1. Bullenbeisser
The German Bullenbeisser was a strong, muscular dog used for hunting and later for protection. Known as the ancestor of the Boxer, the Bullenbeisser eventually merged with other breeds to create the Boxer’s distinctive look and temperament. This breed vanished, but its legacy lives on in today’s Boxers.
2. Kuri
Brought to New Zealand by the Maori, the Kuri dog was small and fox-like with a distinctive bark. They were companions and sometimes used as a food source. Unfortunately, they went extinct in the 1800s after contact with European dogs, who replaced them in Maori culture.
3. Molossus
Known as the ancestor of many modern mastiffs, the Molossus was a large, muscular breed popular in ancient Greece and Rome. These dogs were often used as war dogs or guard dogs, known for their intimidating size and strength. It’s amazing to think of these ancient giants protecting homes and camps thousands of years ago.
4. St. John’s Water Dog
The ancestor of today’s Labradors, the St. John’s Water Dog was a black and white Newfoundland dog used by Canadian fishermen. Renowned for their swimming abilities, they helped retrieve fishing nets and were popular for their friendly, hardworking nature. While the breed itself disappeared, their genetics live on in Labs.
5. Talbot Hound
The Talbot Hound was a medieval scent hound believed to have originated in France and brought to England by William the Conqueror. Known for their white coats and sharp noses, Talbots were hunting dogs and the ancestors of modern beagles and bloodhounds. Unfortunately, they couldn’t keep up with evolving hunting demands and eventually faded away.
6. English White Terrier
The English White Terrier was a small, white-coated breed developed in the 1800s for show purposes. However, due to health issues related to breeding, like deafness, this breed struggled to survive and was phased out, giving rise to more resilient breeds like the Fox Terrier and Rat Terrier.
7. Salish Wool Dog
The only known North American dog bred for its wool, the Salish Wool Dog was raised by Indigenous communities along the Pacific Northwest. This breed’s soft, woolly fur was used to make blankets and clothing. They disappeared after European sheep were introduced, which replaced the need for their wool.
8. Cumberland Sheepdog
A hardworking herding dog from Northern England, the Cumberland Sheepdog was similar to a Border Collie in temperament and appearance. Known for its strong herding instincts and intelligence, this breed eventually merged with the Border Collie and is no longer a distinct breed.
9. Turnspit Dog
The Turnspit Dog, also called the “Kitchen Dog,” was a small, stocky breed used to turn meat on a spit in kitchens in medieval England. They were bred to run on a wheel to rotate the spit, making them one of the world’s first working breeds. Their job became obsolete, and the breed vanished.
10. Russian Tracker
A hardy and massive breed, the Russian Tracker was known for its resilience in the Siberian wilderness. Used to guard and herd livestock, this breed eventually merged with other Russian breeds, contributing to the genetic makeup of breeds like the Caucasian Shepherd.
11. Toy Bulldog
The Toy Bulldog was developed in England in the 1800s as a miniaturized version of the Bulldog. Unfortunately, they suffered from health issues and couldn’t sustain a stable population. Today’s French Bulldog is believed to have descended from the few remaining Toy Bulldogs.
12. Blue Paul Terrier
Originating in Scotland, the Blue Paul Terrier was known for its distinctive blue-gray coat and fighting spirit. These dogs were popular with sailors and fighters but eventually became extinct, with some traits preserved in today’s Staffordshire Bull Terrier and American Pit Bull Terrier.
13. Tesem
Tesems were sleek, greyhound-like dogs in ancient Egypt, often depicted in tomb paintings. Known for their speed and grace, they were likely used in hunting and as companions. Over time, Tesems vanished, replaced by modern sighthounds with more specialized skills.
14. Southern Hound
This scent hound from England had a slow, steady tracking ability but was not suited for fast-paced hunting. The Southern Hound eventually lost favor to quicker breeds like the Foxhound and became extinct, but it’s likely contributed to the bloodlines of various modern scent hounds.
15. Norfolk Spaniel
The Norfolk Spaniel, a larger, rough-coated spaniel from England, was popular among hunters but was eventually merged with the English Springer Spaniel breed standard in the early 1900s. Today, Norfolk Spaniels are no longer recognized as a separate breed.
16. Hawaiian Poi Dog
The Hawaiian Poi Dog was once common among native Hawaiians, who used them as both pets and food sources. Poi Dogs were fed a vegetarian diet, which affected their size and health, and they eventually became extinct after European dogs were introduced to the islands.
17. Paisley Terrier
A small, silky-coated terrier from Scotland, the Paisley Terrier was a predecessor of the Yorkshire Terrier. Known for its beautiful coat and friendly nature, the breed faded in popularity and merged with other small terriers, leading to the creation of today’s Yorkies.
18. Dogo Cubano
The Dogo Cubano was a powerful breed from Cuba, used in the 19th century for hunting and guarding. Resembling a bulldog, this breed became extinct after the abolition of slavery, as they were no longer needed for their original purpose and were replaced by more versatile guard dogs.
19. Alpine Mastiff
One of the largest dog breeds ever recorded, the Alpine Mastiff is believed to be a forebear of today’s St. Bernard. Known for their immense size and strength, Alpine Mastiffs were once used for rescue missions in the snowy Alps but eventually became extinct, blending into other mastiff breeds over time.
