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Dee
Gannon's Hand Book of Rare Breeds
American Indian Dog
The origin of the American Indian dog is a study of the legends and
history of the Americas, a trip back in time before the discovery of
the New World. Dogs and man have always been a formidable combination,
so it is not surprising that the dogs were an integral part of Native
American life. Long before the introduction of the horse, the dogs were
there to guard, hunt, herd and carry. Their versatility made them essential
to the livelihood and survival of the tribal group. The coyote-like
appearance of the American Indian dog is not a coincidence. The Native
Americans believed the coyote or "God's Dog' were the first beings
on earth and would be the last. These dogs were a part of the balance
of nature, put there to help man learn and survive. Many tribes actively
sought to breed their dogs with the coyote to maintain the dog's survival
instincts, pack loyalty and high intelligence. However, the last know
introduction of coyote into the American Indian Dog was in the late
1800's. Though today's American Indian dogs retain the desired traits
of their ancestors, these remain because of careful breeding programs
rather than the introduction of primitive stock. The American Indian
Dog is not to be confused with the hybrids that are created by breeding
purebred dogs with wolves or coyotes. The near extinction of these versatile
dogs coincides with the wholesale massacre of the American Indian. However,
the decimation of the canine population continued long after the tribal
groups were moved onto reservations. Many dogs were killed out of fear
or for their fur coats, their starving masters ate some, while others
returned to their feral state and wee reabsorbed by their coyote cousins.
For many years, it was believed that the American Indian Dog was extinct.
However, small pockets of these dogs did survive in a purebred state.
The discovery of these small groups has led to a concerted effort to
re-establish this breed in it's role of helping man to learn to appreciate
the natural order of his world. Now is the time to introduce the only
remaining native U.S. American Indian Dog to the American people. People
like William Pferd II and Kim La Flamme, researching and selecting the
correct breeding stock, nurturing the few remaining dogs and beginning
to produce direct descendents of this legendary breed, have spent years.
The American Indian Dog is a primitive, thinking breed that will take
care of you as you take care of them. They are highly intelligent and
capable of learning whatever you want to teach them. Often, they will
instinctively know what you want and remain a step or two ahead of your
carefully prepared program. They are also capable of learning by observation.
From puppy hood to old age, these dogs are inquisitive, alert and very
devoted. A strong bond forms between dog and family at a young age.
An American Indian Dog is yours for life. They can just to almost any
lifestyle and environment, though they do not take well to changing
owners. With their family they are loyal companions and wonderful playmates
for adults and children,. They will be cautious with complete strangers,
although an instinctive canine "mind reading" will often let
them know a person is all right before formal introduction. With those
they know, they are amenable to command, affectionate and possessive.
They are excellent watchdogs that travel well and have a very hardy
constitution. Though they would prefer to be outdoors, they can live
inside as long as they receive enough exercise and activity. The communication
between an American Indian Dog and its family is fascinating. Aside
from the instinctual bonding that occurs, these dogs almost talk with
their high-pitched voices. They are always smiling and ready to play.
They use their bodies to communicate their moods and desires. They are
always alert, bending an ear or cocking their heads to listen in on
the world around them. The appearance of the American Indian Dog is
such that you picture him in a natural environment. Their double coat
is naturally shaded, provides protection from the elements and stays
remarkably clean. The size is easy to handle and the care is minimal.
The American Indian Dog is not a breed for everyone and the American
Indian Dog Club requires that all perspective owners be interviewed
and approved by at least two officers of the club. This is to assure
that all puppies go to, and remain, in, a mutually happy environment.