Hare Indian Dog/Mackenzie River Dog (Extinct) Breed Information

Posted on Feb 19, 2020, Modified : Feb 15, 2020 Zina

Breeds

The Hare Indian Dog was a domesticated canine that is now extinct. It is believed to have been crossed with a coyote or some wild Gray Wolf due to its speed and some traits that are matching to them. This domesticated canid had a slender built with a small face, erect ears, long legs, and the tail was thick and bushy.

The muzzle of the Hare Indian Dog was pointed, thin and long. The strong, muscular body was covered with a dense, medium-length, straight coat.

History

The Hare Indian Dog was originated in the United States and Canada sometime in the 18th century. There are many theories of its origination but we cannot be sure which theory is the right one. Some believe that it was bred when the Vikings brought their dog during the explore in North America. It is said to be crossed between the Viking’s dogs and Tahltan Bear Dogs.

In 1984, researchers examine the DNA of the Hare Indian Dog and confirmed that it was a hybrid with mostly Coyeete genes with some of the Wolf DNA and the DNA of some domesticated dogs.

This breed was owned mostly for hunting purpose and the hunters loved these breeds. It had the ability to survive for days without food, was quick, and had broad feet and small size. These traits of the Hare Indian Dog allowed them to follow the large games in deep snow and keep them in the bay until the hunters arrive.

Hare Indian Dog painting.
Image Source: Alchetron

Extinction

The Hare Indian Dog was excelling in its hunting job and was favored by hunters. However, hunting techniques were improved with guns, firearms, which made its ability and skills no use to the people. When the hunters slowly replaced them with firearms, the Hare Indian Dogs slowly vanished from the world.

Although they got extinct from the world, it is believed that this breed was widely crossed with other domesticated dogs. So, we can still find their genes in today’s dogs like the Newfoundland Dog, Canadian Eskimo Dog, and many more. Despite their extinction, the Hare Indian Dog continued to live on with there genes in other modern breeds.

Temperament, Behavior, and Personality

Although being a hunting dog and having the DNA of the wild wolf, the Hare Indian Dogs were said to be very playful, friendly, and affectionate temperament. It is known to get along with people well and was friendly with them. It was said to be loyal and are pack oriented which sees one person of the family as a pack leader and was devoted to them.

The Hare Indian Dog was not known to bark but instead, they would howl like a wolf. It would attempt to bark but were known to end up growling followed by howling which is very similar to a coyote.

Hare Indian Dog sketch.
Image Source: Dog Wallpapers

Was Hare Indian Dog Child-Friendly?

The Hare Indian Dog is already extinct but looking back at its temperament, we can say that it was a child-friendly dog. They were of friendly, playful, and loving nature, which would have made an excellent companion for children.