Throughout history, a variety of dog breeds have gone extinct due to changing climates, human intervention, or other factors.
From the English Mastiff to the Cordoba Fighting Dog, these once-beloved canines are now just a memory. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most famous extinct dog breeds in history.
1. English Mastiff
The English Mastiff is an ancient breed that was first documented in England sometime around 55 BC.
This massive breed was one of the most popular guard dogs in medieval England and was even used as a gladiator combatant in Roman arenas. Unfortunately, this breed went extinct sometime in the 1800s due to overbreeding and changing climates.
2. Cordoba Fighting Dog
The Cordoba Fighting Dog was an Argentinean Molosser that was bred for fighting and guarding purposes.
These dogs were known for their muscular build and aggressive temperament and were often used to protect ranches from predators like wild boars and pumas.
The Cordoba Fighting Dog went extinct sometime around 1937 due to crossbreeding with other breeds or deliberate elimination by humans.
3. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a large working dog that originated from Newfoundland, Canada.
This gentle giant was originally bred for water rescue and cart pulling but eventually became popular as a family pet due to its friendly nature and intelligence.
This breed went into decline in the early 1900s due to overhunting and interbreeding with other breeds such as Labradors, leading to its eventual extinction in 1923.
Conclusion
Extinct dog breeds are a sad reminder that our beloved canine companions are not immortal; they too must face environmental changes and human interventions that can lead them down the path of extinction.
Although we may never be able to bring back these lost breeds, we can still remember them fondly through stories and pictures so they will never be forgotten.
For all dog owners out there—past, present, and future—take pride in your pup’s unique lineage! Even if your pup isn’t part of an ancient breed, it still has an incredible story waiting to be told.
