Some new “hip dogs” like Miniature Australian Shepherds are experiencing a real craze. Conversely, some breeds are critically endangered or already extinct.
You should know that a dog breed is considered endangered depending on the number of litters that are born in a year. If a dog breed has fewer than 300 registered puppies, its population is considered endangered.
Here are the 12 extinct dogs and endangered breeds.
Old German Shepherd Dogs
Older German Shepherd Dogs are not a distinct breed of dog, but a collective term for different breeds of specimens.
In the Middle Ages, they helped wandering European shepherds in their work. Today, the original activity of the ancient German Shepherds is little needed and their care is very demanding, which explains the decline in the number of litters.
The Society for the Conservation of Old and Endangered Breeds of Domestic Animals in Germany classifies pets according to their distribution in the “Red List“.
For example, the variousage of Westerwald cow dog is considered extremely endangered. But the future of the highly threatened ‘Caniche mouton’ and that of the endangered yellow-cheeked, strobel, black and fox species is uncertain.
Bergamasco Shepherd
The Bergamasco Shepherd Dog is a dog breed recognized by the FCI. At one time it was a great help to the shepherds of the Italian Alps in their work. Its origin dates back to Roman times.
Today the number of the population is alarming: in the world there are only about 2,000 Shepherds from Bergamo.
Chinook
The Chinook was a popular working dog of the Native American tribe of the same name originating in the Northwestern United States. It was mainly employed as a sled dog and a hunting dog and was therefore quite versatile. In the early 20th century, however, the dog breed was nearly extinct.
In 1917, a dog breeder named Arthur Treadwill Walden decided to consolidate this dog breed. In this regard, he has crossed the few remaining Chinooks with working dogs such as Saint Bernards, German Shepherds and Huskies.
To date, Chinook breeders are present only in the United States. It remains to be seen whether Chinook fans will also focus on farms in Europe in the future.
Cuban mastiff
The Cuban Mastiff was a stately Molosser that bore similarities to the Mastiff. This extinct dog breed reached an average height at the withers of 65 cm, had reddish-brown fur and droopy ears.
In Cuba the “Mastàn Cubano” was used, among other things, for i dog fights and as a watchdog. On top of that, during slavery, this ancient race had to prevent slaves from escaping. Its existence dates back to the 15th century.
Transylvanian hound
This Hungarian dog breed has a lot going for it – they are courageous, can hunt independently, and are also very gentle and lovable. Yet the Erdélyi Kopó is a breed of dog endangered.
But it wasn’t always like this: in the Middle Ages this dog was highly appreciated, especially by the aristocracy for hunting sessions. At the beginning of the 20th century, it was almost extinct. In 1968, however, there were breeding efforts, so the Erdélyi Kopó is rare today, but not extinct.
Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier
Some traces of the Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier date back to the 16th century. In Ireland it was used as a hunting and guard dog, but was also capable of herding. Unfortunately, the sturdy terrier had also been abused for dog fights.
Today it finds its place in families or active people. However, the number of this breed has been declining for years, leaving the terrier in danger of extinction. In 2021, they were only registered 17 puppies the Glen of Imaal Irish Terrier.
Otterhound
This dog is a real worker: he was an excellent otter hunter and this made him very popular in the 19th century. He is considered to be particularly persistent when hunting and with his Bloodhound genes he has an exceptional sense of smell. When otter hunting was banned for animal welfare reasons, this specimen began to disappear.
Its world population drops to less than 1000 specimens. The Otterhound is not a dog for beginners, but their friendliness and childlike nature make up for their stubbornness.
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Paisley Terrier
This little dog resembled Yorkshire Terriers and Skye Terriers. He had long, silky fur that reached down to the ground and covered his eyes. Also, the Paisley Terrier was a small, boxy dog. However, compared to other terriers, he had a shorter muzzle and was described as calmer than his close relatives.
The Paisley Terrier undoubtedly masters the art of rat hunting. However, the affectionate four-legged friend lived primarily as a pet dog for the wealthy. At the beginning of the 20th century, the number of litters started at diminish.
Skye terrier
The origin of the Skye Terrier lies in the Isle of Skye, Scotland. There he collaborated, for example, in fox hunting. In addition to his beautiful silky coat, his elongated figure is striking. The Terrier of the Western Isles belongs to the small breeds of dogs: the height at the withers is about 25 cm.
This breed of Scottish dog is rare in the world – only a few have been counted 49 specimens in 2021.
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St. John’s dog
The St. John’s Water dog was a former Canadian water dog. A smaller variant of the imposing Terranova, it was particularly appreciated by fishermen.
This extinct breed of dog it had black water resistant fur. The last two males died in 1980. In his homeland, however, there are mixed-breed dogs today that look extremely similar to the St. John’s Water Dog.
Talbot
The history of the Talbot dates back to medieval England. According to one theory, William the Conqueror brought the Talbot from France to Great Britain in the 11th century. There, hunting dogs of a similar type were called Talbots, but only pure white was a true representative.
At the end of the 18th century, the Talbot became extinct. Today, there are relics such as paintings and coats of arms that give clues to its appearance. He was a medium sized dog with white fur, drooping ears and a strong chest. This breed of hunting dog is believed to be the ancestor of today’s Beagle.
Tweed Water Spaniel
Tweed Water Spaniels lived in the border region between Scotland and England in the 19th century. They were known for their intelligent and loyal natures and excellent swimming skills. Today they are among the dog breeds having beenbut their genes live on in a popular family dog.
In fact, the Golden Retriever is partially descended from the Tweed Water Spaniel. As early as the 19th century, it replaced the Tweed Water Spaniel in hunting.