing a wolf“ or simply as a wolf crusher. And indeed, the Qurdbasar can easily deter a strong wolf from the livestock. No wonder they’re also called the Azerbaijani Wolfhound.

4) Dog fights
Sadly, due to their natural aggression and extreme power, Qurdbasars have historically been – and sometimes still are – used in dog fights.
In these cruel situations, their ears are often cropped and tails docked to reduce weekneses.
Of course, this doesn’t define the breed. The vast majority of Qurdbasars live as working livestock guardians, not fighters.

5) Companions
The Qurdbasar is not your typical family companion dog and most of them are not living the spoiled life of a family pet. But they still make good companions for their owners. When they are not working and protecting, they are extremely loyal to its owner, they are quite affectionate and even gentle with their loved ones, wheter it is their family or a flock. On the other hand, these dogs are very independent, aloof of strangers and very territorial.

6) Size
The Qurdbasar is a massive and strong dog with average height around 75 cm (30 inches) and they ususally weigh around 60 kg (130 lbs). But there might be even much bigger individuals.

7) Coat and color
The coat of Qurdbasar is very practical for the harsh mountainous weather – they can work outside when it is hot, when it rains, when it is chilly, nothing is problem for these dogs. Especially the winters in mountains can be extreme. The length of the coat wary from very short coat to longer coat up to 10, or 11 cm long. All coats are very dense double-coats. The longer coats have feathering on hind legs and tail. The typical colors are shades of red, black, gray, chestnut, brown, brindle or white. Some dogs have black mask, but some dont.

8) Maintenance
Speaking of a coat, lets mention the maintenance as well and luckily it is extremely easy with this dog. They do not need almost any bathing, but they do shed, so you can minimize the shedding by regular brushing, but thats about it. This dog can take care of themselves. It is benefitial for the dog to clean their ears regularly to prevent any problems.

9) Health
The Qurdbasar is generally very healthy and hardy dog breed with average lifespan around 11 or 12 years, which is actually quite good for dog of this size. They are not heavily inbred, which is helping their health as well. Just like majority of giant dogs, they might suffer from some joint problems like hip dysplasia or bloating, but it is not extremely common.

10) National heritage
The Qurdbasar is not recognized by any major kennel club and it is practically unknown outside Azerbaijan. But in the Azerbaijan, they are viewed as national heritage and in recent years efforts have increased within Azerbaijan to preserve and formalize the breed.

History
The Colombian Fino Hound is believed to have developed from various scenthounds brought to the Americas by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th and 17th centuries during colonization. The Spaniards brought various dogs with them, including Bloodhound, Spanish Hounds – like Sabueso Espanol or Grand Bleu de Gascogne. These dogs likely played a major role in the breed’s development, but it is also believed that English breeds contributed as well. During the Colombian War of Independence, the British brought primarily Foxhounds to the region, and these Foxhounds probably also played a role in the development of Sabueso Fino Colombiano.
Over time, the Colombian Fino Hound become very popular all across the Colombia. They were used for hunt in rural communities, but also gained favor among notable figures, including Colombian President Guillermo León Valencia.
Due to Colombia’s diverse and challenging geography, various regional types of the Colombian Fino Hound have developed. For example, the Sabueso Fino Colombiano from the Caribbean coast differs slightly from the Colombian Fino Hound found in the Llanos region.
The Sabueso Fino Colombiano was finally recognized by Colombian Kennel Club in 2014 and in 2015 it was estimated there were as many as 10,000 examples of the breed within Colombia. So inside Colombia, this breed is quite popular, but it remains extremely rare outside Colombia.

Temperament
The Sabueso Fino Colombiano is a hunter and it is an extraordinary hunter. For centuries, it has been used to track rodents like capybaras and lowland pacas, as well as larger game such as deer. Their main weapon on the hunt is their amazing sense of smell, they are absolutely amazing at tracking by scent.
They are also very endurant and energetic, intelligent and agile. However, like many hunting dogs, it can also be independent and somewhat stubborn, which is an essential trait for a breed that needs to think on its own in the field. The Colombian Fino Hound’s incredible nose isn’t just useful for hunting—this breed even played a role in tracking down and capturing the infamous Colombian drug lord "Otoniel."
But the Sabueso Fino Colombiano is not just a hunting dog; it also makes an excellent companion. It is deeply loyal to its family and typically gets along well with children. This breed is usually friendly even with strangers, making it a poor choice for a guard or watchdog. It is affectionate, trusting, and generally sociable with other dogs, especially if raised with them from puppyhood. However, due to its high prey drive, it may not be the best match for households with smaller pets, as they just might to try to hunt them down.
It is important to say, that even though playful, affectionate and generally friendly, this is still not a dog for everyone. It is mainly due to their high energy level. They just need a lot of daily exercise. It can be longer walks, hikes, jogs, vigorous playtime or fun training sessions. Just anything that will occupy their mind and body, otherwise, they might develop some unwanted behaviour, such as destruction or excessive barking. Just like most hounds, they are also not total pushovers to train. I already mentioned that this is kind of stubborn dog and it is true. All hunting dogs are just like that. That means, that they can learn all the basic obedience commands, but sometimes it might be hard for them to obey them, especially if they catch an interesting scent.

Appearance
According to the official breed standard, the Colombian Fino Hound stands between 45-50 cm (17-20 inches) in height and weighs 15-25 kg (33-55 lbs). However, as mentioned earlier in the video, there are significant regional variations, and some individuals may be considerably larger than these standard measurements numbers suggest.
The breed’s short, straight coat comes in a variety of colors, including reddish, black, white, brown, and brindle. There are two coat types: smooth and rough.
The overal appearance of the Colombian Fino Hound is very similar to the appearance of other hounds. They have long floppy ears, the skin is slightly loose, they are well muscled and athletically built and they have almond-shaped eyes with a sweet expression.

Health and grooming
The Colombian Fino Hound is usually a healthy and hardy dog breed with average lifespan around 13 years. Due to its high energy levels and active lifestyle, joint supplements may be beneficial to support long-term mobility and joint health, helping the dog stay active and agile for years to come. But overall this is very healthy dog breed and there are no breed specific health issues related to Colombian Fino Hound.
When it comes to grooming and maintenance, it can not be easier. Thanks to its short, moderately shedding coat, this breed requires minimal grooming. Occasional brushing will help remove loose hair, but frequent baths are not necessary. However, special attention should be given to cleaning the ears and eyes to prevent infections and odor buildup.