7 facts about the Native American Indian dog

NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN DOG

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STATS
Height - 18-25 inches
Adult Weight - 25 kgs to 50 kgs (55 - 110 pounds)
Life Span - 14-18 years
Fur Colours - Black, grey, brown, tanned, all with a tortoiseshell pattern or broken pattern, also plain white fur (rarely)
Eye Colours - Pale yellow/blue, silver(rare)

The American Indian dog must remind you of its ancestor, the wolf? Don't worry, this intelligent breed has got the charming looks of a wolf but the demeanour of a very loyal and harmless family dog.

HISTORY

These dogs' history dates back to thousands of years. The breed was developed and strengthened by the breeding of dogs that were traded between tribes of all the Nations from Alaska down into South America by the Plains Indians. These are also said to have been bred with coyotes prior to that. As there weren't other animals around, this breed was considered extremely important. They were used by Native American tribes for several purposes from being hunters and protectors to being the source of supply for garment and blanket weaving. They also kept their owners warm during the cold nights.

PRESENT SCENARIO

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It has widely been agreed that the native American Indian breeds have gone extinct and the breeders have been striving to cross breed and regenerate the same old characteristics as that of the native American Indian dog.

These dogs are presently not very common but given to their rising popularity, they are increasing in numbers gradually. Using historical documents left by missionaries, trappers and explorers, the Native American Indian Dog breed was founded and trademarked by Mrs Karen Markel during the mid-1990s.

Here are 7 facts about the American Indian dogs

1. Majestic wolf-like appearance

With the kind of resemblance this breed has with its ancestor, it is pretty much like the near impossible experience of owning a wolf.

This breed definitely makes people turn their heads. Also, the stray dogs might nearly piss their non-existent pants before trying to mess around with this chap.

This breed comes with a variety of colour coats ranging from black to brown to even white! The body proportions are ideally symmetrical and compliment its goofy charm.

#1 Erect ears
#2 Almond-shaped eyes, 
#3 moderately long, wedge-shaped muzzle,
#4 Bushy tail with a slight curve.

2. Family friendly companion

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Despite their wild roots, these dogs do quite well with humans, children and other animals as well, provided that they are trained like other dogs in their young days. 

This breed has a protective instinct which makes it extremely protective for their owners. If not trained properly, they can be shy or reserved in front of strangers given their protective instinct.

They need a firm, steady owner who is able to be the pack leader so there are no behaviour problems. But they are sensitive creatures so they do not respond well to harsh treatments. They can make up for an extremely competent watchdog.

They are very clean and don't leave out any odour. Also, they shed only once in the spring.

3. Active Dogs

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Given their history, they are a breed of active working dogs who love to please their owner but also demand loads of activity and space. They will find it difficult to adjust in smaller spaces. They demand some work to be given to them.

They are very intelligent dogs and respond very well to consistent training. Their agile bodies make them perform several tasks like taking part in racing competitions, disc dog competitions. They often become part of law enforcement and also perform as certified therapy and certified service dogs.

4. Less prone to diseases

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These dogs are known to be healthy, disease free and happen to have only a few genetic defects unlike many of the dog breeds. The only known ailment which is also hereditary to them is hip dysplasia. Buyers are advised to check with the breeder about the genetics of the parents of the puppy and get the proper documents. 

They live from 14 to 18 years, which definitely happens to be pretty good for dogs and yes, pretty good for the owners too. 

5. Hypoallergenic

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This dog is well suited for people who have allergic problems. They are clean, odour-free dogs and their presence definitely won't trigger an allergic reaction. 

But it is during the spring when they shed heavily. So be prepared with a vacuum cleaner or an umbrella!!

6. Recognitions

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The Native American Indian Dog is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) but it is recognized by the American Indian Dog registry (AIDR), the International Progressive Dog Breeders Alliance (IPDBA), the International Progressive Dog Breeders Alliance (IPDBA) and the National Kennel Club (NKC) 

7. Types of Native American Indian dogs

These are the breeds which are formed by the mixing of Native American Indian dogs with a few other breeds 

A. Native American Shepherd

Native American Indian +  Belgian Shepherd

B. Siberian Indian Dog

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Native American Indian + Siberian Husky

C. Shalom Shepherd

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Native American Indian + German Shepherd

CAUTION!

If you want to own a Native American Indian dog, make sure to check the profile of the breeder. There have been several cases of them selling coyote and wolf hybrids and passing them off as a Native American Indian. They, however, are NOT a Native American Indian dog.