Are you curious about the fascinating world of ancient dogs? Have you ever wondered which extinct dog breeds were considered the best and worst? Prepare to be amazed as we delve into the history of man’s loyal companions and rank 10 extinct dog breeds from best to worst.
Key Takeaways:
Learn about the Alpine Mastiff, a courageous mountain rescue dog that succumbed to the harsh Alpine climate.
Discover the Blue Paul Terrier, a powerful fighting dog that may have evolved into modern breeds like the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Uncover the Cordoba Fighting Dog, a formidable hunter that met its demise in dog fighting pits.
Explore the intriguing Maori Dog, a misunderstood breed that served as a companion to Maori women before disappearing.
Find out about the Paisley Terrier, a small and elegant dog that lost its popularity to the Yorkshire Terrier.
Join us on this captivating journey as we reveal more extinct dog breeds and explore why they are no longer part of our world.
The Alpine Mastiff
These dogs with remarkably thick and curly coats were an intelligent breed, and were found during the 19th century in the region around the Great St. Bernard Pass where they were used as mountain rescues by the Augustinian Canons. The harsh climate of the Alps, a series of accidents, and some diseases are believed to be the leading cause of their extinction. The modern species of St. Bernard and Clumber Spaniel are the descendants of this breed.
Distinct Qualities of the Alpine Mastiff
Thick and curly coats
Highly intelligent
Used for mountain rescues
Descendants: St. Bernard and Clumber Spaniel
“An extinct breed with a remarkable coat, the Alpine Mastiff played a crucial role in mountain rescues during the 19th century. Sadly, their extinction was caused by a combination of harsh climate, accidents, and diseases. Today, the St. Bernard and Clumber Spaniel carry on their legacy.”
The Blue Paul Terrier
The Blue Paul Terrier is an extinct breed of dog that gets its name from the bluish tinge on its coat. This breed is believed to have been brought to Scotland by the sailor John Paul Jones. Known for its muscular build and powerful physique, the Blue Paul Terrier was a strong and ruthless fighting dog. During the mid-1800s, these dogs were frequently used in the sport of dog fighting.
Unfortunately, the Blue Paul Terrier started disappearing around the period of 1850-1900. It is speculated that this breed may have evolved into the American Pit Bull Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier that we know today.
“The Blue Paul Terrier had a bluish tinge on its coat and was a powerful fighting dog.”
Characteristics of the Blue Paul Terrier:
Muscular and powerful build
Ruthless fighting dog
Bluish tinge on the coat
Reasons for Extinction:
The exact reasons for the extinction of the Blue Paul Terrier are not well-documented. However, the decline of dog fighting as a popular sport and changes in breeding preferences likely contributed to the disappearance of this breed.
Legacy and Evolution:
The Blue Paul Terrier may have played a significant role in the development of modern breeds such as the American Pit Bull Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. These breeds possess some physical and behavioral traits that are reminiscent of the extinct Blue Paul Terrier.
The Cordoba Fighting Dog
Named after its place of origin, i.e. Cordoba in Argentina, the Cordoba Fighting Dog was a breed that emerged from crossing the bull terrier with Mastiff, English Bulldog, and Boxer. These dogs had large bodies, typically solid white with some brindle and fawn members. They were known for their aggressive hunting instincts, to the extent that males and females would turn on each other instead of mating.
Tragically, many Cordoba Fighting Dogs lost their lives in the brutal world of dog fighting. This, coupled with their aggressive nature, ultimately led to their extinction in the mid-20th century. Notably, the Dogo Argentino breed is directly descended from these formidable canines.
Distinguishing Features of the Cordoba Fighting Dog:
Large, solid white bodies
Occasional presence of brindle and fawn coats
Aggressive hunting instincts
Notorious involvement in dog fighting
“The Cordoba Fighting Dog was a formidable breed, renowned for its aggression and hunting prowess. Unfortunately, their combative nature and involvement in dog fighting led to their demise.”
The Maori Dog
The Maori Dog, with its fox-like structure, fierce muzzle, and poor sense of smell, was dismissed as treacherous and snappy. Brought to New Zealand from Polynesia in the 13th century, these dogs served as great companions for Maori women and were valuable sources of fur and meat. However, interbreeding with European dogs posed a challenge, leading to their extinction by 1860. Today, only three taxidermy examples remain as a testament to this extinct breed.
In terms of extinct dog breeds ranking, the Maori Dog holds a unique place in history, standing as a fascinating example of the canine companionship that existed centuries ago.
The Paisley Terrier
Originally from Scotland’s Paisley, the Paisley Terrier was a small and elegant dog breed that served as the counterpart of the Skye Terrier. Known for its long silky coat in tan and blue, this breed gained popularity in show competitions and was also cherished as a companion. The Paisley Terrier had a strong desire for attention and companionship, making it a beloved pet for many. However, its glory was overshadowed by the rise of the Yorkshire Terrier, a breed developed using the Paisley Terrier. As a result, the Paisley Terrier gradually faded away and faced extinction in the 1800s.
Characteristics
Details
Origin
Scotland’s Paisley
Coat
Long silky coat in tan and blue
Popular Use
Show competitions and companion
Notable Features
Strong desire for attention and togetherness
Descendant Breed
Yorkshire Terrier
Extinction
1800s
The Southern Hound
The Southern Hound is a fascinating breed believed to be a cross of Talbot and Greyhounds. Bred in Southern England during the 1400s, these dogs possessed a remarkable sense of smell and were highly skilled in tracking day-old trails. Their keen tracking abilities made them popular in the sport of deer hunting towards the end of the Renaissance.
Although the Southern Hound was slower compared to other breeds, frustrated hunters crossed them with faster canines for fox hunting. This resulted in the development of scent hounds, but unfortunately, it also led to the extinction of the Southern Hound in the 1800s.
Despite their disappearance, the legacy of the Southern Hound continues to live on through the development of other scent hound breeds.
The St. John’s Water Dog
The St. John’s Water Dog, with its characteristic black-and-white tuxedo pattern of coat, was a remarkable breed that lived in the 16th century in Newfoundland. These dogs were a mix of English, Irish, and Portuguese working dogs and played a vital role in the lives of fishermen. They were known for their ability to haul lines and retrieve game, such as seabirds and ptarmigans, from the water.
However, the St. John’s Water Dog faced significant challenges that led to its extinction. Taxes imposed on dog ownership, combined with quarantines on imported dogs in the UK, greatly diminished the population of this breed. By the 1980s, the St. John’s Water Dog had become extinct, with the last two male dogs documented in the 1970s.
Despite their unfortunate demise, the legacy of the St. John’s Water Dog lives on in its descendants. The breed played a crucial role in the development of two popular and beloved dog breeds: the Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever. These modern breeds inherited many of the St. John’s Water Dog’s admirable qualities, such as their intelligence, loyalty, and ability to retrieve objects with great skill.
Breed Name
Ranking
St. John’s Water Dog
4
The Talbot
In the Middle Ages, the Talbot dogs were renowned hunting companions, cherished for their exceptional sense of smell and tracking abilities, despite their slow speed. Believed to have been brought to England by William the Conqueror in 1066, these diligent white dogs played crucial roles in battles, law enforcement, and various forms of heraldry, often adorning coats of arms. However, their purpose gradually diminished over time, and due to their declining use and the need for care, the Talbot breed eventually disappeared in the 16th century, leaving behind the legacy of beagles and bloodhounds.
“The Talbot dogs were highly valued hunting companions, thanks to their remarkable sense of smell, which made them excellent trackers.”
Notable Features of the Talbot:
Prized hunting companions with exceptional tracking abilities
Depicted on coats of arms and featured in heraldry
Venerated for their sense of smell despite their slow speed
Believed to have been brought to England by William the Conqueror in 1066
Influential in battle and law enforcement during the Middle Ages
While the Talbot breed is no longer in existence, their impact on the development of other breeds is undeniable, as their characteristics live on in the beagles and bloodhounds we know today.
Breed
Distinctive Features
Status
Talbot
Solid white coat, exceptional sense of smell, slower speed
Extinct (16th century)
Beagle
Tricolor or bicolor coat, acute sense of smell, moderate speed
Active breed
Bloodhound
Bicolor or liver coat, extraordinary sense of smell, moderate speed
Active breed
The English Toy Terrier (Paisley)
This breed holds a unique place in the history of extinct dog breeds. Also known as the Paisley Terrier, it was created by crossing the original King Charles Spaniel from the 16th century with the older variety of Sussex Spaniel. The result was a small and elegant dog that physically resembled the King Charles Spaniel, albeit in a smaller size.
Initially bred as a sporting dog, the English Toy Terrier later became popular as a pet and a show dog. Its charming appearance and friendly demeanor made it a beloved companion. Unfortunately, the breed faced declining numbers, and in 1920, the last of its kind passed away, leading to its extinction.
Today, the memory of the English Toy Terrier (Paisley) lives on in the Natural History Museum at Tring in the U.K., where a preserved specimen serves as a testament to this once-vibrant breed.
Extinct Dog Breed
Ranking
The Alpine Mastiff
1st
The Blue Paul Terrier
2nd
The Cordoba Fighting Dog
3rd
The Maori Dog
4th
The Paisley Terrier
5th
The Southern Hound
6th
The St. John’s Water Dog
7th
The Talbot
8th
The English Toy Terrier (Paisley)
9th
The Hawaiian Poi Dog
10th
The Hawaiian Poi Dog
The Hawaiian Poi Dog, an extinct pariah dog breed of Polynesian origin, held a special place in the hearts of the Hawaiian people. Not only were they spiritual protectors of children, but they also provided a source of meat for the community. These dogs had a unique diet consisting of poi, a mushy vegan food, which unfortunately led to the enlargement and fattening of their heads.
As the Hawaiian lifestyle changed over time, the need for these dogs as hunting companions diminished. With the lack of purpose and the increasing availability of European feral dogs, interbreeding occurred, leading to the decline and eventual extinction of the Hawaiian Poi Dog as a distinct breed. By the 20th century, this once-beloved breed had ceased to exist.
While the Hawaiian Poi Dog may be included in the list of worst extinct dog breeds, it is important to remember its historical significance and the role it played in Hawaiian culture. As with other extinct dog breeds, the Hawaiian Poi Dog serves as a reminder of the ever-changing dynamics between humans and animals throughout history.
FAQ
What are some extinct breeds of dogs ranked from best to worst?
Here is a list of extinct dog breeds ranked from best to worst:
Which is the best extinct dog breed?
The Alpine Mastiff is considered one of the best extinct dog breeds.
Which is the worst extinct dog breed?
The Blue Paul Terrier is considered one of the worst extinct dog breeds.
Are there any medium-ranked extinct dog breeds?
Yes, there are several extinct dog breeds that fall into the medium-ranked category.
Which extinct dog breed ranked highest?
The St. John’s Water Dog is ranked highest among the extinct dog breeds.
Which extinct dog breed ranked lowest?
The Hawaiian Poi Dog is ranked lowest among the extinct dog breeds.
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