Tahitian Dog Information & Dog Breed Facts
Collection of all the general dog breed info about Tahitian Dog so you can get to know the breed more.
Group | Extinct |
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Popularity Rank | 249 |
Reviews | 0 |
User Ratings | |
Compare the Tahitian Dog With Other Dogs
Select at least one dog breed to make the comparsion. | |
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Other Names
What other names does the Tahitian Dog have?
| Otaheite DogPoe DogSociety Islands DogTahitian DogSouth Sea Dog |
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Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it? | Purebred |
Size
Is a Tahitian Dog small, medium or large dog?
How big do Tahitian Dog get? What is the average size of a Tahitian Dog ? | SmallMedium |
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Weight
How much does the Tahitian Dog weigh? How much should a Tahitian Dog weight? What is the normal weight of a Tahitian Dog ? How much does a full-grown Tahitian Dog weight? | Male: 12-22 pounds (5-10 kg), Female: 10-20 pounds (4-8 kg) |
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Tahitian Dog ? | Male: 17 pounds (7.5 kg), Female: 15 pounds (6 kg) |
Height
How tall is the Tahitian Dog ? Tahitian Dog height: | Male: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm), Female: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm) |
Average Height
What is the average height of a Tahitian Dog ? | Male: 11 inches (27.5 cm), Female: 10 inches (25.5 cm) |
Price
How much does the Tahitian Dog puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Tahitian Dog in the United States? How much money is a Tahitian Dog ?
Where to buy a Tahitian Dog with a good pedigree? | Unavailable Unfortunately the Tahitian Dog is an extinct dog breed, so there isn’t any available price range or breeder in the world for purchasing this breed. |
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Availability
How easy is it to get a Tahitian Dog ? How many Tahitian Dog are there in the world? | Unavailable: This dog breed, unfortunately, is no longer available, it may even be extinct. |
Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Tahitian Dog ? Is the Tahitian Dog breed dumb or smart? | Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. Keep in mind that if you want to teach them any tricks, they understand and memorize new commands in 40-80 repetitions. Tahitian Dog obey the first command 30% of the time or better. So if you want to have a smart dog, you might have to reconsider your choice with this breed.
The Tahitian Dog ranks below average in the intelligence ranking of dogs. |
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Trainability
Are Tahitian Dog dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Tahitian Dog ? | A slightly harder to train than average. Tahitian Dog dogs aren't famous for their trainability. This breed needs more time and repetition to obey. It's challenging to teach them new commands, but not impossible. |
Watchdog Ability
Is Tahitian Dog good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night? | Tahitian Dog dogs are good watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're consistent in their effort. Good vocal cords and a sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're territorial and protective about their property, so the Tahitian Dog dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Tahitian Dog dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts? | Tahitian Dog dogs are average defenders. Some dogs are very protective of their territory, while others easily let a stranger to trespass. This breed is not sure to defend its territory in every situation. |
Temperament
What kind of personality does the Tahitian Dog have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have? | LazyShy |
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Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Tahitian Dog sensitivity: | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. Tahitian Dog dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.
They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions. |
Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Tahitian Dog a good family dog? | Average: Tahitian Dog dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. Some breeds are forthcoming and friendly, while others are independent and don't bond too closely with their owners. |
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Otaheite Dog need? Tahitian Dog social needs: | Tahitian Dog dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don't mind being left alone for a few hours either. |
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Tahitian Dog to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Tahitian Dog roam? | Tahitian Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command. |
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Tahitian Dog have high prey drive? | Tahitian Dog dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. Cats or any other small animals might be in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Tahitian Dog dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash. |
Playfulness
How playful is this breed? | Average: Tahitian Dog s, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed. |
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Barking
Do Tahitian Dog dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Otaheite Dog bark? | Low to Average: The Tahitian Dog rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.
Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking. |
Apartment Friendly
Is Tahitian Dog good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Tahitian Dog in an apartment? | It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Tahitian Dog indoors. |
Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going? | Average: Tahitian Dog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually. |
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Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Tahitian Dog be left alone? How long can you leave a Tahitian Dog alone? | Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. With proper socialization and quality time with the dog can solve this problem. |
Bite Force PSI
Does the Tahitian Dog has a hard bite?
What is the bite force of a Tahitian Dog ?
How much bite force does a Tahitian Dog have?
How strong is a Tahitian Dog bite? | Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Tahitian Dog bite force: Weak. The Tahitian Dog bite force is considered weak when compared to other dog breeds. The bite force Tahitian Dog measurements usually fall below 200 PSI, making them one of the breeds with the weakest bite force. The bite force of a Tahitian Dog may be weak, but it's important to remember that any dog's bite can still be dangerous if not managed properly. Despite the bite force of Tahitian Dog being lower, it does not make them any less lovable or enjoyable as pets.
Tahitian Dog bite wounds might not be as severe, but it is still essential to be cautious and prevent any biting incidents. They are usually not aggressive and very friendly towards children and other animals. To ensure a well-behaved dog, it's essential to learn how to train a Tahitian Dog puppy not to bite from an early age. With proper training and socialization, a Tahitian Dog can be a wonderful addition to any family, providing love and companionship for years to come. |
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Biting Potential
Do Tahitian Dog bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Otaheite Dog? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Tahitian Dog ? Why do dog bites happen?
| Low 🔽 The Tahitian Dog has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.) |
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Tahitian Dog do?
| Tahitian Dog dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Tahitian Dog dogs need to be taught a good attitude. |
Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Tahitian Dog dogs have health problems or genetic diseases? | The Tahitian Dog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. |
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Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Tahitian Dog breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Tahitian Dog see the vet?
| Average The Tahitian Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian. |
Life Expectancy
How long do Tahitian Dog dogs live? How old can a Tahitian Dog be? What is the age limit of the Tahitian Dog ? How many years can the oldest Tahitian Dog live?
What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Tahitian Dog ? How long is the lifespan of a Tahitian Dog ? | 10-12 years The average lifespan of Tahitian Dog : 11 years |
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate? | Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. However, in general, most dogs prefer average to warm weather conditions, as they typically find hot weather conditions to be uncomfortable and taxing. |
Energy Level
How much energy does the Tahitian Dog have? What is the activity level of the Tahitian Dog ?
| Tahitian Dog dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs. If you live a chilled life, this breed can be a good choice for you. |
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Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Tahitian Dog need? How much exercise do Tahitian Dog dogs require per day?
Do Tahitian Dog dogs need a lot of exercises? | Tahitian Dog dogs exercise need is minimal. If you live a slow life, this breed can be a good choice for you. |
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Tahitian Dog breed need? | Tahitian Dog dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot. They're not the most active dog breed. If you live an active life, this breed can be a bad choice for you. |
Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Tahitian Dog need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Tahitian Dog breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Tahitian Dog ? How much food should I feed my Tahitian Dog ? | 0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. |
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Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Tahitian Dog risk for obesity: | Average: The Tahitian Dog has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.
If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Tahitian Dog weight regularly. |
Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Tahitian Dog have? What does this canine coat/fur look like? | Smooth |
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Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Tahitian Dog coats? | White BrownRust-Yellow |
Grooming
How to groom the Tahitian Dog and how often? How often should I take my Tahitian Dog to the groomer? | Average: The Tahitian Dog requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential. Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes. Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath. If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Tahitian Dog , search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment. Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby. |
Shedding Level
How much do Tahitian Dog dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Otaheite Dog? Do Tahitian Dog dogs shed a lot? | Tahitian Dog dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type. |
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Tahitian Dog need a bath? How often should you give a Tahitian Dog a bath? Can I bathe my Tahitian Dog every day?
| 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. According to a study, 56% of pet parents don’t bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when it’s bath time.
Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible. |
Hypoallergenic
Is the Tahitian Dog breed hypoallergenic? | No Tahitian Dog dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair. |
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?
| Low 🔽 The Tahitian Dog has a low chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks. |
Drooling Tendency
Does the Tahitian Dog drool? | The Tahitian Dog is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency. If you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, the Tahitian Dog could be a good choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool less than others, just like the Tahitian Dog .
If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible. |
Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Tahitian Dog dogs get along with other pets? Are Tahitian Dog dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets? | Tahitian Dog dogs are generally with other pets. |
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Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Tahitian Dog temperament with other people: | Tahitian Dog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs. |
Child Friendly
Are Tahitian Dog dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Tahitian Dog temperament with children: | Tahitian Dog dogs are average friendly dogs towards children. |
Cat Friendly
How well do Tahitian Dog dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Tahitian Dog breed live with a cat? | Tahitian Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats. |
Dog Friendly
Is Tahitian Dog good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Tahitian Dog dogs get along with other dogs? | Tahitian Dog dogs are dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Tahitian Dog can be a great choice. |
Good For First Time Owners
Is Tahitian Dog breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Tahitian Dog breed suitable for first-time owners? | No Tahitian Dog dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality. |
Office Friendly
Are Tahitian Dog dogs good office canines? Do Tahitian Dog dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs? | No Tahitian Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment. |
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Tahitian Dog dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Otaheite Dog temperament with senior people? Are Tahitian Dog dogs good for elderly owners? | Tahitian Dog s are commonly okay with elderly people. |
Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Tahitian Dog be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs? | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).
Tahitian Dog is not the best breed for service purposes. |
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Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Tahitian Dog be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Tahitian Dog be an emotional support animal? | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.
Tahitian Dog is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes. |
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Tahitian Dog be a sniffer dog? | Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.
Tahitian Dog is not the best breed for detection purposes. |
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Tahitian Dog be a search and rescue dog? | Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.
The Tahitian Dog is not the best breed for SAR purposes. |
Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Tahitian Dog be a boat dog? | Not really Tahitian Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo. Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats. |
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Tahitian Dog be a drafting dog? | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.
Tahitian Dog is not the best breed for drafting purposes. |
Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Tahitian Dog dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history? | Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog. |
Gestation Length
How long is a Tahitian Dog pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Tahitian Dog breed is pregnant? | 60-64 days Reproductive cycle of the female Tahitian Dog : The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.
During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge. The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days. The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color. The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating. The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months. |
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Litter Frequency | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year. |
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Tahitian Dog have in a litter?
How many puppies can the Tahitian Dog breed have for the first time?
How many puppies does a Tahitian Dog have?
How many puppies can a Tahitian Dog give birth to? | 4-6 puppies |
AKC Group
Is Tahitian Dog recognized by the American Kennel Club? | Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. |
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FCI Group
Is Tahitian Dog recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)? | Not recognized by FCI. |
Tahitian Dog Pros and Cons
- Drooling Tendency: The Tahitian Dog is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
- Stinkiness: The Tahitian Dog has a low chance of bad smell.
- Watchdog Ability: Tahitian Dog dogs are good watchdogs.
- Mouthiness: Tahitian Dog dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
- Dog Friendly: Tahitian Dog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
- Intelligent Rank: Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
- Trainability: A slightly harder to train than average.
- Hypoallergenic: Tahitian Dog dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
- Office Friendly: Tahitian Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
- Good For First Time Owners: Tahitian Dog dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Tahitian Dog History
The Tahitian Dog, or in its local Tahitian name, the ʻŪrī Mā’ohi, is an extinct dog breed, which can trace its origins back to the 16th century in Tahiti and on the Society Islands, nowadays known as French Polynesia. Later the breed was also known under the name Society Islands Dog, Poe Dog, and South Sea Dog. The breed was imported to the Society Islands by the Tahitian ancestors when the mass migration of Tahitians to Polynesia happened. The Tahitian Dog was in close relation to the Hawaiian Poi Dog and to the New Zealand Kuri. Moreover, the latter is presumed to be a descendant of the breed. DNA studies have shown that the New Zealand Kuri dog is derived from Indonesian dogs, and henceforth, by inference, it is presumable that all of the Polynesian breeds have the same ancestry.
The Tahitian culture considered the Tahitian Dogs an essential part of the society. The indigenous tribes would make a variety of different kinds of ornaments and tools from the deceased dogs’ body parts. The teeth of the dogs were used as fishhooks and the dogs’ bones were used to make weapons and other accessories. The dogs’ fur, especially the long tail hairs were used to decorate the fringes of the taumi, the traditional ornament called a gorget, which was mostly worn by the chiefs of the tribes. Being a food delicacy was the breed’s other purpose. The dogs were tied up with strings around their bellies and kept in the house, where they were raised to serve nutritional purposes. Other specimens were kept alongside the domesticated pigs for the same goals. These dogs, seen as a delicacy were served to the tribes during the feasts and most importantly, the best ones were dedicated to the chiefs. The Tahitian Dogs were less abundant than pigs, presumably because they were killed at a very young age on the islands. James Cook, the well-known British explorer is one of the earliest explorers who got a taste from the breed. The dogs were in close relation with their tribes. European explorers often noticed that the indigenous women, who unfortunately lost their own babies or children, would easily breastfeed dog puppies.
The Tahitian Dog was considered a lazy, dull breed with a shy temperament, for the reason that the dogs were kept on a vegetarian diet. Moreover, many of the breed’s specimens were extremely obese, so consequently, lazy due to their unique diet, which made them less useful and less active. Their diet consisted of Yam, Coconut, Poi, Breadfruit, and other locally grown vegetables. This malnutrition affected the dogs’ external appearance, their skull was flat and round, which is not frequent with dogs, they were also really small-sized.
The Tahitian Dog got to the verge of extinction when European settlers arrived in Tahiti and in French Polynesia around 1834. Europeans brought another type of breeds with them on their ships, thus the local breeds were naturally inter-bred with these European dogs. The Tahitian Dog never remained purebred anymore. Moreover, even after the European settlement, very few people met and got to know the breed in its purest form. However, the very few who did meet them did not consider this breed worth preserving, instead, they focused on creating a new breed mixture. Thus, the Tahitian Dog went to extinction in the 19th century. Experts still have very limited knowledge about the breed, due to the lack of records. In the 1960s and 1970s, examples of the breed’s bones and teeth were discovered during archaeological digs. Furthermore, there are a couple of paintings portraying dogs in close resemblance with the Tahitian Dog, by European painters who visited the islands.