10 Extinct Dog Breeds

Discovering the Extinct Dog Breeds that Once Roamed the Earth

As dog owners, we all know that these furry friends of ours come in a variety of breeds, each with its own unique personality and traits. However, did you know that there are dog breeds that existed in the past that are now extinct? Yes, you read that right! In this blog post, we’ll explore ten extinct dog breeds and learn more about what made them special. So, sit back and get ready to travel through time as we take a closer look at these fascinating canine breeds that are no longer with us.

The Hare Indian Dog

The Hare Indian Dog, also known as the Mackenzie River Dog, was a small breed that lived in Northern Canada. They were breeding partners for the nomadic Hare Indians and often helped them hunt small game. Despite being small, they were agile and could track game with incredible speed. Unfortunately, these dogs became extinct in the early 20th century, and nothing remains except for old paintings, literature, and stories told by the Hare Indians.

The English White Terrier

The English White Terrier breed was developed in the 19th century and was a popular show dog. These dogs were small with a sleek white coat and were used as vermin hunters. Unfortunately, this breed had various health issues, and many breeders ended up breeding them to extinction by the 1900s.

The Salish Wool Dog

Salish Wool Dogs were found in the Pacific Northwest and were bred by the Salish Native American Tribe for their fur. They had a long, thick, and soft coat that was used to make blankets and clothing. The breed gradually became extinct after European colonization in the early 19th century.

The Turnspit Dog

The Turnspit Dog was a small breed used in England to turn the meat over the fire. Their short legs and long bodies made them the perfect height and body shape for this task. Unfortunately, they were replaced by spit jacks, resulting in their gradual extinction by the 1800s.

The Cordoba Fighting Dog

The Cordoba Fighting Dog was a large breed that originated in Argentina and was used in dogfighting. As the sport was banned, the breed lost its purpose, resulting in its extinction by the mid-1900s.

The Toy Trawler Spaniel

The Toy Trawler Spaniel breed was developed in the 17th century and was used on fishing trawlers to catch rats and mice. They were only seven inches tall and a brown and white coat. Sadly, this breed became extinct during the early 1900s.

The Molossus

The Molossus was an ancient breed dating back to Greece, known for their massive size and strength. They were often used as guard dogs, and Molossus dogs are said to be the foundation for many large dog breeds today. Unfortunately, this breed became extinct in the 7th century AD.

The Paisley Terrier

The Paisley Terrier was a smaller breed with long hair that was used in the show ring during the 19th century. They were only popular for a brief period and became extinct by the 1900s.

The Alpine Mastiff

The Alpine Mastiff was a large dog bred for guarding properties in the Italian Alps. They were said to be loyal, vigilant, and powerful. With the advent of the two World Wars, this breed ended up going extinct by the 1950s.

The Blue Paul Terrier

The Blue Paul Terrier was a Scottish breed, named for their distinctive blue coat and muscular physique. They were known to be loyal hunting partners, but this breed became extinct by the early 20th century.

Extinct Dog Breeds

As we’ve seen, ten dog breeds have gone extinct due to various factors, including the loss of their original purpose, breeding issues, and disease. Although we can no longer enjoy the companionship of these breeds, we can learn about each breed’s unique contributions to the history of man’s best friend. In today’s world, we’re lucky to have hundreds of breeds to choose from, but let’s not forget the ones that paved the way. As dog owners, it’s our responsibility to ensure that our furry friends remain healthy, happy, and loved.