Extinct Salish Wool Dog Valued by Indigenous Peoples for Centuries

The Salish Wool Dog was a highly valued animal by Indigenous Peoples for centuries. They were known to be a vital part of the Salish community's economy and culture.

The Salish Wool Dog was specifically bred for its soft, warm wool, which was highly prized by the Salish people for its insulation and durability. The wool was used to make clothing, blankets, and other essential items.

These dogs were highly adaptable and could thrive in a variety of environments, making them a valuable asset to the Salish people. They were also known to be intelligent and friendly, which made them a beloved companion animal.

The Salish wool dog is an extinct breed that once played a significant cultural role for the Coast Salish people in Western Canada.

The breed is believed to have been introduced to the Americas around 15,000 years ago.

For thousands of years, the Coast Salish carefully maintained the genetic integrity of the animal, leading up to colonization.

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The woolly dog was pampered by the Coast Salish, fed a special diet, and their coats were regularly combed.

Researchers at the Smithsonian, in partnership with members of Coast Salish nations, have pieced together the genetic history of the breed.

The genetic analysis of a 160-year-old pelt of a woolly dog named "Mutton" revealed that the breed became distinct up to 5,000 years ago.

The 28 genes responsible for the prized woolly coat were also identified through the analysis.

A variety of factors contributed to the extinction of the woolly dogs, including disease, displacement during colonization, and the disruption of Indigenous cultural traditions.

The survival of the woolly dogs depended on the survival of their caretakers, highlighting the direct and devastating impacts of colonialism.

The woolly dog's thick woolen undercoat was shorn for weaving blankets and textiles, but the tradition declined in the 19th century due to increasing settler colonialism.

For another approach, see: Salish Wool Dog

The survival of the woolly dogs depended on the survival of their caretakers. This means that if the Coast Salish people were able to take care of the dogs, they would also be able to keep the breed alive.

The dogs were pampered by the Coast Salish, fed a special diet, and their coats were regularly combed. This level of care was crucial to the dogs' survival.

A dog named Mutton died in 1859, and its pelt had been in a collection at the National Museum of Natural History. This pelt was used in DNA analysis to learn more about the woolly dogs.

The study highlights the direct and devastating impacts of colonialism on the woolly dogs. As colonization increased, the tradition of caring for the dogs began to decline.

The woolly dogs' thick woolen undercoat was shorn for weaving blankets and textiles. This was a significant part of their cultural significance to the Coast Salish people.

The survival of the woolly dogs depended on many factors, including disease, expanding colonialism, and cultural upheaval. The Coast Salish people's ability to care for the dogs was also crucial to their survival.

A rare blanket made from the fur of the extinct woolly dog is on display at the North Vancouver museum. This serves as a reminder of the dogs' cultural significance and the impact of colonialism on their survival.

The Salish Wool Dog, a fascinating creature that once roamed the Pacific Northwest. It was a domesticated dog that was bred to have a thick, woolly coat.

These dogs were incredibly valuable to the Salish people, who used their wool to make clothing and blankets. The Salish Wool Dog's wool was highly prized for its warmth and water-repellent properties.

Their coats were so thick that they could grow up to 3 inches long, providing excellent protection from the elements. This unique trait made them an essential part of the Salish people's daily lives.

The Salish Wool Dog's history dates back thousands of years, with evidence of their existence found in archaeological sites dating back to around 2000 BCE.