Native American Indian Dog

		Native American Indian Dog
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			U.S.A.
Translation			Francis Vandersteen

NAID breeders claim that the Native American Indian Dog® (NAID®) is selectively bred to recreate the look and versatility of the original American Indian dogs. Dogs were the only beast of burden used by Native Americans before the Spanish introduced the horse in the mid-1500s, and were an integral part of village life. Dogs pulled a travois carrying the family's belongings, hunted and fished, and were "babysitters" for the children and elderly when the women gathered berries and herbs. Historical documents written by missionaries, trappers, explorers and entrepreneurs recorded the lives of the "natives" and their dogs, including many drawings, paintings and photographs. It was on this documentation that the breed was founded, and then the name was trademarked by Mrs. Karen Markel, Majestic View Kennels, in the mid-1990s. The NAID® today has proven to be a nationally recognized and registered dog breed with traits that Native Americans admired in their ancestral dogs. They are highly intelligent, versatile, long-lived and hypoallergenic. They are used as excellent hunting companions, therapy dogs, disability assistance dogs, search and rescue animals, competitive weight pullers, skijoring dogs and exceptional family companions.

Others have claimed that any dog sold as an Indian dog is not a re-creation. The original native dogs are extinct and have been since before the invention of photography. The Indians themselves did not have a pure breed of dog. They were mixed dogs. With the arrival of the Europeans, these dogs were crossed with dogs from Europe and other countries. Because the dogs were never purebred, and because no one bothered to study them much, it would be impossible to "recreate" them. NAIDs are a new type of dog launched by one breeder.

While others declare: "A dog native to North America still exists: the Carolina dog, whose DNA has been tested as American, and which looks like our native dogs, they look like modern works of art that romanticize wolves that have now been DNA tested are more coyote than real wolves don't have long coats like that. Time will never allow it. Cute dogs though, good name, but totally inaccurate in representation. They're constructed from Western fantasies about Native Americans."

The American Indian dog comes in two distinct sizes, two hair lengths and two distinct coat color combinations. It can range from silver to black to a tortoiseshell-colored coat. Dogs with tortoiseshell coats are considered sacred to Native Americans. The coat can be short and dense, with two thick layers, the undercoat of which is impermeable to wind and water, to a long-haired overcoat with a dense undercoat. The ears are prickly and upright, the head broad between the eyes, with an angular head that tapers to a slender muzzle. The eyes range from brown to amber. They are almond-shaped, with a sparkle of intelligence looking out at the world. The tail can be tightly curled as in an Alaskan Malamute or Siberian Husky, but preferred breed standards tend towards a long, held tail with sometimes a slight bend or curve at the end.

The intelligence level of the American Indian Dog is extremely high. This breed is highly trainable and eager to please its human companions. They are loyal and protective of their family. Socialize them well to avoid shyness around strangers. American Indian dogs are totally devoted to their human owners. Amerindians are sensitive animals with firm authority, but not harshness. They are very good with children and other animals, including other dogs, pets and livestock. Usually, a stern "NO" will stop them in their tracks. They are extremely versatile animals, like pulling a sled or hunting whatever game you choose to hunt. The aim of training this dog is to achieve pack leader status. It's a natural instinct for a dog to have a command in his pack. When we humans live with dogs, we become their pack. The whole pack cooperates under one leader. The lines are clearly defined. You and all other humans MUST be higher in the pecking order than the dog. It's the only way your relationship can be a success.

He's prone to hip dysplasia.

The American Indian Dog does not do well as an apartment dog or as a domestic dog. He needs a fenced-in area where he can run and play at will, and does not adapt well to a kennel training method. If he's locked in a kennel, he thinks he's being punished and doesn't understand what he's done wrong or why he's being punished. A large yard is ideal. This breed prefers the outdoors, your bed or sofa, or wherever its owners are.

American Indians need moderate exercise. They should be taken for long, daily walks or jogs. When walking, the dog should be heeled to the side or behind the person holding the leash, because in a dog's mind, the leader leads the way, and that leader must be the human. In addition, they'll benefit from a large, secure area where they can run free and let off steam every day. Energy levels vary from dog to dog, just as they do with people - everyone is different. About one puppy in 20 will be the high-energy "run run run" type that makes good sled dogs for running, but on average, they're very mellow dogs that don't need much space to run.

NAIDs shed their undercoat once a year in spring. Brush the coat during the shedding season to reduce unwanted hair inside the house.

Height at withers from 58 to 67 centimeters, weight from 25 to 55 kilos.