9 Extinct Dog Breeds To Know
There are currently more than 800 types of dogs around the world. However, in the past there were others who, unfortunately, for various reasons have not managed to survive to the present day, disappearing forever from planet Earth. In this article we have decided to tell you the story of 9 really interesting extinct dog breeds.
Extinct dog breeds to rediscover
According to the researchers, about 25 dog breeds are extinct. The reasons? Multiple, as you will discover by reading this post, along with other really interesting curiosities:
1. Great Dane
It was present from ancient times to the 17th century in Central Asia and Europe. It is the predecessor of the Spanish Great Dane, a large but short-haired animal known for having different colors. These loyal and powerful animals were known for their courage and were used in battle as attack dogs as well as guard dogs, in estates and castles. They also acted as shepherd dogs, accompanying flocks and herds to pasture. The Great Dane is the progenitor of many other breeds, such as the Bulldog.
2. Bullenbeisser
As the name suggests, this canid was of German origin and is now considered the precursor of some of the largest dog breeds, grouped under the name of ” Generation Bullenbeisser “. Male specimens were perfect for hunting. Aesthetically, they had a flattened snout (reminiscent of Molossers), with short and brindle hair, forward jaw, great musculature. For centuries bred by hunters, it disappeared following the crossing with many other breeds.
3. Mastiff of the Alps
Another of the extinct dogs that lived in Europe. He is considered as the true “father” of the Saint Bernard and “uncle” of several mastiffs which are still very popular today. It had a brindle coat and was rightfully regarded as the UK’s largest dog. Due to its multiple qualities, being strong and loyal at the same time, it was crossed in an almost exaggerated way, with the result that in a few decades the pure breed ended up disappearing.
4. Celtic hunting dog
The Celtic dog lived in the time of the Celts of Ireland, as evidenced by several local legends. It is said to be the fruit of the cross between the strong Irish Wolfdog, the Scottish Greyhound and the Greyhound (similar to the English Galgo). Many images of this animal appear in 17th century paintings and jewelry in hunting scenes. Often seen as a guard dog in streets and intersections, he was often associated with the afterlife as a protector and guide of lost souls.
5. Cordoba Fighting Dog
This breed, originally from Argentina, emerged from the cross between several dogs: English Bulldog, Bullenbeisser, Bull Terrier and Spanish Mastiff. The first specimens appeared in the 20th century, and as the name implies, they were used in dog fights. They tolerated pain well and were very aggressive, even away from mating periods. Despite the extinction, its closest relative is certainly the Dogo Argentino, born in 1920.
6. English White Terrier
He was bred in England and had a hard, short and very shiny coat of a bright white color. The musculature was powerful and weighed between 5 and 10 kg. The first example of the English White Terrier was called Silvio and was born in 1876. Accompanied by his owner, named Alfred Benjamin, he participated in several dog competitions, winning several prizes between 1877 and 1878.
7. Bracco di Puy
It is an old French breed used for hunting in flat terrain where it could exploit all its flexibility and lightness. The Hound of Puy appeared in the 19th century in the old province of Poitou, as a result of the crossing between a greyhound and a hound. It is believed that the name is due to the Puy brothers, who used specimens of Arabian greyhound introduced by some Napoleonic soldiers to create the breed . The color was white with orange spots.
8. Cuban Dogo
Also known as the Cuban Mastiff, it was used for dog fighting and belonged to the Bullmastiff group. He was introduced to the Caribbean country to capture the cimarroni, the African slaves who escaped from the properties of the Spanish colonists. With the abolition of slavery, this specimen no longer had a reason to exist and disappeared. It had a large head, dangling lips and ears, a short gray tail, and a blackish muzzle.
9. Northern Beagle
We conclude this interesting list of extinct dog breeds with yet another animal native to Great Britain. This particular Beagle lived until the early 19th century. Its disappearance is due to the crossing with other breeds, so the exact birth date of the last Northern Beagle is not known. What we can certainly say is that it is the predecessor of the modern Beagle, with virtually identical appearance and physical conformation.
Source of main image: Wikimedia Commons.
