Throughout history, humans have selectively bred dogs to create a wide variety of breeds, each with unique characteristics and traits. While some breeds have thrived and evolved, others have sadly become extinct. This article will explore "Top 10 Dog Breeds That No Longer Exist", shedding light on their fascinating histories, roles, and the factors that led to their ultimate demise.
Molossus :
The
Molossus was a formidable ancient breed known for its imposing stature and
guarding abilities. This breed was heavily used by the Greeks and Romans as war
dogs, protectors, and even hunting companions. Unfortunately, the Molossus'
extinction was primarily due to its aggressive temperament, making it
unsuitable for the changing roles of dogs in society.
Tahltan Bear Dog :
The
Tahltan Bear Dog was a small but sturdy breed originally from Canada. These
dogs were incredibly agile and skilled at hunting bears, which was a vital
skill for indigenous people in the region. However, as bear hunting declined,
the need for the Tahltan Bear Dog dwindled, leading to its extinction by the
mid-20th century.
Cordoba Fighting Dog :
Cordoba
Fighting Dogs were once popular in Argentina for their tenacity in the bullring
and dogfighting pits. Their aggressive nature and strong bite made them
formidable opponents, but their brutal purpose led to their eventual
prohibition and extinction.
Turnspit Dog :
The
Turnspit Dog, also known as the Kitchen Dog, played an essential role in early
kitchens. Their job was to turn a large wheel, rotating the meat over the open
fire, ensuring it cooked evenly. As kitchen technology evolved, the Turnspit
Dog became obsolete, leading to their disappearance.
English White Terrier :
The
English White Terrier was a small, elegant breed cherished for its beauty and
ratting skills. However, their fragile health, including genetic issues related
to deafness and skin conditions, contributed to their extinction in the late
19th century.
Also Read This : All Dog Breeds - Names and Pictures | Complete List of Dog Profiles
Moscow Water Dog :
The
Moscow Water Dog, also called the Moscow Diver, was bred as a water rescue dog
in the Soviet Union during the mid-20th century. Unfortunately, the breed's
large size and high-maintenance care made them impractical, leading to their
extinction.
Salish Wool Dog :
The
Salish Wool Dog, native to the Pacific Northwest, was bred by indigenous people
for their thick, warm fur. They were valuable for weaving blankets, but with
the arrival of European trade and their own woolly sheep, the Salish Wool Dog
became extinct.
Blue Paul Terrier :
The
Blue Paul Terrier was a tenacious and muscular breed popular in the 19th
century for its involvement in dogfighting. This brutal practice was banned,
and as a result, the breed lost its purpose and vanished.
Thylacine (Tasmanian Tiger) :
The
Thylacine, often known as the Tasmanian Tiger, was not a true dog but resembled
one. This unique marsupial had a dog-like head and striped body, but it
ultimately fell victim to habitat destruction, hunting, and disease, becoming
extinct in the early 20th century.
Norfolk Terrier :
The
Norfolk Terrier, initially a distinct breed, merged with the Norwich Terrier
due to a debate over ear positioning. This decision led to the extinction of
the Norfolk Terrier as a standalone breed, leaving only the Norwich Terrier
with its signature upright ears.
These ten extinct dog breeds represent a diverse range of canine history and roles, from hunting to kitchen duties, and even as victims of brutal practices. The evolution of human society, changing preferences, and shifting roles for dogs have all played their part in the extinction of these breeds. While these dogs may no longer roam the earth, their stories serve as a reminder of the close and complex relationship between humans and their canine companions throughout history.