Introduction: The Hawaiian Poi Dog
The Hawaiian Poi Dog, also known as the Hawaiian Island Dog, was a breed of dog that was indigenous to the Hawaiian Islands. These dogs were named after their diet, which mainly consisted of poi, a Hawaiian staple food made from taro roots. The Hawaiian Poi Dog was a medium-sized, muscular breed that was used for hunting, guarding, and as a food source by the native Hawaiians.
Historical background of the Hawaiian Poi Dog
The Hawaiian Poi Dog is believed to be one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, with a history dating back to the ancient Polynesian voyagers who settled in the Hawaiian Islands more than 1,000 years ago. These dogs were highly valued by the Hawaiians, who used them for hunting wild pigs, guarding their homes, and as a source of food during times of famine. However, with the arrival of European explorers and their dogs, as well as the introduction of diseases that decimated the Hawaiian population, the breed began to decline in numbers and eventually became extinct in the early 20th century.