The Lost Woolly Dog of the Salish | Vancouver News

Mutton, the last known Salish woolly dog, whose pelt has returned to Canadian soil for the first time in over 150 years, is a haunting relic of an extinct breed once revered for its fluffy fur used in sacred textiles. Discovered in a Smithsonian drawer two decades ago, this rare pelt—on loan to UBC’s Museum of Anthropology until 2027—is more than just history; it’s a living thread connecting Indigenous oral traditions, ancestral weaving practices, and a culture nearly erased by colonialism. These dogs, bred for their prized wool and treated like family, were integral to Salish life—from canoe journeys to ceremonial blankets. Genomic studies reveal their unique curly undercoat, while weavers like Debra Sparrow recall their fur as “gold.” Their extinction, tied to settler expansion and cultural disruption, serves as a sobering reminder of what’s lost—and why preserving these stories matters now more than ever. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/9ec1ce6fb7a21270