We may not truly understand what causes the extinction of a species. The factors are many, including too much inbreeding, sickness, disease, and – sadly – ignorance from an unaware public.
Meanwhile, take a look at these beautiful dogs who may no longer be with us but remain a part of canine history.
Hare Indian Dog: The Hare dog was thought to be a domestic dog and coyote hybrid—a crossing known as a coydog. The Hare dog was kept by a number of Athabaskan tribes for sight hunting and trap lining in the Great Bear Lake region of northern Canada. Over time, the Hare dog interbred with other dog breeds as they were introduced by encroaching settlers and trappers.
The Molossus: Grandfather of some of the biggest and most majestic breeds today such as the mastiff, St. Bernard, Bernese mountain dog, Rottweiler, and Great Dane to name a few, the Molossus can be traced back to Greek antiquity. Molossian dogs have performed many jobs over the centuries, most particularly as guardians of people and livestock.
Talbot: The Talbot hound was the pure white predecessor of the modern beagle and coonhound. The Talbot was a slow but thorough scent hound, which was closely related to the bloodhound, and thought to be absorbed into that breed over time.
St. John’s Water Dog: Most of our modern water retrievers owe a debt to Newfoundland’s St. John’s dog, including the Newfoundland, golden retriever, and Labrador retrievers. A naturally occurring crossbreeding of the resident dogs of Newfoundland and water dogs brought over from Portugal by fishermen. Over the years, the breed was absorbed into the Labrador.
Cumberland Sheepdog: Predecessor to the modern border collie and Australian shepherd, the Cumberland sheepdog was once popular all over northern England. The breed is thought to have been absorbed into border collie stock over time.
We would like to believe that because most dogs are so beautiful, kind, and special they will be around forever. Sadly, that is just not true. There are, of course, many organizations out there attempting to keep all the wonderful breeds we have. But in a few hundred years, more may have fallen into the “extinct” category.
Can you imagine a world without Pugs, German Shepherds or Golden Retrievers? Neither can we but – dog lovers beware! Visit Rover to learn more about extinct dog breeds you will wish you had known!
Featured Image via “HARE INDIAN DOG” BY JOHN JAMES AUDUBON
