Imagine walking through a park and not recognizing any of the dog breeds around you because they’ve all become extinct. While this scenario might seem far-fetched, the reality is that many dog breeds have already disappeared throughout history.
In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of extinct dog breeds, uncovering the stories behind their disappearance and what lessons we can learn to prevent further loss.
From the mighty Talbot Hound to the curious Turnspit Dog, join us as we delve into the history and heritage of these vanished breeds, and discuss actionable ways to protect those that are still with us.
Extinct Dog Breeds
1. Tahltan Bear Dog
The Tahltan Bear Dog was a breed reputedly used by the Tahltan people for hunting bears in the rugged terrains of Canada. These dogs were small but incredibly brave and agile, known for their ability to confront animals much larger than themselves.
Typically weighing around 10-15 pounds, the Tahltan Bear Dog had a fox-like face with a rangy body and a heavily plumed tail.
Their double coat was often black with white markings, providing them with essential camouflage and protection from the cold Canadian climate.
2. Salish Wool Dog
The Salish Wool Dog or “Comox dog” was carefully bred by the indigenous Salish people in the Pacific Northwest for its wool. These small dogs were distinct for their long, woolly hair, which was sheared like sheep and used to create textiles.
Their size was comparable to a small-to-medium-sized Sheepdog. The Salish Wool Dog had a white, dense, and fluffy coat that provided not just the material for weaving but also warmth during the cold and damp Pacific Northwest winters.
3. English White Terrier
The English White Terrier, also known as the Old English Terrier or British White Terrier, was a breed developed in the 1860s primarily for the sport of rat-baiting and dog fighting.
They were small and elegant with a distinct all-white coat and pointed ears. Typically, they weighed around 12-20 pounds.
Due to breeding problems like deafness and the rise in popularity of other terrier breeds, the English White Terrier became extinct by the early 20th century.
4. Hare Indian Dog
The Hare Indian Dog was a native breed found in North America, particularly in the area that is now the Northwest Territories of Canada. It was a companion to the Hare Indians and known for its hunting abilities, especially with small game.
The breed was small, likely under 30 pounds, with a thin build and pricked ears resembling that of a coyote, suggesting possible cross-breeding with wild canids.
Its coat was reddish or blonde, which helped it blend into the brush when hunting.
5. Molossus
The Molossus was an ancient breed of dog that belonged to the Molossian people of Epirus, now part of modern-day Greece and Albania. They were fierce war dogs and were also used for hunting and guarding.
Historically described as large and powerful, the Molossus is thought to be the ancestor to many of the Mastiff-type breeds that we know today. They possessed a heavy build and a strong jaw, designed for battle and protection.
6. Talbot Hound
The Talbot was a hunting hound of medieval times, credited as being an ancestor of modern-day scent hounds.
The Talbot was often depicted as pure white in color and rather slow but possessed an unmatched sense of smell. They were medium to large in size, with heavy bodies that made them less agile but enduring on the trail of game.
7. Tesem
The Tesem is one of the ancient Egyptian dog breeds depicted in their early art, resembling a sighthound with a curly tail.
Thought to be similar in build to the modern Greyhound but with a distinct curled tail, these dogs were medium-sized, sleek, and athletic. They were valued in ancient Egypt, often kept by royalty and nobility for hunting.
8. Alpine Mastiff
The Alpine Mastiff was an extinct Molosser dog breed, ancestral to the Saint Bernard and the modern Mastiff. It was enormous, possibly one of the earliest of the giant breeds.
Historical accounts describe them as immensely strong and formidable, used for tasks that required strength and endurance such as pulling carts or performing mountain rescues.
9. Toy Trawler Spaniel
The Toy Trawler Spaniel, a now-extinct breed, was a small spaniel type used in England primarily as a companion dog rather than for fieldwork.
They were described as being under 25 pounds, with a silky coat and drooping ears.
Their spaniel heritage was apparent in their skills at retrieving, especially on soft ground or vegetation.
10. Turnspit Dog
The Turnspit Dog, also known as the Kitchen Dog, was bred to run on a wheel, called a turnspit or dog wheel, to turn meat over the kitchen fire for cooking.
Small, sturdy and resembling the breeds like the Welsh Corgi, these dogs were valued for their ability to work rather than their appearance. Their life was hard, which is a likely factor that led to the breed’s demise when mechanical spit turning became common.
11. Blue Paul Terrier
The Blue Paul Terrier was a breed of dog known for its combat capabilities, originally from Scotland. They were medium-sized, muscular, with a blueish color coat and a powerful jaw.
The Blue Paul Terrier’s origins were shrouded in mystery, which, along with a lack of breeding records, may have contributed to its extinction.
12. Cumberland Sheepdog
The Cumberland Sheepdog was a landrace breed from the border of England and Scotland, believed to be a relative of the Border Collie and the now-extinct Welsh Hillman.
It was medium-sized, with a sturdy frame and dense coat, adept at the rugged hillside terrain of its native region. Despite its abilities, it was absorbed into the Border Collie breed, leading to its eventual disappearance as a distinct entity.
13. Hawaiian Poi Dog
The Hawaiian Poi Dog was an indigenous Polynesian breed, used by Native Hawaiians as a source of food and companionship.
These dogs were short, fat, and lethargic, a result of their high-starch diet of poi, a traditional Hawaiian food made from fermented taro root.
Their size fluctuated due to their diet, but they were typically small to medium-sized with loose, wrinkled skin. The breed fell into decline following the contact with Europeans and the introduction of new dog breeds, ultimately leading to its extinction.
What causes a dog breed to become extinct?
The extinction of a dog breed can occur due to a multitude of factors, each playing a significant role in their decline. Predominantly, changes in society and the economy mean that the specific functions these breeds were developed for, such as hunting, herding, or guarding, become obsolete.
Additionally, disastrous events like wars, famines, and widespread diseases can dramatically reduce their numbers.
Modern breeding practices and the favoring of more versatile or fashionable breeds further contribute to the diminishing numbers of specific breeds.
Can extinct dog breeds be brought back?
Reviving an extinct dog breed is a complex and often uncertain process. It involves finding dogs that have the closest genetic makeup to the extinct breed and selectively breeding them over several generations. While DNA technology and meticulous record-keeping can assist in this endeavor, the result may not be an exact replica of the original breed in terms of appearance, temperament, and health.
Moreover, without the original breed’s specific purpose in modern society, its revival might not guarantee its persistence. This highlights the need for proactive conservation efforts rather than relying on revival techniques after extinction.
3. Are there any successful cases of dog breed revival?
Yes, there have been notable successes in reviving dog breeds that were on the brink of extinction. The English Bulldog, for example, has seen a resurgence in popularity and numbers due to dedicated breeding efforts. Similarly, the Norwegian Lundehund, once nearly extinct, has benefited from the concerted efforts of enthusiasts dedicated to its preservation. These successes hinge on a committed international community of breeders and the implementation of genetic health strategies to ensure the breed’s viability. Such cases illustrate that with passion, knowledge, and cooperation, it’s possible to bring breeds back from the edge of extinction, though it’s a challenging and often long process.
4. How can I help prevent dog breeds from becoming extinct?
Contributing to the prevention of dog breed extinction is both a meaningful and achievable endeavor. Here are some practical steps you can take:
- Support reputable breeders: Choosing to support breeders who prioritize the health, history, and preservation of rare breeds is vital.
- Educate others: Spreading awareness about endangered dog breeds and the importance of preserving canine diversity can inspire others to act.
- Participate in preservation societies: Many breeds have dedicated societies or clubs focused on their conservation. Joining and supporting these organizations financially or through volunteer work is highly beneficial.
- Consider adopting rare breeds: If you’re looking to add a dog to your family, consider adopting from a shelter or rescue that specializes in rare or at-risk breeds.
- Advocate for genetic diversity: Support efforts and policies that promote genetic health and diversity among dog breeds to combat inbreeding and other practices that lead to health issues.
By following these steps, you play an active role in ensuring the diversity and health of dog breeds for future generations.