There are many reasons that cause the extinction of a particular species or race. From the action of man, through rivalry with other animals that inhabit the same environment, to the destruction of ecosystems, it always ends up being sad news.
When we talk about the disappearance of species, we often think of large animals: a rare rhinoceros, a large feline, some endemic bird from a lost island, and how can we forget about the ancient dinosaurs ? However, species that accompany us daily, such as the canine, have also suffered their losses. Keep reading if you want to know the 15 extinct dog breeds in the world Discover them all!
1. Bullenbeiser or German bulldog
Considered the father of large breeds in Germany, the bullenbeiser existed in Syria and other regions of Asia and Africa 2000 years before Christ, which is why it is considered one of the oldest dogs. According to the records, he was of a strong and massive build, used for hunting animals, herding and as a companion in battle.
two. Indian Hare
According to the records, it was similar to a domestic dog and a domesticated coyote together. Originally from Canada, he was raised in the Hare Indian tribeWith a playful personality, it is said that he socialized very well with strangers, but at the same time he was fast, agile and good hunter. Faithful companion of the Indians, it was disappearing as the tribe did, due to the crossing with other races.
3. Cordoba Fighting Dog
Originating in Córdoba, in Argentita, it was the result of a cross between various breeds, such as the mastiff and the English bulldog. His body was usually white, sometimes with brown spots. Massive, large and energetic, he was extremely violent, even with his fellow race. This same violence was what led to his early extinction: when he was not used in dog fights, they would fight each other to the death for whatever reason.
4. Puy Pointer
Typical of France, it was characterized by white fur with orange spots. It was a graceful dog, with thin but agile legs, used by humans for hunting The disappearance of the braco occurred at the end of the 20th century, when it was mixed with other races reduced the original characteristics until they disappeared, converted into new specimens.
There are those who claim that until a few years ago a female survived in the Canary Islands, but since there was no other thoroughbred to mate with her, she was considered extinct anyway.
5. Hawaiian Poi
Related to other Polynesian breeds, studies indicate that the poi arrived in Hawaii with the first Polynesian settlers, around 400 AD There, a variety was developed that moved away a bit from its ancestors, coming to have its own characteristics that distinguished them.
Small-bodied, the poi was popular in Hawaiian homes because it was believed to protect the family. Gradually, it was used as food, and it was this, plus the crosses made with other breeds, that would make the poi disappear in the 20th century.
6. Argentine Polar Dog
This breed of dog was created in Argentina with a very specific purpose: to be used to pull sleds from a military base that the Argentine Armywould open in the cold lands of Antarctica.
Working dog, it was the product of a cross between the Siberian Husky and 3 other equally strong breeds, with a massive body and great physical capacity. Around 1994 it was considered extinct, and the reasons that motivated it are still not clear. A dispute began between institutions that considered that the presence of the dog negatively affected the Antarctic ecosystem, so in the end they were removed from the area; however, some maintain that such an impact was not such.
Similarly, not being needed for the purpose for which they were bred, the breed began to mix with others, until finally it was lost and considered extinct.
7. Paisley terrier
Created in the Paisley region of Great Britain, it was a breed of small size and abundant long fur, which became popular as a companion dog and exhibition Winner of competitions and marketed as a lapdog for housewives, his fame begins to wane due to how difficult it was to care for his delicate coat.
Various crosses were modifying the breed until it disappeared completely. It is the ancestor of what is now known as the Yorkshire terrier.
8. Techichi
Originally from Mexico, the techichi is considered the pre-Columbian ancestor of the chihuahua, since it was a dog bred by theToltecs Although there are few records that provide data on their characteristics, some remains have revealed the existence of the race to scholars. Apparently it was not only a pet, but also had a religious symbology around it, since tombs have been found with the remains of these animals accompanying the dead.
The reasons for its disappearance are not entirely clear, although investigations point to two determining factors: first, that the Spanish developed a taste for techichi meat, which contributed to reducing its population considerably; the second, that the breed was interbred with others, such as the Chinese Crested, contributing to the mutation and eventual demise of the breed as it was known.
9. Talbot
It was bred in Great Britain in the Middle Ages, and spread to different regions of Europe. According to the records that are available, he had a good sense of smell, a strong body and a good height. Perhaps in some areas it was used for hunting, but this information is not entirely clear.
There is little information about its disappearance, although apparently, as it was not used or indispensable for a specific purpose, there were not enough servants to take care of preserving the breed. However, he is considered the ancestor of the beagle.
10. Alpine Mastiff
Disappeared at the end of the 19th century, the mastiff inhabited the mountainous areas of the Alps. He was a dog called molossoid, that is, of great size, strong legs and great strength. He is considered the ancestor of the Saint Bernard
In 1829 it was taken to England, where it caused great admiration, and there it mixed with other races. In addition, in the areas where he was from he interbred without distinction with other dogs, contributing to his disappearance
eleven. White English Terrier
Very few data are available on this breed, perhaps due to its short existence. White in color and fragile in he alth, it is believed that the first specimen of this breed belonged to Benjamín Alfred in 1876.
From then on, some breeders tried to establish the white terrier as a new breed, promoting its reproduction. However, the specimens were of a weak build, not suitable for work, and even as companion dogs their maintenance was complicated: prone to deafness, excessively in need of affection and pampering, and other genetic problems, led the breed to the total extinction in a period less than 30 years.
12. San Juan Water Dog
Originally from Canada, specifically from the province of Labrador, he was a lanky dog with a thin appearance, appeared by a mixture of different working dogs. They were companions of the fishermen of the area, and witnesses assure that they had great aquatic skills
His demise was due to two factors: first, Canada restricted dog breeding, in an attempt to encourage sheep ownership; secondly, a rabies epidemic put the specimens in quarantine. Despite this, rather than becoming extinct completely, the breed led to other water dogs that can be found in the area today.
13. Brazilian Tracker
Also called urrador, was a canine breed endemic to Brazil. Large in size, with a strong and solid body, as well as being agile and intelligent, it was used as a bloodhound. Its disappearance dates back to the end of the 20th century, and human negligence is to blame: after a terrible plague of insects, the fields were irrigated with chemical products to try to combat it. However, the dose and the components that made up the insecticide caused a massive poisoning that killed this breed.
14. Cuban Mastiff
Although not native to Cuba, this breed proliferated on the island, where it was used for two equally macabre purposes: fierce dogfighting, and hunting rebel slaves. His body was solid and robust, with strong legs and a developed sense of smell.
After the abolition of slavery was declared, the breeding of the bulldog ceased to be of interest, so the specimens were crossed with other breeds, losing their characteristics.
fifteen. Kuri
Native to Polynesia and New Zealand, the kuri was a dog that the Maori tribe raised as a source of food, as well as for its skin, with which they made part of their clothing. From the records of this breed, it seems that it looked similar to wolves, only with light fur, and it is known that it did not bark.
Towards the end of the 19th century it became completely extinct, due to various reasons. One of them, its already low population, and that when the islands were colonized, the kuri fed on European cattle, so the settlers took it upon themselves to hunt them down in order to protect their animals.
