Is the American Indian Dog Real?

With the interest in the Native American culture, an interest in many different aspects in their culture has been revived. One interest is in the Native American Indian Dog (NAID). American breeders have been attempting to revive the breed of animal that was uniquely helpful to the Native Americans in their history. There is a disagreement regarding whether the American Indian dog is real or a myth created by certain dog breeders.

The Breeders Goal

What these breeders are hoping to achieve is to recreate the breed of dog used by Native Americans. They are basing their information on photos, legends, and stories told by the different tribes that used dogs.

The breeds they are mixing to achieve this are Malamute, Chinook, and Husky. There is a belief that there is some wolf in this mix as well. The mix of these breeds found in North America is believed to help revive this ancient breed of dog.

Is there really an American Indian dog?

Opponents of this breed say that no true breed of Native American dog exists. They say that Native Americans used varieties of European breeds that were brought over by colonists and never had a breed of their own.

There are also those who are wary of the mix of wolf with domestic dogs. There have been reports of issues with dogs who were said to be Indian dogs and have wolf blood in them. While proponents of the Native American Indian Dog say that, these dogs are intelligent and protective, but not vicious.

Uses for American Indian dogs

In attempting to recreate the breed, proponents of these dogs are also breeding them to be used as working dogs. They are used to assist with hunting, as a farm dog, and pull sleds. They can also be used as rescue dogs.

With the breeds they use to create these dogs, American Indian dogs need plenty of room to run and lots of exercise. They don’t do well if kept in a crate or in an enclosed space. To keep these dogs healthy and happy, make sure to exercise them several times a day.

While there are some who don’t recommend these dogs for families who have small children, others say that they are good family dogs because they are protective. They make good guard dogs, but it is important to socialize them so that they are more accepting of strangers.

Because of their intelligence and intuitiveness, they need mental as well as physical stimulation. Use treats balls or other toys that enhance mental development to keep these dogs interested and occupied.

Extensive training and a firm leadership role is necessary for owners to maintain control of American Indian dogs. Animals can ascertain from body language, tone of voice, and even smell, whether a human is strong and confident, or insecure or frightened. If they sense weakness, they will use it to assert their leadership, no matter how many commands an owner tries to teach them.

As with any breed of dog, careful research and understanding are needed before a family decides to own a Native American or American Indian dog. Make sure that the family has the time to take care of the dog properly, including training and exercise. A dog is a responsibility, not a toy to be played with and ignored on a whim. With love, attention, and responsibility, any dog can become a good dog to own.