5 Oppressed Iranian Dog Breeds (Ancient Persian Dogs)

Dogs have been oppressed in Iran for centuries. The five ancient Persian breeds – the Azawakh, the Chow chow, the Saluki, the Shih Tzu and the Tibetan Mastiff – have all been banned from owning or living in Iran since the Iranian Revolution in 1979. These dogs are considered to be unclean by Muslim law and are seen as a symbol of Western Imperialism.

These days, however, there is a growing movement of dog lovers in Iran who are working to change the perception of dogs in their country. They are fighting for the right to own and care for these ancient breeds, and to ultimately allow them to live happy, healthy lives in Iran once again. Here is some more background on some Persian dog breeds that have been banned in Iran:

Azawakh

The Azawakh is a sighthound breed that is native to the Sahel region of Africa. They were brought to Iran by nomadic tribes centuries ago, and were used for hunting and guarding. Azawakhs are slender, elegant dogs with long legs and a short coat. They come in a variety of colors, including white, black, brown and brindle.

Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is a ancient Chinese breed that was brought to Iran by traders. They were originally used as working dogs, but later became popular as pets among the upper class. Chow Chows are large dogs with a thick coat of fur that can be either red, black, blue or cream colored. They have a distinctive lion-like mane around their head and neck.

Saluki

The Saluki is a sighthound breed that is native to the Middle East. They were brought to Iran by nomadic tribes centuries ago, and were used for hunting and guarding. Salukis are slender, elegant dogs with long legs and a short coat. They come in a variety of colors, including white, black, brown and brindle.

Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is an ancient Chinese breed that was brought to Iran by traders. They were originally used as working dogs, but later became popular as pets among the upper class. Shih Tzus are small dogs with a long, silky coat that can be either black, white, brown or gold colored. They have a distinctive lion-like mane around their head and neck.

Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetan Mastiff is a ancient Chinese breed that was brought to Iran by traders. They were originally used as working dogs, but later became popular as pets among the upper class. Tibetan Mastiffs are large dogs with a thick coat of fur that can be either black, brown or gray colored. They have a muscular build and a fierce, protective nature.

What About The Peritas and Sarabi Dog Breed?

The Peritas was a small dog breed that was popular among the ancient Persians. They were known for their loyalty and affection, and were often kept as companions or lap dogs. Unfortunately, Peritas are now extinct and there is no known way to bring them back.

The Sarabi is a large dog breed that was popular in ancient Persia. They were used for hunting and guarding, and were known for their strength and courage. Unfortunately, the Sarabi is now also extinct and there is no known way to bring them back.

Facts of the Matter: Alexander, the Persian Mastiff (Sarabi Dog) and the Turkish Kangal

When Alexander the Great invaded northern India in 327 BC, he encountered a large and powerful breed of dog that was used by the people of Punjab for guarding and hunting. This breed is now extinct… Or is it?

Historical Records and Dog Owners in Ancient Persia

The fall of the Achaemenid Persian Empire to Alexander the Great in 331 BC resulted in an influx of Greek culture into Persia. As a result, dogs became more popular as pets and hunting companions. Prior to this, dogs were mostly used for guarding and herding.

The most popular dog breeds in ancient Persia were the Afghan Hound, Saluki, Greyhound, Whippet, and Peritas. These breeds were used for hunting and guard duty.

In the early 20th century, the Iranian government began to crack down on dog ownership. Dogs were banned from exercise and socialization, and were only allowed to be kept as pets. This policy continues today, and as a result, these five breeds of dogs are greatly oppressed in Iran.

Dog Ownership in Iran: Parting Thoughts

Dog ownership is discouraged in Iran. Dogs are banned from public places, such as parks and sidewalks. They are also not allowed to be exercised in public. As a result, most dog owners keep their dogs confined to their homes, and they need to use “go anywhere” boundary collars to keep their dogs on their property if it is not properly fenced in.

The government’s policy on dogs is based on the belief that dogs are unclean animals. In Islam, dogs are considered to be impure and their presence is believed to pollute homes and other places.

While the government’s policy on dogs may seem harsh, it is important to remember that Iran is a country with a majority Muslim population. Islam dictates how the majority of Iranians live their lives, and this includes how they view dogs.

If you are interested in owning a dog in Iran, please be aware of the conditions they face. Adopt only from reputable shelters or rescues.