Today’s article is all about reliving the past and embracing the future.
Unfortunately, no one knows for sure how many unique dog breeds have existed at a certain period of time, but are simply no longer around today.
Various historians and dog enthusiasts have worked very hard over the years to find any kind of evidence that would bring those breeds back to life… at least on paper.
Unfortunately, while some breeds have long-lasting legacies, others have left hardly any trace of their existence.
If you, too, would like to travel back in time and discover the wonders of the canine world, keep on reading because we are bringing to you 13 extinct dog breeds that you need to see today.
1. Moscow Water Dog
The Moscow Water Dog was a large dog breed with a tick, black or brown double coat. This dog was created for the Soviet Union and was supposed to work as a rescue dog in water, but according to some reports, it wasn’t particularly good at this job, which is why it didn’t last long.
The last known record of this dog is from the 1980s, but even for his short life, it was exceptionally rare.
2. English White Terrier (Old English Terrier)
The English White Terrier was truly a unique breed of dog – one of the first pedigree dogs recognized by the Kennel Club.
It was developed in the early 1800s specifically for the show ring, but due to inbreeding and loads of serious health and behavioral issues, the breed lived only for about 100 years. The Boston Terrier and Bull Terrier were created largely due to them.
3. Tweed Water Spaniel
The Tweed Water Spaniel was a curly-haired dog with a brown coat, a long slim tail, and thick floppy ears. This breed got its name from the River Tweed in Scotland, where they mostly worked in water, assisting the fishermen.
Sadly, this breed died out at the end of the 19th century, but they are considered to be the parent breed of now widely-famous Golden Retrievers.
4. Black And Tan Terrier
The Black and Tan Terrier was a very popular English breed that was used to hunt foxes. It had long legs, and a short coat that was, of course, black-and-tan colored.
It is believed that these types of dogs are the ancestors of many modern dog breeds, including the Airedale Terrier and the Yorkshire Terrier.
5. Kurī Dog
The Kurī was an ancient Polynesian breed brought to New Zealand by the indigenous Māori people. It sadly became extinct in the 19th century, but it is believed that these dogs were very indispensable then as the providers of food and fur.
According to the preserved body in New Zealand’s National Museum, we know that this was a small-breed dog with short legs, a snout nose, and prick ears.
6. Paisley Terrier
The Paisley Terrier was a small, long-haired terrier with silky fur and erect ears, coming from the town of Paisley, in Scotland. This blue and tan terrier was mostly used as a show dog and a companion pet.
Rendered unfit for work, and high maintenance, these dogs unfortunately became extinct; however, they are considered as the predecessors of the Yorkshire Terrier.
7. Chiribaya Dog
The Chiribaya dog is a truly fascinating ancient dog breed with no known remaining ancestors. The discovery of this breed is attributed to anthropologist, Sonia Guillén, who discovered over 40 mummies within Peru.
Historians believe that these were small dogs with light beige fur and rabbit-like feet. They performed a valuable function in this ancient society, and thus, were buried next to humans.
8. Tesem Dog
The Tesem is one of the oldest dog breeds, believed to be 3,000 years old. It is an Egyptian breed, portrayed in many hieroglyphics as a lean dog with a curly tail and tan fur. According to many scientists, they resemble modern Greyhounds.
The Basenji, the Sloughi, and the African Pariah dog are believed to be modern descendants of this ancient breed.
9. Turnspit Dog
It is believed that these dogs with a rather fascinating history lived in the 16th century. They were not seen as pets, but rather as a “kitchen appliance”, having been bred to tirelessly run on a wheel that kept the roasting spit moving.
They worked in shifts and had an incredible level of stamina.
10. Hare Indian Dog
Hare Indian dogs were domesticated by Canadian Indian tribes as some kind of coyote cross. It was described as a short, long-haired dog with a pointed muzzle and a howl like a wolf.
They became extinct because of modern inventions and improved hunting techniques.
11. Alaunt
This is the European/Asian breed of dog that is considered to be the original predecessor of the modern-day Bulldogs. They were large, short-haired dogs specifically bred to be workers.
Today, there are several variants of this breed, meaning that although the original dogs are extinct, their bloodline continues to live on.
12. The Techichi
The Techichi was a small, mute breed of dog that was bred by the Toltec civilization somewhere in Mexico. They were bred for hunting purposes and companionship, and are said to be the progenitors of the modern Chihuahua.
13. Russian Tracker
Russian trackers looked very similar to Golden Retrievers due to their large size and furry coat. It was both brawny and brainy, able to fight off bears and wolves, and herd the flock and keep them away from danger.