Scientific name Canis lupus familiaris Rank Breed | Higher classification Dog | |
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Similar Braque du Puy, Dogo Cubano, Hawaiian Poi Dog, Blue Paul Terrier, Cordoba Fighting Dog | ||
Kurī is the Māori language name for the Polynesian dog. It was introduced to New Zealand by Māori during their migrations from East Polynesia sometime around 1280 AD. It was used by Māori as a food source. In addition, they used the skins and fur to make dog-skin cloaks (Kahu kurī), belts, decorating weapons, and poi.
The kurī became extinct in New Zealand some time after the arrival of European settlers. The remains of the last known specimens, a female and her pup, are now in the collection of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.
References
Kurī Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA