The Tahltan Bear Dog was a native dog to Canada; it is now thought to be extinct by most, however some debate this status.  The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) recognized this dog for many years; however, by 1984 only two spayed Tahltan Bear Dogs were still found in Canada, at their deaths the breed was recognized as extinct.

    Tahltan Bear Dogs were highly prized by the Tahltan Canadian Indians, even more so than the large "husky" type dogs.  These were small sized dogs, about the size of a fox.  They were used to track game, once found they would harass their prey until their human hunters arrived with their bows and arrows.  As their name suggests they were used to track both black bears and grizzlies, as well as other prey, including beaver, lynx, and elk.  The small size and weight of the Tahltan Bear Dogs made it easy for them to run on thin-crusted snow.

    The coat of the Tahltan Bear Dog was normally black with white patches, which could vary on different dogs.  They were honored with their image on a Canadian postage stamp, but many enthusiasts objected, as the coat on the dog was black on white.  Their ears were large, erect, and pointed, and Tahltan Bear Dogs had short bushy tails and stood about 12 to 15 inches high.
T
he last populations of the Tahltan Bear Dog were two small villages, Atlin, British Colombia and Carcross, Yukon.  A large game hunter by the name of Tom Connolly used the breed in Atlin and nearby Ross River for over 30 years; upon his death in 1970 his wife Shirley was the last person to officially own purebred Tahltan Bear Dogs.

    It was rumored that two Tahltan Bear Dogs were taken to California in the early 70s, however an extensive search the California Rare Breed Dog Association in 1980 found no trace of them.  Legend states that the breed was unable to survive outside their homeland.  It was said they would become sick and die.  If this were fact, it could be that the Tahltan Bear Dog was unable to acclimate to the warmer climates.