Dogs of Rarotonga

THE COOK ISLANDS. Dogs in Rarotonga. 2003.

Rarotonga, the capital island of the remote Pacific Cook Islands, is home to a thriving and ancient population of feral dogs. The dogs are not restrained by leashes and very few have single owners. Rather they live in a free-state, free to roam at will; fed and looked after by everyone. The Rarotongan dogs have evolved into a distinctive breed of their own. One third of them have short legs, somewhere between a dachshund and a spaniel.
Almost all of the dogs on the island fish. Around the sand flats and reefs they chase, catch and eat fish by pawing them.



Trent Parke



Trent Parke



Trent Parke



Trent Parke



Trent Parke



Trent Parke



Trent Parke

© Magnum Photos .