Under the assumption that only one pregnant dog and her puppies of a specific breed can be saved from the retrovirus, the ideal candidate would be the Siberian Husky. A loyal and loving breed, that has the capacity for utility. As someone who studies biology and knows a good amount about canines, I believe Huskies are an excellent candidate.
Huskies are a breed that is most closely related to their ancestor and therefore would be the best choice for the repopulation. This is because it would allow for a similar genetic divergence overtime. After many years, the diversity of dog breeds that was available would have the potential to return to what it once was. Furthermore, Huskies are not only friendly dogs, but they also can serve a purpose. They traditionally are known as a working breed because they can pull sleds carrying goods and people in places that do not have roads. Running long distances is an easy feat for a Husky and gives them a purpose beyond being a loving companion. This shows that they are a dependable and capable breed.
Of all of the breeds of dogs that I have interacted with, Huskies have stood out to me. They are extremely well-mannered and reserved. They emit a sense of pride in the way that they hold themselves, yet display real affection for their owner. Since they are a dog that traditionally lives in a pack, they are well equipped to live with humans and become a member of their pack. In addition, their thick coat of fur allows for them to live in a wide variety of environments; many environments that other domesticated dogs could not survive in. With all of these things in mind, I believe that Huskies would be an excellent candidate to save from the devastating retrovirus.
Cite: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/siberian-husky/
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