#1 – Alpine Spaniel
Bred by Monks to aid in traveler rescue in the Alps, the Alpine Spaniel stood two feet high and measured up to six feet from nose to tail. They were also used as watchdogs over sheep in mountainous regions. Its direct descendant is the Saint Bernard. Its numbers began to dwindle in the 1830’s and was annihilated in the 1840’s due to illness.
#2 – Braque du Puy
This fearless hunting dog was of French origin. Braque means “to point”. Primarily white with orange or liver markings, this greyhound crossbreed was known for is agility and speed. This special hunting dog died out in the 1970’s. Some enthusiasts believe there are still a few Braque Du Puy living in remote areas of Europe.
#3 – Bullenbeisser
Originally bred in Germany, the Bullenbeisser was designed for bull and boar hunting. A Molossus cross, this ancestor of the Boxer died out in the early 1900’s.
#4 – Chinese Happa Dog
Known as the ancestor to the Pekingese, the Pug and the Japanese Spaniel, Chinese Happa Dogs were bred as lapdogs for the elite in ancient China. There are records of these (or similar dogs) dating back to 660 BC. They continued on through the 20th century before eventually dying out.
#5 – Molossus
This ancient breed was the original Mastiff. There is some discrepancy as to their original purpose, but it is agreed they originated in ancient Greece. They were immortalized in poems and sculptures. Molossus dogs are the ancestors to the St. Bernard, the Bernese Mountain Dog, the Rottweiler and the Great Dane to name a few.
#6 – Paisley Terrier
Bred as a companion and a show dog, the Paisley Terrier is the predecessor of the Yorkshire Terrier. Similar to the Skye Terrier, the Paisley was a bit shorter and weighed less. They also sported a silky long jacket of silver, blue and brown.
#7 – Tahltan Bear Dog
The Tahltan people lived in the northern reaches of British Columbia, Canada. This particular breed was bred to hunt bear, but despite its ferocious job, the Tahltan Bear Dog was regarded as gentle and friendly. Once explorers began bringing their own dogs into the northern territories, the Bear Dog was bred out of existence.
#8 – Talbot
The ancestor of the modern Beagle, the Talbot was a pure white hunting dog. It is believed that this dog was brought from Normandy to England by William the conqueror. They fell out of favor with hunters due to their lack of purpose and upkeep.
#9 – Toy Trawler Spaniel
A smaller version to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS), it was a cross between the CKCS and the Sussex Spaniel. Originally bred as a sporting dog, they became more of a companion dog and a show dog. They began to die out in the 1920’s.
#10 – Dogo Cubano
Also known as the Cuban Mastiff, the Dogo Cubano was bred to be property guards. The breed began to die out in the early 1900’s when the demand for these specific guard dogs began to diminish.
Toledo, United States.
