15 Dog Breeds That Are Now Extinct

Wondering what some of the early dogs looked like? Take a look at this list of 15 dog breeds that are now extinct.

#1 – Alaunt

While more of a group of dogs than a single breed, the Aluant is believed to be the predecessor of many of the modern mastiff-type dogs. (www.easypetmd.com)

#2 – Alpine Spaniel

This large dog was used for mountain rescues by the Augustinian Canons in the Great St. Bernard Pass. It is believed they are the predecessor to the St. Bernard and the Clumber Spaniel (www.youtube.com)

#3 – Scottish Blue Paul Bullterrier

There is not much known about this now extinct breed. According to the Molosserdogs.com site, one theory is that it was developed from Old English mastiffs, European bulldogges and Irish working terries by Paul Jones (hence the name) in the 1770s. Others say gypsies developed the breed.

Click page 2 below for the next breeds!

#4 – Braque du Puy

An old French hunting dog, they were one of the “Braque Francais” pointers that were developed in the 15^th Century, according to Gun Dog Magazine.

#5 – Cumberland Sheepdog

The Cumberland sheepdog resembles the Border collie and was a favorite of a Lord Lonsdale, who had a large kennel up until 1899 when he had to disband. He had mixed the breed heavily with German Shepherds in a valiant effort to save them from extinction. (www.messybeast.com)

#6 – Cordoba Fighting Dog

As the name implies, this breed of dog was bred to fight. Originally from Argentina, they are one of the breeds that created the Dogos Argentinos.  (www.faconblanco.com)

#7 – Chien-gris

This now-extinct hunting dog is thought to be the predecessor of the Weimaraner breed, though some refute this theory. What is known for sure is they were a hunting dog brought to Europe by King Louis of France.  (www.semper-adamas.com)

#8 – English White Terrier

The English Whiter Terrier was a name given to a small, white, pricked ear dog that was used to create many of today’s terriers including the Fox, Jack Russell and Sealyham terrier. In America, is contributed to the Boston and Rat Terrier. (www.wikipedia.org)

#9 – English Water Spaniel

This breed has only been extinct since the first part of the 20^th Century, with the last one being seen in the 1930s. (www.wikipedia.com)

#10 – Lapponian Shepherd Dogs

Originally, the Finnish Lapphund was known as the Lapponian Shepherd dog by the Finnish Kennel Club (recognized in 1945). However, the breed was split in 1967 based on coat type (one being called the Lapphund the other the Lapponian Herder) and by the 70s the Finnish Lapphund had become the fixed standard. (Flcv.org)

#11 – Norfolk Spaniel

The Norfolk Spaniel was a name used to designate a “springer-type dog” that was not a Sussex or Clumber. They would later become the English Springer Spaniel breed. (www.wikipedia.org)

#12 – Russian Tracker

This large breed dog was used to protect and herd flocks in the Caucasus Mountains. It is unknown when it became extinct. It is believed to be related to (and might even be the same) as the Yellow Russian Retriever, pictured below. (www.wikipedia.org)

 

#13 –  Tahltan Bear Dog

This was a breed a dog that was developed by the indigenous tribes in Canada. Despite one person’s valiant efforts of preservation, it is believed the breed is extinct.

#14 –Tesem

Tesem was the word used to describe the sighthound-type hunting dogs of ancient Egypt, which are depicted in hieroglyphics and drawings. It is believed they are the predecessors of the modern Pharaoh Hound. (www.kelb-tal-fenek.com)

#15 –Toy Trawler Spaniel

Another extinct spaniel, this breed is thought to be a descendent of the original King Charles Spaniel and an older variety of the Sussex Spaniel (www. Wikipedia.org).