The Tahitian Dog is an extinct breed of dogs found in Tahiti and the Society Islands till the 19th century. These small-to-medium-sized dogs were used for making ornamental clothing, tools, and food purposes.

The appearance of the Tahitian dogs included long backs, erect ears, broadheads, and small eyes. Sharing close resemblance to Terrier breeds, they had smooth hairs and crooked-legs.

Origin & History

The Tahitian Dogs were first brought to the Society Islands and Tahiti (now part of French Polynesia) by the Tahitian ancestors. It is believed that the origin of this breed dates back to the 16th century when the Tahitians first migrated to Polynesia.

Tahitian Dog were brought to the Society Islands and Tahiti from the ancient Tahitians.

The Tahitian Dogs were considered a very essential part of the Tahitian society. the natives would make different kinds of tools and ornamental clothing from the body parts of these dogs. Furthermore, the people would tie them with strings around their belly and raise them with pigs as it was a food delicacy.

The teeth of the Tahitian Dogs were used as fishhooks and their bones were used to make weapons and other accessories. Like its close relative breed Hawaiian Poi Dog, it was also fed only a vegetarian diet. Their diet included Poi, Coconut, Breadfruit, and Yam.

How Did The Tahitian Dog Become Extinct?

The Tahitian Dog became extinct around 1834 after the European settlers arrived in Tahiti and Society. Not only the settlers arrived, but they also brought some of their European dogs with them. Following their arrival, they began interbreeding their dogs with the Tahitian dog. And as crossbreeding started, the breed never remained pure anymore.

Those who reared and had dogs didn’t focus much on preserving the Tahitian dogs. Instead, they were more curious about achieving a new mix breed. This led to a decline in the population of these dogs. Moreover, the fact that most of these dogs were killed and eaten at an early age might have also caused their disappearance.

Temperament, Behavior, & Personality

The Tahitian Dogs had a lazy, dull, and shy temperament. The reason that they were lazy and inactive was because of the vegetarian diet they were fed. As a matter of fact, some of them were fat and obese (because of their diet) which of course, made them less active and useful. However, they had an affectionate and loyal personality,

Was Tahitian Dog a Child-Friendly Breed?

Yes, the Tahitian Dog was a child-friendly as it was an attention-seeking dog. They thrived in the affection of the children and loved laying around small children all day long. The fact that they were lazy and inactive made them perfect sleeping companions for children of all ages. Nevertheless, it was very important to introduce them from an early age as these dogs were very shy to strangers.

Some Interesting Facts

  • The Tahitian Dog was also known as Society Islands Dog, South Sea Dog, Poe Dog, and Otaheite Dog.
  • It was known as ʻŪrī Mā’ohi among the Tahitian people.
  • Because of having a vegetarian diet, they had round skulls and small height.
  • British explorer, the late James Cook, is one of the early explorers to taste this breed.
Tahitian Dog were eaten and their body parts were used to make ornaments and tools.

Colors

The Tahitian Dog was found in the following colors:

  • Rust-Yellow
  • White
  • Brown

Size

The Tahitian Dogs weighed around 10-22 pounds (4-10 kg) whereas their height ranged somewhere between 9-12 inches (23-30 cm).

Puppies

On average, a mother Tahitian Dog used to give birth to 4-6 puppies at a time.

Similar Dog Breeds

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