The American Indian Dog is known by many names including the Plains Dog, Indian Dog or Native American Indian Dog. This is a working breed that can adjust to most any lifestyle with proper training and socialization. While its roots are often the subject of much debate, the following information can help you learn more about this versatile dog. It is thought that the American Indian Dog has been around for about 30,000 years in both North and South American developed by various Indian Nations for such purposes as hunting, herding and guarding. While some people think that wolves may be closely related to Indian Dogs, others believe that they may also be related to several hound breeds. However, according to the International Indian Dog Owners and Breeders Association, the American Indian Dog may be related to the Dingo. In any case, these dogs were valuable to Indian tribes in many ways. In addition to hunting, herding and guarding, the fur of Indian Dogs was often used for weaving and trading.
American Indian Dogs are medium-sized dogs that can weigh anywhere from 30 to 60 pounds fully grown. They typically have medium-length hair that can come in such colors as black, white, gray, blue, gold, chocolate, silver, fawn or any combination of these colors. Their eyes can be pale blue, yellow or gray. These are muscular dogs with Shepherd-like bodies, long tails and triangular prick ears. Most Indian Dogs are wary of strangers but form strong bonds with their human family members.
Personality
The American Indian Dog is a versatile breed that has served many useful purposes over the years. Originally developed for hunting and guarding, these dogs make great all-around family pets today. If you decide to bring an Indian Dog into your home, make sure that you have plenty of room for it to run and play. They are an extremely active breed that loves to play and partake in such activities as obedience, agility and herding.
Breed Characteristics
Life Span: | 14 - 18 years |
Nicknames: | The Plains Dog, Indian Dog or Native American Indian Dog. |
Native American Indian Dog Build Information
American Indian Dogs are medium-sized dogs that can weigh anywhere from 30 to 60 pounds fully grown. They typically have medium-length hair that can come in such colors as black, white, gray, blue, gold, chocolate, silver, fawn or any combination of these colors. Their eyes can be pale blue, yellow or gray. These are muscular dogs with Shepherd-like bodies, long tails and triangular prick ears. Most Indian Dogs are wary of strangers but form strong bonds with their human family members.
Size: | Medium |
Behaviour and Personality
The American Indian Dog is a versatile breed that has served many useful purposes over the years. Originally developed for hunting and guarding, these dogs make great all-around family pets today. If you decide to bring an Indian Dog into your home, make sure that you have plenty of room for it to run and play. They are an extremely active breed that loves to play and partake in such activities as obedience, agility and herding.
Activity Level: | High activity |
Affection Level: | Affectionate |
Kid Friendliness: | Kid friendly |
Appearance
Fortunately, the American Indian Dog needs little maintenance other than an occasional brushing and bathing. However, you will want to check its nails from time to time and clip them with a pliers-type nail clipper when necessary. This breed sheds minimally, which makes it a great pet for people with allergies.
Shedding: | Little -Moderate |
Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
Native American Indian Dog Common Health Conditions
While there has been no breed-specific health issues reported for the American Indian Dog, they do tend to gain weight easily. As such, you will want to monitor your pet's weight and limit its treats. A healthy Indian Dog can live as long as 18 years with proper veterinary care.
Native American Indian Dog Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
Some American Indian Dogs have eyes of different colors. Many people think that Indian Dogs were the first domesticated dogs. American Indian Dogs have also been used for search and rescue work.
Training: | Easy to train |