American Indian Dog Breed Description

Introduction

These dogs were selectively bred by the Plains Indians for thousands of years. Natural hunting companions, these dogs were also used for herding and guarding the campsites of the nomadic tribes. Their coyote-like appearance is no coincidence: many tribes continued to breed their dogs back to their coyote cousins to maintain survival instincts, pack loyalty and high intelligence. While today's dogs retain the desired traits of their ancestors, those traits remain because of careful breeding programs and research rather than from continued introduction of primitive stock. American Indian dogs should not be confused with coyote or wolf hybrids.

History

In our modern era, there have been many who claimed the original American Indian Dog was now extinct, any many others who claim these are hybrid animals created by breeding dogs with wolves. Both are mistaken, and today there are several dedicated breeders and groups working to set the record straight.

When Spanish explorers searched for riches, they met the many indigenous peoples of the Americas. These tribes, whether on the Plains or in the western states, had dogs that were an intrinsic part of their daily existence. Dogs were guardians and protectors, fellow-hunters and beasts of burden. Visually, the historical record describes and illustrates dogs of the coyote type, medium sized. The oral history of tribes from Canada to Florida includes these dogs and tribal art has always shown their unique characteristics. Modern breeders began from the premise that there were still some descendents of these original dogs within the tribes of the Americas and sought them out. Kim LaFlamme, founder of the International Indian Dog Owners and Breeders Association (IIDOBA), theorizes that all the Plains tribes created their dogs by selectively breeding the dogs of many different regions. Northern dogs were larger animals with denser fur for the geographic conditions of those lands; southern dogs were narrower, designed to keep cooler in the heat and humidity of Florida, Louisiana and the surrounding territories. LaFlamme notes that neither wolves nor coyotes were part of the tribal selective breeding; nor are they part of today's efforts to keep these remarkable dogs alive and well throughout the Americas and beyond. "The American Indian Dog differs in a number of points from other breeds. It probably belongs to the oldest domesticated dogs, going back for over 10,000 years, when the Native Americans began to use dogs for several purposes," said Peter Jesenak, Dr. Erik Postma, Prof. Dr. Lukas F. Keller, at Zürich University and Dr. Paul Jesenak, ETH Zürich, plus Monica Santana, dipl. designer HGKZ in their work on the pedigree of this unique breed.

Description

The breed standard of the IIDOBA states that the head be in proportion to the body. The muzzle is wedge-shaped and moderately long to provide balance to the longish pricked ears. The stop is gentle, providing a flowing curve from the plane to the muzzle to the top of the skull. The skull is slightly domed between the ears, which are moderately long, firmly pricked, and tilted slightly forward. They are wide-set on the head, triangular shaped and well-furred. The dexterity of the ears is a notable trait of the breed. Medium sized eyes are almond shaped with light colors preferred; they can be yellow, blue or amber. The look is one of intelligence although the standard notes a far-away quality. Eyelids are black and close fitting. Noses are usually black, although in some colors they can be liver. Lips are black as well, but can be liver colored when the nose is; in all instances they are closely fitted without excess flesh. Scissors bite is required.

The neck of the AID is of medium length and strong, with a good-sized ruff that should not detract from the clean, trim appearance. The neck flows into the straight back, which is slightly longer than tall. Loins are strong with a good distance between last rib and hip. Chest is deep, but not broad. Good tuck-up. Forelegs are slightly turned out and finely boned. Good musculature with closely set withers and good lay back of shoulders. The front pastern slopes slightly when viewed from the side. Rear legs are long and very angular (almost to the point of being sickle hocked) and well muscled. The back slopes slightly into the croup. Hocks are well defined and parallel. Rear dewclaws should not be evident in Indian Dogs, but should be removed if present. Small, cat-like feet are rounded with thick pads. Toes are close and well arched. Nails are short and thick. The tail is long (reaching to the hock) and is carried down with slight curve. May be held up when showing dominance, or straight out when running, but never curled forward past the perpendicular.

Temperament

Smart. Never forget that for 5,000 years, these animals have been bred for intellect: to make decisions for themselves and those they love, to solve problems, to exist independently and to be a valued member of the tribe.

Health and Care

Training for you and your AID is vital if the relationship is to prosper. As the master, you will need to learn the techniques and skills that enable you to exchange complex commands and ideas with your American Indian Dog, and to do so in a way that is firm yet respectful. This is an animal that will get bored with repetition as quickly as you do. You will most likely end up on a waiting list if you decide this is the breed for you; use the time to learn the skills you will need once your puppy comes home.

Colors

There is a natural beauty to the coat of the American Indian Dog, which has a glossy shine. They are double coated, with fur of medium length. There is a short thick plush undercoat with long guard hairs that stand off from body. Hair is longer on the chest, ruff, shoulders, back of legs and tail according to the IIDOBA standard.

All colors have a sable shading, and guard hairs have dark tips. Black, blue, white, golden red, gray, red & tan, tan, chocolate, cream, fawn, and silver are possible for this breed. All colors blend gently together, with very little spotting or defined line between colors. The tail has a dark scent marking (spot) three-quarters of the way up from tip. Some white on the chest, feet, collar and tip of the tail is accepted.

Living Area

These are highly intelligent animals that thrive when they are part of the family. Technically speaking, they don't have any particular space requirements: they have lifestyle requirements. This is not an average dog nor a simple pet: AIDs are highly intelligent beings that require dedicated informed people if they are to thrive.

Sources

Song Dog Kennels, IIDOBA, Wikipedia

Colors

black, white, gray, red, tan, brown, silver and variations

Living Area

They need a fenced in area where they can run and play at will and do not adapt well to a

Recognized By

NAID, NKC, DRA

Pets4You offers listings of American Indian Dog breeders with puppies for sale.