The Native American Indian Dog’s Origin Is A Fascinating Mystery
The origin of Native American Indian Dogs is riddled in debate.
The Native American Indian Dog, sometimes referred to as the NAID, does closely resemble a wolf, although anyone who tries to tell you this dog is a wolf hybrid is either misinformed or being untruthful.
The reality is that Native American Indian Dogs are not as wild as they appear to be, with modern day Native American Indian Dogs having a number of domesticated breeds in their DNA like Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies, and other wolf-lookalikes.
Of course, these modern day Native American Indian Dogs are not actually the true Native American Indian Dogs of old.
The original Native American Indian Dog, sometimes known as the Common Indian Dog or Common Native Dog, is what many experts correlate as the “missing link” of the first ever domesticated dog breeds that existed nearly 12,000 years ago.
It is believed that the ancestors of Native American Indian Dogs were brought to North America by migrating travelers and foreign traders, who traded these dogs to Native Americans during the early 1700’s.
Native Americans then perfected these dogs based on their needs, often cross breeding them with North American Coyotes. This contributed to the Native American Indian Dog’s wild look, and helped ensure the dog was a resilient, work-oriented companion to Native Americans.
Even then, the Native American Indian Dog was not solely considered one breed. He continued to be bred and mixed with other dogs as generations went, helping ensure his temperament and appearance over time.
Throughout his history, the Native American Indian Dog made a name for himself as an intelligent, hard-working and devoted companion.
This is perhaps why a Native American Indian Dog breed enthusiast by the name of Karen Markel went to work to recreate the Native American Indian Dog of old during the 1990’s.
Using historical documentation, Mrs. Markel worked to perfect the Native American Indian Dog and to hone in on the traits that made this canine so valuable throughout history.
Thanks to Mrs. Markel and her team of devoted breeders at Majestic View Kennels, what we have today is a modern-day wild-looking dog who is known for his intelligence, work ethic, devotion to family and versatility.
Origins of the Native American Indian Dog
While some people believe this dog’s ancestry dates back to those that lived alongside the Native Americans, it is widely acknowledged that original native dogs are extinct.
Actually, the Native American Indian Dog is a breed that has been recreated based on historical documentation of that ancient breed. This is similar to the way that American Alsatians are being bred to resemble prehistoric Dire Wolves.
These dogs are bred selectively to achieve the character traits and appearance of the original native dogs.
The ancient dogs this breed has been modeled upon played an important role in Native American tribes. They would pull heavy sleds, hunt, and fish, and babysit children and the elderly.
So, it is no surprise that today, these intelligent and gentle dogs make excellent hunters as well as therapy, weight pulling competition, and search and rescue dogs. Not forgetting, of course, they’re excellent family pets!
So, what do these pooches look like? (Apart from a lot like a wolf, of course!)
NAID size can vary from large to giant. As mentioned above their weight can range from 55 – 120 lbs (25 – 55 kg) and they can measure 23 – 34 inches (58 – 67 cm) tall.
A distinguishing feature of this breed is their triangular-shaped head, which is broad with a slender muzzle.
They also have:
The coat can come in two lengths: there is always a thick, wind- and waterproof undercoat, and the overcoat is either long or short, usually with a rough texture.
As for coloring, this can range from silver to black, either with a tortoiseshell pattern or broken pattern.
Though they are rare, white Native American Indian Dogs also exist and are becoming a popular choice among pet owners, probably because they’re just utterly beautiful!
The Native American Indian Dog – A Breed Overview
Native American Indian Dogs closely resemble wolves, though they do not have wolf DNA.
Size: 23 – 34 Inches
Weight: 55 – 120 Pounds
Temperament: Devoted, Intelligent, Alert, Work-Oriented
Health Issues: Hip Dysplasia and Other Joint Issues, Age-Induced Arthritis
Lifespan: 14 – 19 Years
Coat Colors: Black, Silver, Grey, Fawn, and Tortoiseshell (Considered a Sacred Color to Native Americans)
Coat Type: Dense, Double Coated and Either Short or Long
Hypoallergenic: Yes
Clubs That Recognize the Native American Indian Dog: