15 Historic Dog Breeds Lost to Extinction

Craig, Hugh, ed./Wikipedia

Dogs have been humanity’s faithful companions for thousands of years, aiding in everything from hunting and herding to providing unwavering companionship. Unfortunately, time hasn’t been kind to some breeds, rendering them extinct.  The saving grace: we have stories of their roles in ancient civilizations and their contributions to modern canine lineages. Here are 15 fascinating extinct dog breeds that shaped history and left a paw print in the sands of time.

English White Terrier

Alfred Frank de Prades/Wikipedia

The English White Terrier was a short-lived breed from the 19th century. Bred for a pristine white coat, the breed struggled to maintain this look. Practicality issues, changing fashion, and lack of recognition led to its extinction. Unlike its terrier cousins, it couldn’t compete in the constantly evolving dog world.

Talbot Hound

Friends of Sheffield Manor Lodge/Facebook

In medieval England, a magnificent hunting hound known as the Talbot hound existed. Although it disappeared in the late 18th century, it is believed to live on in the genes of today’s Beagles and Bloodhounds. Talbot’s tracking abilities played a significant role in Europe’s hunting traditions.

Alpine Spaniel

Helen Heater/Facebook

Unlike the Spaniels we know today, this dog was huge and sturdier, perfectly adapted to its harsh mountain home. Alpine Spaniels ventured through icy winds and challenging terrains, tirelessly searching for lost travelers. Unfortunately, the severe mountain conditions and the outbreak of diseases led to the breed’s extinction by the mid-1800s. 

Turnspit Dog

H Weir/Wikipedia 

From the 16th to 19th centuries, European kitchens relied on the Turnspit Dog to rotate meat on spits. These small yet muscular dogs were specifically bred to run on wheels, guaranteeing even roasting over open fires. As automated kitchen devices emerged, the Turnspit Dog’s role became redundant, leading to its eventual extinction.

Chiribaya Shepherd

 Jo Mooy/Facebook

Native to ancient Peru, the Chiribaya Shepherd played a significant role in herding llamas and were so revered they were buried alongside humans with blankets and food. Anthropologists discovered more than 40 mummified remains in southwestern Peru, revealing their historical significance. Genetic analysis suggests they share no connection to modern dogs in the area.

Molossian Hound

 Roman Empire/Facebook

As the most renowned extinct breed, they originated with the ancient Molossian tribe in Epirus, Greece. This colossal guard dog laid the foundation for the Mastiff and captured the imagination of many, who found a mention in Aristotle’s The History of Animals, where the philosopher praised its superior size and courage. 

Salish Wool Dog

Paul Kane/Wikipedia

Like the woolly mammoth, the Salish woolly dog ranks among the most recognized extinct animals. For millennia, the coastal Salish people bred these thick-coated dogs. Their hair, sheared like sheep’s wool, was spun into yarn and crafted into textiles. However, introducing European sheep in the mid-1800s diminished the need for dog wool. 

St. John’s Water Dog

JoKing/Wikipedia

Hailing from Newfoundland, the St. John’s Water Dog was celebrated for its exceptional swimming and retrieving skills. This medium-sized breed, known for its webbed feet, was a natural in water rescue and fishing. When introduced to England in the 19th century, it had an essential role in developing the Labrador Retriever through crossbreeding. 

Dalbo Dog

Hanna Ferlin/Wikipedia

A formidable guardian of Sweden’s rural past, the Dalbohund was a breed built for strength and courage. They were tasked with protecting livestock from the threats of wolves and bears. Their size and ferocity made them great defenders, but as the terrain changed and predator populations dwindled, so did the need for such specialized guardians. 

Northern Hound

Pearson Scott Foresman/Wikipedia

Once highly popular throughout Northern England, the Northern Hound earned its reputation with a blend of desirable traits for hunters. Known for its sharp nose, distinctive shrill bark, and surprisingly swift hunting style, it was a favorite among sportspeople. However, as breeding practices became more specialized, their popularity waned. 

Kuri Dog

Kane Fleury (MothmanNZ)/Wikipedia

Kuri, native to New Zealand, owes its name to the Maori tribes, who brought this ancient breed from East Polynesia during their migration in the 13th century AD. As one of the oldest breeds, Kuri has inspired numerous legends. Their inability to withstand interbreeding with European dogs contributed to their disappearance.

Blue Paul Terrier

Sconosciuto/Wikipedia

In mid-19th-century Scotland, the Blue Paul Terrier, a blend of Bulldog and Terrier heritage, once charmed everyone. This breed became famous for its blue coat, but it gradually faded from favor in the early 20th century. Unfortunately, little is known about the specific reasons for these canines’ disappearance. 

Hawaiian Poi Dog

Wikipedia

This seemingly unremarkable dog belongs to a class known as pariah dogs, often seen lingering around ancient villages and tribes. Short-legged with a pot belly, Poi Dogs ate a root-based food called poi. Poi dogs were also seen as lucky charms, often gifted to newborns to grow as companions and protectors. 

Black & Tan Terrier

Benjamin Marshall/Wikipedia 

Interestingly, the Black & Tan Terrier laid the foundation for many of today’s breeds, like the Airedale and Yorkshire Terriers. Highly favored in 19th-century England, these terriers were primarily used for fox hunting. They were designed to be small and agile, with narrow chests to traverse through tunnels and caves. 

Bullenbeisser

Alfred Edmund Brehm/Wikipedia

The German Bulldog was a powerful breed recognized for its strength and agility. Primarily used for bull-baiting and boar hunting, it was a formidable dog. Unfortunately, the Bullenbeisser no longer exists due to deliberate crossbreeding with the Bulldog, which eventually led to the creation of the Boxer breed.

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