Extinct Dog Breeds: 15 Breeds You Probably Don’t Know

Updated November 14, 2025

Dogs come in a remarkable variety of breeds, some of which you may never have heard of before. We want to share the fascinating stories of many extinct dog breeds—animals that played unique roles in history, serving important purposes and holding significant places in the hearts of people throughout the past. Understanding these lost breeds helps us appreciate the beloved companions we have today and reminds us of the importance of preserving the diverse dogs that share our lives.

While there are over 350 recognized dog breeds by International Canine Federation standards, extinct dogs have come and gone over the years, leaving behind only their genetic legacies and the stories of their time with humanity. Sadly, many dog breeds may no longer exist in the modern world, and it’s essential to remember them.

Dogs tend to disappear when people no longer find these breeds fashionable or no longer need them in the household. For these reasons, extinct dogs are a more common occurrence than you might realize. However, each loss represents a unique chapter in the story of our relationship with our canine companions.

In this article, we’ll provide you with information about 15 extinct dog breeds, allowing you to learn more about what happened to these remarkable animals and how we can preserve their modern pedigrees for future generations. We believe that understanding the past helps us protect the furry friends we cherish today.

Understanding Extinct Dog Breeds: A Window Into Our Past

The world of dog breeds is as rich and varied as human history itself, reflecting our evolving needs, cultures, and connections with our canine companions. While today’s pet lovers can choose from hundreds of recognized dog breeds, many fascinating breeds have vanished over the centuries, leaving only their stories and genetic legacies behind. Extinct dog breeds, such as the Hawaiian Poi Dog, Paisley Terrier, Cordoba Fighting Dog, and Salish Wool Dog, once played vital roles in the lives of people worldwide. Their disappearance is a testament to how closely the fate of dogs is tied to human culture, needs, and even fleeting fashion trends.

Throughout history, dog breeds have been shaped by the demands of their time and the communities they served. In the Middle Ages, breeds like the Talbot and Alpine Mastiff were prized for their hunting and guarding abilities, while others, such as the Turnspit Dog, were bred for unique working roles that are no longer in existence today. As societies evolved, so did their requirements for canine companions. Some breeds, like the Paisley Terrier—a forerunner of the modern Yorkshire Terrier—were eventually bred into new, more popular breeds, while others faded away as their original purposes became obsolete or technology replaced their roles.

The extinction of certain breeds often resulted from changes in lifestyle, advances in technology, or the introduction of new breeds through crossbreeding. For example, the St. John’s Water Dog, a Canadian breed from Newfoundland, played a crucial role in the development of beloved modern retrievers but eventually disappeared as other breeds took its place and captured the public’s attention. Similarly, the Moscow Water Dog and Argentine Polar Dog were bred for specific tasks in their respective home countries, only to become extinct as their roles diminished or as other dogs proved more suitable for the required work.

Aboriginal hunting methods, shifting agricultural practices, and even the rise of dog shows in the 19th century all influenced which breeds thrived and which became extinct. Some, like the Salish Wool Dog, were integral to indigenous cultures in North America and held deep cultural significance, while others, such as the Marquesan Dog and Dalbo Dog, were eventually bred out of existence as new breeds emerged. The 20th century witnessed further changes, with breeds such as the English Water Spaniel and certain mastiffs disappearing as breeders in England and elsewhere focused on developing new standards and characteristics that better suited modern preferences.

Despite their extinction, these breeds have left a lasting impact on the canine world, which is still evident in our beloved companions today. Many modern breeds, from the Border Collie to the Bull Terrier, carry the genetic heritage of their extinct ancestors, connecting us to these lost dogs in ways we might not even realize. By exploring the stories of these lost breeds, we gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity and adaptability of dogs—and for the ever-evolving relationship between humans and our best friends.

Whether you’re intrigued by the history of the Hawaiian Poi Dog or curious about the legacy of the German Bulldog, the world of extinct dog breeds offers a fascinating glimpse into the past and a reminder of the importance of preserving canine diversity for the future. We want to help you understand and celebrate these remarkable animals that came before our modern furry companions.

Why Do Dog Breeds Become Extinct?

Unfortunately, every year, many animal and plant species go extinct, and this reality affects us deeply as pet lovers who understand the value of every living creature. Whether it’s due to natural causes or not, extinction is largely accepted as a part of evolution, though that doesn’t make the loss any less significant.

Canines, however, have been around in some capacity for thousands of years, forming one of the oldest and most enduring partnerships with humans. When we discuss extinct dogs, we’re not referring to the species as a whole, but rather to individual breeds that no longer exist—each one representing a unique genetic line and a historical relationship with humans.

It’s also important to note that extinct dogs differ from rare breeds or what you may perceive as being popular in your community. For instance, many people ask us if the Dalmatian is extinct. This instantly recognizable breed is indeed rare to come by (especially when compared to common breeds like Labrador Retrievers). Still, Dalmatians are far from being included in our extinct dog lineup! They’re still thriving in loving homes around the world.

As we mentioned earlier, extinct dogs are often a result of human disinterest or changing needs. Perhaps the breed went out of fashion, so it was no longer profitable or practical to breed them. As the popularity of certain breeds waned, they gradually disappeared from households and breeding programs, fading quietly from our lives. Or, more commonly, you’ll soon see that these extinct dogs were bred for a niche purpose that gradually wasn’t needed as technology advanced or lifestyles changed.

Fifteen Dog Breeds That Have Become Extinct

These extinct dog breeds come from various countries and cities around the world, each with their own unique story and cultural significance. As the decades passed, people changed their routines for keeping dogs in their households and the purposes these beloved companions served. Breeding has also played a significant role in the extinction of dogs. As dog shows declined in the 1900s, interest in certain breeds diminished, which contributed to their extinction and the loss of their unique characteristics.

As you’ll learn, many times extinct dogs didn’t simply drop off the face of the earth but were instead bred to create new breeds that are still around today—meaning their genetic legacy continues in our modern furry friends. These are just fifteen extinct dog breeds that you may be surprised to learn about:

English White Terrier (aka Old English Terrier)

Photo Credit: EasyPetMd

 

The English terrier existed in the UK back in the 18th century and underwent major changes in breeding practices. In the late 1980s, the English White terrier was born out of breeders’ attempts to create a new species that would capture public interest. These new species created versions of the small white terrier with distinctive prick ears. These pricked-eared dogs, such as Fox terriers, Jack Russell terriers, Boston terriers, and Rat terriers, became hugely popular in the UK and the US, ultimately overshadowing their predecessor. These terriers became the dominant breeds that captured the hearts of people.

The English Terrier could not sustain the public’s interest for long and gradually faded from breeding programs. The UK Kennel Club rejected the breed due to various concerns about the project. Three decades after its creation, the English terrier became extinct; however, we can still see what these extinct dogs may have looked like, thanks to portraits and historical records like this one.

Talbot

Talbot existed in medieval times, when the name Talbot was used to refer to a specific type of hound that served noble families and hunters. This dog was very common in England and originated in Normandy, brought over during the Norman Conquest. This type of dog was used as a hunting hound and depicted in artwork like this as mostly small or medium-sized dogs with drooping ears and keen scenting abilities.

Although Talbots have been added to the list of extinct dogs, it is believed that their descendants are still roaming the Earth today. The modern Beagle and Bloodhound are likely the ancestors of the Talbots, carrying forward their exceptional tracking abilities. Fun fact: The Talbot dog was so culturally significant in England that it became a common symbol on pub signs and family crests during the Middle Ages, illustrating the deep connection these dogs had to the fabric of society. This breed became extinct in the late eighteenth century, but no one truly knows why these beloved hunting companions disappeared.

Salish Wool Dog (aka Woolly Dogs)

Salish Wool dog lived in what we refer to today as British Columbia, and this breed was also known as the Comox dog. As the name suggests, the Salish wood dog was characterized by its beautiful, white, woolly fur and a slight, compact build. The Indigenous people of Washington State and British Columbia created and cherished this extinct dog breed for its practical and cultural importance.

With the absence of sheep at that time, people would carefully shear the dog’s coats in early summer to make Salish blankets and other textiles that held deep cultural and practical significance. The fur of the wool dog was remarkably thick and rich in texture, creating beautiful woven goods. However, this breed ultimately was no longer needed as European settlers introduced sheep, and commercial textiles became easier to come by, ending this unique relationship between people and their woolly companions.

Moscow Water Dog (aka Russian Newfoundland)

Moscow water dogs were developed by the Russian army to perform water rescues as working dogs bred for specialized rescue tasks. As the name suggests, Moscow water dogs existed after World War II with high hopes for their rescue capabilities. Unfortunately, the temperament of these dogs proved problematic—they were often violent rather than gentle. These dogs tended to bite sailors rather than pull them to safety as they were intended to, making them unsuitable for their intended purpose.

By the 1980s, Moscow water dogs had become extinct, unable to compete with the Newfoundland’s popularity and its decidedly more docile, reliable demeanor for rescue work.

Tweed Water Spaniel

Tweed Water Spaniels originated in England and were beloved in their local region. These dogs were brown with athletic tendencies and natural swimming abilities. They inhabited the area around Berwick upon Tweed, which is close to the River Tweed and the Scottish borders. As the name suggests, Tweed water spaniels were skilled water dogs that thrived in the river environment.

Tweed water spaniels were not well known outside their local terrain, which may have led to their extinction, as they couldn’t compete with more widely recognized breeds. This breed attempted to survive longer by cross-breeding with St. John’s water dogs and local water dogs, becoming a mixed breed in hopes of survival. However, it still went extinct in the 19th century, as its unique characteristics were bred out.

Kuri Dog

Kuri Dogs existed in New Zealand, where the name Kuri originated from the Maori tribes, who held these dogs in special regard. Their ancestors were among the first to bring dogs to New Zealand while migrating from East Polynesia during the 13th century AD. The Kuri dog is one of the oldest breeds to have walked on Earth and left behind many tales that connect us to ancient human-canine bonds.

The Maori tradition believed that the brother-in-law of Maui transformed into the first dog, showing the deep spiritual significance these animals held. Kuri dogs became extinct in the 1860s when European settlers began to flood into New Zealand with their own dog breeds. This extinction occurred because Kuri dogs were unable to survive interbreeding with European dogs, and their unique genetic line was lost forever.

Molossus Dog

The Molossus dog was native to Ancient Greece, where it was known as the Molossian hound or Molosser—a large breed and renowned hunting dog used for various purposes that required strength and courage. The existence of these dogs was highly regarded during Ancient Greece and was even depicted on the silver coinage issued as the emblem of the Molossians, showcasing their cultural significance.

Ancient literature confirmed the popularity of the Molossus dog, often mentioned in various writings by scholars such as Statius, Aristotle, Virgil, Horace, Martial, Lucan, Seneca, and others. This dog marked its place in history in Ancient Greece, where it was used for fighting, hunting, and protecting the house and livestock—truly a versatile working companion.

Hawaiian Poi Dog

The Hawaiian Poi Dog was recognizable due to its short stature and short fur coat that came in a variety of colors. Poi dogs held deep significance in Hawaiian culture and were cherished by Native Hawaiians. It’s believed to have come to Hawaii with the Polynesians during the first settlement centuries ago, making them one of the oldest companion animals in the islands.

Native Hawaiians relied on poi dogs as both a food source and a spiritual protector for children, showing the complex relationship between humans and these animals. The sweet disposition of Poi dogs made them wonderful companions for children. The flat heads of poi dogs developed due to their unique diet of poi (a Hawaiian staple food) and lack of chewing bones, which affected their skull structure over generations.

However, the Hawaiian Poi Dog was most commonly used as a food source during times when other sources of protein were scarce. Feral dogs brought by European settlers interbred with native poi dogs, contributing to their extinction. As other dogs were introduced to the island, the Hawaiian Poi Dog succumbed to interbreeding and became extinct in the early 19th century, ending their unique place in Hawaiian culture.

North Country Beagle (aka Northern Hound)

North Country Beagles originated in the Yorkshire and Northumberland regions of England, where hunters valued them. The North Country Beagle was a breed of scent hound renowned for its exceptional tracking abilities. The dog was renowned for its swift hunting abilities and its distinctive, shrill voice that could be heard over long distances.

The breed was common for several centuries but became extinct in the 19th century. This extinction was due to competition from the English foxhound, which became more fashionable and was perceived as superior for fox hunting, a popular sport among the English gentry.

St. John’s Water Dog

The St. John’s Water Dog was an early retriever with its origins dating back to Newfoundland in the 16th century, making it one of the foundation breeds for many of our beloved modern dogs. This water dog was the ancestor of the Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and other breeds we cherish today. It is the founding breed of what we know today as the Newfoundland, demonstrating how one extinct breed can persist through its descendants.

This dog breed was involved in crossbreeding with the Tweed Water Spaniel and contributed to the creation of the modern Curly-Coated Retriever and Golden Retriever dog species. While the St. John’s Water Dog itself is extinct, its genetic legacy lives on in the retrievers that bring joy to millions of families worldwide.

Cumberland Sheepdog

The Cumberland sheepdog was considered the favored dog breed of Lancelot Edward Lowther, the 6th Earl of Lonsdale, showing its place among the nobility. This dog had been part of the family for over a hundred years, serving as a loyal working companion. By the beginning of the 20th century, the Border Collie had been absorbed into the breed through crossbreeding programs. In other words, the latter breed gradually absorbed the former breed until Cumberland sheepdogs no longer existed as a distinct line.

Cumberland sheepdogs are claimed to be one of the ancestors of the modern Australian shepherd, so their herding abilities and temperament continue in breeds we know today.

Alpine Mastiff

Alpine Mastiffs were one of the earliest dogs to attain a gigantic size, making them one of the largest mountain dogs ever documented. The dog originated from Northern Europe before 500 BC and is recognized as the ancestor of the beloved St. Bernard breed. The largest Alpine Mastiff may have measured more than 1 meter (39 inches) at the shoulder and weighed up to 160 kilograms (350 pounds)—truly an impressive sight to behold.

Traditionally, Alpine Mastiffs were used to guard sheep and cattle in the harsh Alps, serving as large dogs bred for protection in challenging mountain environments where their size and strength were invaluable. Since the 1970s, attempts have been made to crossbreed remaining specimens with the Saint Bernard, Great Dane, and the Bernese Mountain Dog to preserve some of their characteristics.

Brazilian Tracker

The Brazilian Kennel Club first recognized the Brazilian Tracker in 1967, giving hope that this native breed would thrive. Tragically, just six years later, disease outbreaks among the Brazilian tracker population, combined with an overdose of insecticides used in their environment, caused the dog breed to go extinct. This hunting breed was likened to the American Coonhound in its tracking abilities and temperament; however, we lost this unique Brazilian breed before it could establish itself.

Blue Paul Terrier (aka Scottish Blue Paul)

Blue Paul terrier was known by many names, such as Scottish Bull Terrier, Blue Bull Terrier, and Blue Bull Bulldog. This breed originated in Scotland and is a descendant of bulldogs and terriers, resulting from crossbreeding that may have included other similar dogs. This breed was popular in Scotland back in the mid-19th century, prized for its strength and tenacity.

However, when the popularity waned in the early 20th century as tastes shifted and other breeds gained favor, the Blue Paul terrier became extinct, leaving only historical records and stories of these distinctive blue-coated dogs.

Bullenbeisser (aka German Bulldog)

Bullenbeisser was referred to as the German bulldog and was a powerful breed in Germany before it became extinct. Bullenbeisser was crossbred out of existence, just like the Old English Bulldog, though its legacy continues in modern breeds. More specifically, it was a deliberate cross of Bullenbeissers with Bulldogs brought from Britain, coordinated by German breeders who had a vision for a new type of dog.

They created a new breed in the 1870s through this careful breeding program, which is now known as the Boxer, one of the most popular and beloved family dogs of today. So while the Bullenbeisser is extinct, every Boxer carries its genetic heritage.

Protecting Our Modern Companions: Lessons From the Past

Here are the 15 extinct dog breeds that you may have never known existed, each with their own remarkable story and contribution to canine history. You can see that these dog breeds became extinct due to sudden changes in their habitat and purpose, shifting human needs, or through crossbreeding that created new breeds. However, many extinct dogs are still thriving in some capacity through their descendants after decades of crossbreeding, meaning their legacy lives on in the furry friends we love today.

No matter what dog you have, whether a modern breed or a rare one, ensure you always have the right insurance for your pet to protect them throughout their life and give you peace of mind. If you’re curious about breeds with minimal health issues that might give you less worry, check out our article on dogs with the least health problems.

We believe that understanding the history of extinct breeds reminds us of the importance of preserving the genetic diversity and unique characteristics of our modern dog breeds. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding pet insurance, enabling you to protect your beloved companion for years to come.

References

https://www.mypetneedsthat.com/extinct-dog-breeds
https://barkpost.com/discover/15-extinct-dog-breeds/

Note: Some historical images or information in this article are sourced from public domain materials.

FAQ’s

1. What does it mean for a dog breed to be extinct and why does it happen?

Extinct dogs are specific breeds that no longer exist as distinct types. Breeds disappear due to loss of fashion/popularity, obsolete purposes (hunting, wool production), crossbreeding to create new breeds, societal changes, or lack of breeding demand. Unlike rare breeds with small populations, extinct breeds have completely vanished.

2. What were some notable extinct working breeds?

• Salish Wool Dog: White, woolly fur bred for 5,000 years by coastal Salish people; sheared like sheep for textiles; extinct ~1940 after European sheep arrived.
• Turnspit Dog: Long body, stumpy legs; ran in wheels to turn meat spits in kitchens; mistreated and extinct by the early 1900s.
• Moscow Water Dog: Developed for water rescues but too aggressive; extinct by the 1980s, replaced by Newfoundlands.
• Argentine Polar Dog: 130-lb breed for Antarctic crossings; extinct in 1994 due to disease susceptibility.

3. Which extinct breeds contributed to modern dogs?

• Black and Tan Terrier: Created Manchester, Welsh, Scottish, and Fell Terriers; extinct by 1900.
• Bullenbeisser: German Bulldog for bear/bull-baiting; produced the modern Boxer.
• Old English Bulldog: Led to Staffordshire Bull Terrier, English Bull Terrier, and American Pit Bull Terrier.
• English White Terrier: Contributed to Fox Terriers, Jack Russell Terriers, Boston Terriers, and Rat Terriers.

4. What are the most interesting extinct breeds?

• Chiribaya Shepherd: Ancient Peruvian llama herders treated like royalty; 43 “mummy dogs” discovered in 2006, buried individually with
  blankets and provisions.
• Hawaiian Poi Dog: Fed mashed taro; bred into extinction with feral dogs after Western colonization; zoo attempted revival in 1960-70s.
• Molossian Hound: Famous ancient Greek dog; statues from 320 B.C. still exist.

5. What can we learn from extinct dog breeds?

Extinct breeds teach us the importance of preserving breed diversity, how human needs drive breeding practices, and how quickly breeds disappear when purpose/interest fades. To prevent future extinctions: support responsible breeding, maintain registries, educate about rare breeds, avoid excessive crossbreeding, and value breeds beyond trends.

6. Are any modern breeds at risk of extinction?

Yes, breeds with very small populations or those that are dramatically falling out of favor could face extinction. Dalmatians are NOT extinct—just rare. Pet
insurance like Odie’s helps protect current breeds by ensuring access to veterinary care, managing genetic health issues, and supporting breed longevity. All breeds are covered from eight weeks old.

References

https://www.mypetneedsthat.com/extinct-dog-breeds
https://barkpost.com/discover/15-extinct-dog-breeds/