We all know about the classic dogs like the retrievers, labs, and terriers, but what about the Cuban Mastiff? Have you heard of the Salish Wool Dog? Sadly, these along with plenty of other canines have, by many international if not all of them, gone extinct. Read on to learn more about these poor pups.
1. The Tasmanian Tiger
Photo by: Wikimedia Commons
Scientifically known as the Thylacinus cynocephalus or “dog-headed pouched one” when translated from Greek, was technically not a canine. It was actually a marsupial due to its pouch, but made its way here by looking like a striped, long version of a dog. The “tiger” part of its name comes from its resemblance to the striped feline. The Thylacine (another name for this animal) was the largest, most widely known carnivorous marsupial of the time. This species became extinct in 1936 by all international standards due to being hunted. In more recent years, there have been apparent sightings, but they have not been confirmed completely.
A documentary was made in 2015 on the possible return of this seemingly extinct species. So, what do you think? Are they still around? 2. Dogo Cubano
Photo by: razas de perros
Also known as the Cuban Mastiff, this dog’s name is quite clear. It was used as a dog fighting, sheep herding, and slave tracking dog. They were also used to be retrievers and trackers in the Second Maroon War by the British. In America, they were used as watch dogs. It was in between the sizes of a bulldog and a mastiff. They were mostly white dogs which were bred in Cuba. Given their name, this is quite evident.
It is believed that, because there was no longer a need for them as a result of this, the Cuban Mastiff went extinct as a result of the abolition of slavery in Cuba. Various breeds of bulldogs came together to create this special breed. 3. Salish Wool Dog 
This is one of two breeds that originated from the United States. Well, they were natives to what is now the state of Washington as well as what is now the province of British Columbia. These dogs, similarly to wolves, stayed together in packs ranging from 12 to 20 members on islands or gated off caves. As is done with the wool of sheep, the wool-like fur of this dog was spun into yarn which was usually made into prized blankets. These blankets were generally made by Native Americans. Even though the fur of these dogs was white, it is believed that Native Americans used natural dyes to create yarn in vibrant colors.
Though they were crossbred with other breeds to create other new breeds of dogs, they became extinct as a recognizable breed around 1858. 4. Moscow Water Dog
Photo by: BarkPost
This breed of dog was used by the Russian government as members of the national Navy. Though they are named after the capital city of Russia, they were from various types of dogs in the country of Belarus including Newfoundlands, Portuguese Water Dogs, and the Swansea Jack. They have plenty of other common names from the Russian Diving Dog to the Vodolaz (the Russian word for diver) and even Moskovsky (the Russian word for Moscow). This breed of dog ranged from at least 100 lbs to over 120 lbs-in America, the average weight of a small teenager.
Some believe that the Russian Retriever (another common name for this pooch) is like Russia’s version of the poodle. Sadly for this aquatically skilled breed, their breeding was stopped some time in the 1980’s, causing their extinction. 5. Tahltan Bear Dog 
The Tahltan Bear Dog or simply the Tahltan was a small hunting dog which came into existence in the early 1900’s. These dogs were not only good for catching game, but they would also be used as guard dogs by hunters in small camps. They originated in Canada and, since 1988, have had a postage stamp in Canada in their honor. Though these dogs were declared extinct in 1974, it is believed by some that this breed is still alive, however it has not been confirmed yet by the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC).
This belief has been circulating since 1998. Many believe that these are not purebred Tahltans. These skeptics believe that these canines are just aesthetically similar to the extinct breed.
6.John’s Water Dog
Photo by: Wikipedia
Not much is known about what exactly came together to make up St. John’s Water Dog, but it is known that they are ancestors of today’s well-known retrievers. It is also believed that they later came together with Mastiffs to create the Newfoundland dog. What is known about their history is that they were found in Newfoundland in the 15th century and were officially extinct in the 1980’s. They became extinct partially due to the high tax on dog owning. It was also due to the fact that the last two members of this breed were male.
In the 19th century, they were brought from their native land of Newfoundland to what is now England. This breed was commonly used by fisherman, and written evidence of this has come from as early as the 17th century. 7. Cumberland Sheepdog
The Cumberland Sheepdog, also called the Dorset Blue Shag and Smithfield Sheepdog, is believed to be one of the ancestors of today’s Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, and Welsh Sheepdogs. By their physical descriptions, it can easily be seen that Border Collies are their descendants. It is also believed that in the 20th century, they were even referred to as Border Collies. They were first discovered around the late 19th century in Britain’s Peak District. The Peak District is the upland Central and Northern regions of England.
These dogs, as are its currently known relatives, were used for herding sheep. It is no longer officially recognized by any major kennel clubs as a distinct breed, and has not been since the late 1940’s.
8. Paisley Terrier
Photo by: Paisley Terrier - Dog Breed Standards
Seemingly a mini version of the modern Skye Terrier, the Paisley Terrier originated in the Country of Scotland. They were also called the Clydesdale Terrier due to the location in which they were originally bred near the Clyde River. Not only are they believed to be the ancestors of the Skye Terrier, but also the Yorkshire Terrier. The Paisley Terrier was also known as the Glasgow Terrier, Show Skye Terrier, and Pet Skye Terrier. It is assumed that this specific breed of terrier came into existence some time before the 1440’s. It is possible they came about as early as the 10th century.
Ironically, the popularity of the Yorkshire Terrier eventually wiped out the Paisley Terriers as a recognizable breed. 9. Alpine Spaniel
Photo by: Alpine Spaniel Bernardine
Originating in the Swiss Alps, the region for which they were named, the Alpine Spaniel is genetically related to the St. Bernard and is also a rescue dog by nature. This dog was considerable in size at about six feet from the tip of its nose to the end of its tail. There is a quite famous Alpine Spaniel named Barry who was born in the year 1800 and died 14 years later. His claim to fame was his feat of saving over 40 lives in the course of his own.
As of 2004, he was honored by the creation of a foundation called the Foundation Barry du Grand Saint Bernard. Sadly, this proud breed died out in the 1840’s due to disease. 10. Turnspit Dog 
This short-legged dog earned its name from its job of running on a wheel called a turnspit to turn meat. They originated somewhere in the United Kingdom, most likely in London, England, possibly before the 1570’s when they were first mentioned by name in writing. At this time, however, they were mentioned as the Turnspete. It is said by some that these poor dogs had to work in hard conditions all of their short, painful lives. The numbers of this dog breed were extremely high around the year of 1750, became scarce about 100 years later, and 50 years after that, they had completely disappeared. It is believed that their extinction can be attributed to the invention of the smoke-jack and other similar inventions.
It is not believed that these dachshund-like breed ever left the United Kingdom in their long existence. 11. Molossus
Photo by: Dog Breed Standards
The Molossus originated somewhere in Southern Europe, presumably around Greece due to its Greek name, or Italy due to its popularity in Rome. This dog was used in Ancient Greece as a fighting dog, and in ancient Rome, they were used for combat. Since these dogs were from so long ago, it is not known when exactly they came to be, but to give an idea, it is known that Aristotle was quite fond of this specific breed. To the philosopher, this breed was only second to sheepdogs.
Also, the breed appeared in various works of literature over an 800 year period of time. This mastiff-type breed may have disappeared around the time that it stopped appearing in literary works, but this can not be confirmed. 12. The Talbot
Photo by: Rover.com
This all-white hunting dog most likely brought the modern Beagle and Bloodhound into today’s world. This breed originated from the region of Normandy in Northern England or possibly in the country of Belgium. (Various sources suggested both.) No records of this dog have been found that date before the mid 16th century. This breed seems to have been distinct in its existence until the late 18th century. It is believed they vanished due to their high maintenance and needs along with their decline in popularity.
Today, though the animal itself is gone, there are plenty of inns, public houses, and hotels which sport the name of this long-gone breed. Clearly, these are a prime example of the saying “Gone, but not since forgotten.” 13. North Country Beagle
Photo by: EasyPetMD
Originating in the United Kingdom, possibly in Ireland or England, this relative of today’s beagles went by many names. These include the Northern Hound, Northern Beagle, Old Northern Beagle, Old Northern Hound, and Old English Beagle. It can not be said where exactly this beagle originally came from, or when it first appeared. It is, however, quite possible that this breed came from the breeding of various dogs brought to the United Kingdom by Norms, people from Normandy. It was related to the Southern Beagle which is also, by all major kennel clubs’ standards, is extinct as a major discernable breed.
Both breeds were used as hunting dogs, but were said to be separated by the River Trent and Humber Estuary. Rather than just dying out, it is likely that these dogs became heavily crossed with other breeds.
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