The sad truth about human behavior making dog breeds extinct is that many of them are gone forever, with no chance of returning.
You may be familiar with some of the most famous examples of extinct dog breeds, like the Steller’s Sea Cow or the Tasmanian Tiger, but did you know that other dogs once roamed the Earth?
Thousands of dog breeds have existed throughout history.
Their popularity waxed and waned over time based on their usefulness and appeal to different cultures at different times.
Cordoba Fighting
It’s a sad reality that some dog breeds have gone extinct. The Cordoba Fighting Dog is one such breed. This dog was used for fighting and was bred in Argentina.
Unfortunately, the last known Cordoba Fighting Dog died in 1944. It’s been more than 70 years since any new puppies were born.
As you can imagine, this doesn’t bode well for these breeds‘ survival. A few other extinct dog breeds are listed below.
Alpine Mastiff
The Alpine Mastiff is a large, powerful dog that guards and protects livestock. Unfortunately, this breed is now extinct. The last known Alpine Mastiff died in the early 1800s.
Some say the extinction is because Alpine Mastiffs became too expensive to feed due to their high-calorie diet.
Others believe they were too slow to keep up with modern farming practices. Sadly, we will never know what happened to this beloved breed.
St. John’s Water Dog
The St. John’s Water Dog was a working dog used to retrieve waterfowl in Newfoundland. They were bred to be excellent swimmers with a thick, oily coat that protected them from the cold water.
The breed was brought to England in the 1800s, but unfortunately, it did not do well in the English climate and eventually died out in the 1980s. Today, no known St. John’s Water Dogs are left in existence.
Tesem
The Tesem was a small Egyptian hunting dog known for its speed and agility. It is one of the extinct dog breeds but was once used by the ancient Egyptians to help with hunting.
The Tesem was bred for its speed and strength and was also known for being an excellent guard dog.
However, the breed eventually died out due to a lack of interest from Egyptian hunters. They became extinct by 1650 B.C., and then Egyptians started replacing them with other breeds.
Alaunt
The Alaunt is a breed of dog that is now extinct. This large, powerful dog was once used for hunting and guarding.
The Alaunt was also known for being an excellent guard dog; it was very loyal and protective.
However, the Alaunt’s size and strength made it difficult to control, declining its popularity.
The last known Alaunt was bred in the early 17th century, and the breed is now considered extinct.
Dogo Cubano
It’s hard to believe that some dog breeds have already gone extinct. The Dogo Cubano is one of those extinct dog breeds.
Originally from Cuba, this enormous white dog was used for hunting and guarding. However, the breed dwindled in numbers over time until it was eventually extinct in the 19th century.
Alpine Spaniel
The Alpine Spaniel is a breed of dog that is now extinct. This dog was once used for hunting in the mountains of Europe.
But was eventually replaced by other breeds that were better suited for the task.
The Alpine Spaniel was a large breed, with males reaching up to 30 inches at the shoulder.
They had thick fur coats that protected them from the cold weather. And their long tails helped them balance on the slippery slopes.
Although they were good hunters, their temperament made them unsuitable as pets. They were aggressive and territorial and often attacked other dogs and people.
They were initially developed in the 19th century and became extinct in the same century due to severe disease.
Chien-gris
It’s hard to believe that some dog breeds are already extinct. The Chien-gris was one of the first documented extinct dog breeds.
This small, dark-colored French breed was popular in the 17th and 18th centuries but eventually fell out of favor. The last known Chien-gris died in the year 1800.
Salish Wool Dog
In the 1860s, settlers began moving into the Salish Wool Dog’s home in British Columbia.
These settlers brought sheep and other livestock, which the Salish Wool Dogs began preying on.
The settlers responded by killing any Salish Wool Dogs they could find.
In 1885, a law was passed making it legal to kill dogs without penalty. By the early 1990s, the Salish Wool Dog was extinct.
Russian Tracker
Once a popular dog breed in Russia, the Russian Tracker is one of the extinct dog breeds. This large, imposing breed was used for hunting and tracking games.
However, their size and strength made them challenging to control. And they were eventually banned from being imported into Russia.
The only place you’ll find Russian Trackers is in history books. These extinct dog breeds lived until the 1800s
Old English Bulldog
Today, the English Bulldog is a lovable and popular family pet. But did you know this breed was once on the brink of extinction? In the early 1800s, the Old English Bulldog was a much different animal than we know today.
These dogs were fierce and aggressive, often used in blood sports such as bull-baiting and bear-baiting.
Thanks to their notorious reputation, they were slowly falling out of favor with the public, and it is not clear exactly when they became extinct.
English Water Spaniel
One of the most notable extinct dog breeds is the English Water Spaniel. This breed was once quite popular in England, but unfortunately, it no longer exists. The last known English Water Spaniel died in 1903.
This breed was particularly susceptible to a distemper disease, ultimately leading to its demise.
While many other extinct dog breeds exist, the English Water Spaniel is undoubtedly one of the most well-known.
Blue Paul Terrier
The Blue Paul Terrier is one of many extinct dog breeds. These dogs were once famous for families, but their numbers have dwindled.
The cause of their extinction is mainly unknown, but it’s speculated that they were bred out of existence.
This is a tragedy, as these dogs were loyal and loving companions. Check out this list if you’re interested in extinct dog breeds.0
Tahltan Bear Dog
It’s hard to believe that some dog breeds are already extinct. The Tahltan Bear Dog is one of the extinct dog breeds.
This breed was used for hunting bears in Canada’s Tahltan territory. They were also used as sled dogs and guard dogs. The last Tahltan Bear Dog died in the 1970s.
Hare Indian Dog
There was once a beautiful dog breed known as the Hare Indian Dog. The Hare tribe of Native Americans used these dogs for hunting purposes.
They were fierce and powerful yet gentle and loving with their owners. Unfortunately, the Hare Indian Dog is now extinct. The last known member of the breed died in the early 1900s.
North Country Beagle
The North Country Beagle is one of many extinct dog breeds that have gone extinct. This particular breed was once common in northern England, but unfortunately, they are no longer with us.
Though the exact reason for their extinction is unknown, likely they couldn’t compete with other breeds that were more popular then.
Moscow Water Dog
The Moscow Water Dog is a breed of dog that is now extinct. Originally from Russia, the breed was used to retrieve games from water.
They were bred to be strong swimmers with a thick coat that protected them from the cold water.
Also, the breed was known for being very intelligent and trainable. Unfortunately, the Moscow Water Dog became extinct in the early 2000s due to a lack of interest from breeders.
Paisley Terrier
The Paisley Terrier is one of many extinct dog breeds. These dogs were once common, but their numbers dwindled until they eventually vanished altogether.
While the exact reasons for their extinction are often unknown, changes in human lifestyle and behavior likely played a role.
For example, the Paisley Terrier was once used for hunting vermin, but as rat-catching became less popular, there was no need for this breed anymore.
Sadly, once a breed disappears, it’s gone forever, and we can only imagine what these dogs were like.
Hawaiian Poi Dog
The Hawaiian Poi Dog is one of many dog breeds that have gone extinct. This loyal and loving breed was once a common sight on the Hawaiian Islands, but sadly, they are no longer with us.
Talbot
The Talbot was a British hunting dog breed that went extinct in the early 20th century.
The last known Talbot was killed in 1905. The breed was known for its loyalty, intelligence, and strength.
Though they were once popular hunting dogs, their numbers dwindled as more people began to use guns for hunting instead of dogs.
The Talbot is just one of many dog breeds that have gone extinct. Other extinct breeds include:
- The turnspit dog.
- German shepherd wolf hybrids.
- The Labrador retriever variant is known as the St. John’s water dog.
While it’s sad to see these breeds gone, it’s important to remember that many wonderful dog breeds still exist to love and appreciate.
Norfolk Spaniel
The Norfolk Spaniel is one of the many extinct dog breeds. It’s a shame, too, because they were such beautiful creatures.
Standing about two feet tall, they had long, floppy ears and a thick white or black coat.
They were known for being excellent hunting dogs and were even used by royalty. Sadly, the last Norfolk Spaniel died in the early 1900s.
Braque du Puy
The Braque du Puy is a type of gun dog that is now extinct. This breed was once used for hunting in the Auvergne region of France.
The Braque du Puy was a versatile breed, able to track both small and large games. Unfortunately, the last known member of this breed died in the early 1900s.
Turnspit Dog
Extinct dog breeds are those that have died out completely.
The Turnspit Dog is one such breed. This small, longhaired dog once powered a spit in kitchens by running on a wheel.
Unfortunately, the invention of the mechanical spit made these dogs obsolete, and they slowly died out. Today, there are no known Turnspit Dogs left in the world.
Toy Bulldog
The Toy Bulldog was a small, muscular breed of dog popular in England during the Victorian era.
Despite their name, they were not related to the Bulldog breed and were more closely related to the Pekingese.
They were bred to be companions and lapdogs, and their average lifespan was about ten years. The last known Toy Bulldog died in England in the 18th and 19th.
Southern Hound
The Southern Hound was a large, white, short-haired hunting dog. The American South used the breed extensively for hunting deer, squirrel, and raccoon.
Unfortunately, the Southern Hound is now extinct. The last known specimen died in the early 1920s.
Toy Trawler Spaniel
The Toy Trawler Spaniel is one of many extinct dog breeds. This breed was once widespread in England and Wales but is now extinct. The last known Toy Trawler Spaniel died in the early 1900s.
This breed was a small, spaniel-type dog used to hunt game birds. The Toy Trawler Spaniel was a loyal and loving companion dog.
However, this breed is now extinct, and there are no known surviving dogs of this breed.
Tweed Water Spaniel
In 2009, the United Kingdom’s last Tweed Water Spaniel died. This gentle breed was once popular among English royalty and landed gentry for their hunting abilities.
Sadly, like many other hunting dog breeds, the Tweed Water Spaniel fell out of favor as game birds became less abundant.
The last known member of the breed was a dog named Vodka, who lived 14 years old.
Molossus
It’s hard to believe that some dog breeds are already extinct. The Molossus is one of those breeds.
This large, powerful dog was once used in warfare and as a guard dog. Sadly, the last Molossus died in the early 1900s.
English White Terrier
In 1902, the English White Terrier was recognized as one of the distinct dog breeds by The Kennel Club in England.
The breed was first brought to the United States in 1887 and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888.
By the early 1900s, the English White Terrier was popular in England and America.
However, the breed began to decline in popularity after World War I and was eventually declared extinct by the Kennel Club in 1931. The last known English White Terrier died in 1934.
Bullenbeisser
The Bullenbeisser was a German breed of dog known for its strength and hunting ability.
However, by the early 1900s, the breed had become extinct due to cross-breeding with other breeds. The last known purebred Bullenbeisser died in 1924.
Today, there are no known purebred Bullenbeissers left in the world.
However, the American Kennel Club recognizes a breed called the Boxer, which is thought to be descended from the Bullenbeisser.
The Boxer is a popular breed known for its loyalty, intelligence, and playful personality.
