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American Indian Dog

History of the American Indian Dog

The Native American Dog is thought to be of similar descent as the Dingo. It is believed to be the missing link to the first domesticated dogs in the world dating back over 12,000 years. Different migrating groups and traders, (Vikings and other earlier visitors) entered North and South America sometimes bringing their dogs. The native Americans bred these Old World aboriginal dogs with the native Coyote to become a distinct breed that is called the Plains, Hair, or Common Native Dog. While these medium sized Common Native Dogs were mainly found within the Plains Indian Groups (in early 1700's an estimated 300,000 just within the plains area). All over the Americas from the far north to the distant south, similar medium sized dogs were being bred for specific reasons and abilities. However, by the late 1800's they were believed to be completely eliminated or assimilated by the onslaught of European immigrant culture. Today, our breeding program's goals include maintaining the mystical appearance and excellent working temperament of the original "Spiritual Dogs" of the past, and emphasizing their loyal nurturing, and herding instincts that help them (and us) survive this fast moving society . After near extinction I would like to believe the Plains Indian Dogs, and their aboriginal cousins in the Americas and around the globe, still have a place left in this world. The American Indian Dog makes a good family pet and excels in herding, search and rescue, agility, obedience, fly ball games and sled dog racing, etc., etc. It's the perfect all around native "mutt", without the genetic health problems commonly found in other, so called, pure breeds

The American Indian dog is a working herding type, medium sized and lightly built, with a natural looking muzzle, and longish pricked ears. Their bushy tail is carried down with a slight curve. The most important objective in preserving this ancient breed is maintaining and improving its natural balance, primitive instincts, and versatile working abilities, for which it was originally developed. This truly beautiful, naturally balanced, all-American dog was close to extinction only a few years ago. Now, thanks to all the years of research and selective breeding, hopefully, they can regain their proper place in our society to teach man to stay in touch with his natural instincts and the beauty around him.

HEAD 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. EYES: Medium sized and almond shaped.

COLOR: Pale Yellow or Pale Blue with the occasional amber, with the lighter color preferred. The eyes have an intelligent faraway look. Eyelids: close fitting and black.

EARS Moderately long and wide set. They tilt slightly forward on the head, and are firmly pricked. Triangular in shape and well furred. There is a slight dome on the skull between the ears. The ears are very mobile.

NOSE: Medium sized, black in color, with the liver color accepted on certain colors.

LIPS: Thin and black. The lips fit closely over the teeth showing no excess flesh.

TEETH: Scissor bite only. Full and sound dentition required.

NECK: Medium length and strong. A good-sized ruff is present, but should not detract from the clean, trim appearance.

BODY Back straight and slightly longer then tall. Loins are strong with a good distance between last rib and hip. Chest is deep, but not broad. Good tuck-up.

FOREQUARTERS: Forelegs 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.

HINDQUARTERS: Rear legs are long, & very angular, almost to the point of being sickle hocked, and well muscled. The back slopes slightly into the croup. Hocks well defined and parallel. Rear dewclaws should not be evident in Indian Dogs, but should be removed if present.

FEET Small and cat like. Rounded with thick pads. Toes are close and well arched. Nails are short and thick.

TAIL: Long and reaching to the hock. Carried down with slight curve. May be held up when showing dominance, or straight out when running, but never curled forward past the perpendicular.

COAT: Medium length and shiny. 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.

COLOR MARKINGS: Black, blue, white, golden red, gray, red & tan, tan, chocolate, cream, fawn, and silver. All colors have a sable shading with darker tipped guard hairs. All colors blend gently together, with very little spotting or defined line between colors. The tail has a dark scent marking (spot) ¾ up from tip. Some white on the chest, feet, caller and tip of the tail is accepted.

SIZE: Height: Dogs 19” to 21” Bitches 18” to 20” - Weight: Dogs 30lb.s to 45lb.s Bitches 25lb.s to 40lb.s

GAIT: Effortless flowing movement. Covers distances quickly and easily. Ability to change gaits with flowing ease, built for speed, endurance and agility. Can turn quickly or spring straight up in the air instantly. Cat like agility.

FAULTS ** Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

NOTE *** Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.