American Indian Dog Breed Caring and Family, Social Life, Physical Traits, Diet Information

Rare American Indian dogs evoke the spirit and versatility of ancient Native American and First Nations dogs. Dogs of this breed can perform a wide range of duties and activities, including livestock herding and guarding, search and rescue, and service. They also make nurturing and devoted family companions, long term because they can live up to 19 years. The American Indian dogs are rare but smart and reliable as working dogs but also loyal and affectionate family dogs.
The Native American Indian Dog, also known as NAID or Spirit dogs, can grow to be large, achieving a weight of 100 lbs or more, with a strong build. Their almond-shaped, brown, hazel, or blue eyes reflect their intelligence. NAIDs are always alert, and they have large pointy ears that are perfectly placed on their heads to ensure they hear every sound.
View Table of Contents
- What are the Breed Traits and Characteristics of the American Indian Dog?
- What are the American Indian dogs’ Physical Traits?
- What are the Social Traits of the American Indian Dog Breed?
- How Do American Indian dogs Interact with Strangers?
- Are American Indian dogs Playful?
- What is the Adaptability Level of American Indian dogs?
- What are the Personality Traits of American Indian dogs?
- How do American Indian dogs Cope with Being Left Alone?
- How to train an American Indian dog?
- How Frequently does an American Indian Dog Bark?
- What is the need for Mental Stimulation of an American Indian Dog?
- What are the Breed Standards of the American Indian Dog?
- Is the American Village Dog a Real Breed?
- Is the American Indian dog a wolf?
- Where to Buy or Adopt an American Indian Dog?
- What is the American Indian Dog’s History?
- How to Name an American Indian Dog?
- What are the Different Types of American Indian dogs?
- What are the Similar Dog Breeds to American Indian dogs?
What are the Breed Traits and Characteristics of the American Indian Dog?
The Native American Indian dogs are loyal dogs who are completely dedicated to their families. They are gentle giants who want to be with their human family members all the time. Because they crave human interaction, the NAIDs are prone to develop separation anxiety if they are left alone often. These wolf lookalikes are protective, instinctively taking on the role of protecting their owners. They can also make great guard dogs and watchdogs. American Indian dogs need early training because they could be stubborn and mischievous, and firm human leadership can only be obtained through training.
How Do American Indian dogs Interact with Families?
Native American Indian dogs make great family pets. American Indian dogs love the interaction with their human families. NIADs are very devoted to their families and other people who they see frequently. They are gentle and very social with all, including children and other family pets. The perfect family for an American Indian Dog is an active family that has enough time to take the NIAD for walks, jogs, and hiking.
American Indian dogs make great watchdogs. Their deep bond with their owners makes it difficult for them if they are left alone, and without the necessary training in early life, separation anxiety might set in if the pup is left alone for about three hours on a regular basis.
How Does the American Indian Dog Interact with Other Dogs?
American Indian dogs are sociable with other dogs, especially if they were raised together. The loyalty of NIAD to their owners could cause jealousy if another dog appears to challenge for the human’s attention. However, socialization training can eliminate such behavior, and allow an American Indian to participate in all the games along with other dogs, large and small.
How are American Indian Dogs with Older People?
American Indian dogs are typically calm and laid-back, and their lovable temperaments make them suitable companions for older people. However, old and frail people might risk being knocked over if the NIAD gets excited and wants to show his love by jumping up. Furthermore, American Indian dogs need a lot of space and exercise, which might be too much for older people.
How are American Indian Dogs with Children?
American Indian dogs love the interaction with kids, and if that means extra playtime and attention, so much the better. However, NAIDs are large dogs and although unintentional, an overexcited Indian Dog could knock a child over. Supervision and socialization training can teach the dog to be careful where small children and older people are. Indian dogs are friendly and have good-natured personalities, helping them get along with everyone, including children of all ages.
How are American Indian dogs with Neighbors or Guests?
American Indian dogs are friendly toward neighbors and guests. They might be shy and aloof until they feel comfortable in the presence of the guests. Indian dogs would enjoy the attention and even play with guests who don’t have dogs at home. American Indian dogs are considered ideal family dogs because they are so affectionate.
How are American Indian Dogs with Cats?
American Indian dogs are sweet-natured canines that get along with all their family members, whether they have two legs or four, children, cats, or livestock. However, cats and other small pets might be safer if they were raised with a canine. Socialization could help, but it must happen when the dog is still a puppy.
What are the American Indian dogs’ Physical Traits?
The physical traits of the American Indian type dog are listed below:
Size |
American Indian dogs fall in the Large Dog category |
Weight Range |
Males – 50 to 120 pounds Females – 45 to 100 pounds |
Height at the Withers |
Males – 18 to 20 inches Females – 17 to 19 inches |
Features |
Head: Broad, wide between the eyes, and ends in a slender muzzle Neck: Long length to allow for good head carriage and movement Ears: Triangular ears with rounded tips Eye colors: Hazel, amber, light to dark brown. Eye shape: Almond-shaped Nose: Black Muzzle: Full and broad tapering toward the nose Feet: Very large, oval, and compact, with long, well-arched toes Tail: Carried in accordance with the dog’s mood and energy level |
Exercise |
One hour of vigorous exercise per day could include gameplay in the backyard |
Litter Size Life expectancy |
4 – 10 puppies per litter About 14 -19 years |
Coat |
Type 1. Thick, long double coat. Soft, thick undercoat, longer outer coat with hair standing off from the body, longest hair on the tail, back of the legs, shoulders, ruff, and chest. Type 2. Thick short double coat |
Coat Colors |
American Indian dogs’ coats can be any of the following colors. Black, silver, blue, gray, white, and fawn. The short hair-type coats typically are tortoiseshell colors. All coat colors have sable shading with darker tipped guard hairs. |
How Big are Native American Indian dogs?
The Native American Dog has a strong, wolf-like appearance that is hard to miss. These dogs are even often mistaken for wolves and can be easily identified by their thick coat, their slender body, and their slender tail. They are strong dogs but they can move very gracefully. They also come in standard sizes. A person who wishes to buy a Native American Indian Dog can decide if they wish to buy a standard size or normal size.
How to Feed an American Indian Dog?
When feeding American Indian dogs, it is essential to understand the dog’s needs. Consider their high energy and agility, metabolism, size, age, and food quality. NAIDs need high-quality foods rich enough in calories to sustain their energy levels. The ideal for maintaining energy and vigor is between four and six cups of dried dog food every day. It is best to divide this into two separate meals.
Their food requirements are listed below.
- Adult American Indian dogs require between 1760 and 2200 calories daily. Older, less active Indian dogs need fewer calories.
- Owners of American Indian dogs should ensure their dogs’ diets include 22% protein to keep their joints and muscles healthy and no more than 8% fat to optimize energy levels.
- For overall health, the diets of American Indian dogs should include vegetables, fruits, meat, and fish.
- Four to six cups of high-quality dry dog food, split into two meals, are typically enough for a NAID per day. American Indian dogs must always have access to fresh drinking water.
- High-quality commercial kibble brands typically include beneficial plant proteins like peas and lentils.
How Much Should an American Indian Puppy Eat?
Fast-growing puppies eat more than adult dogs. American Indian puppies should eat three to five times per day during their first year. After that, they can be fed twice a day like adult dogs.
The nutritional needs of an American Indian puppy are listed below:
- American Indian puppies’ protein needs are about 21% to 23% more than adult dogs to grow and support strong bones. Yet, overfeeding protein can cause too rapid development of joints and bones, weakening the skeleton.
- Watch the calcium content of the American Indian puppy’s food. It should be limited to 3 grams for every 1,000 calories.
- An American Indian puppy’s system would also require vitamins A and D and minerals like zinc, manganese, and copper.
What are the Health Tests an American Indian Should Take?
Running health tests on American Indian puppies is a good idea. Owners or potential owners of American Indian puppies are typically advised to have a veterinarian run tests on the pup to check for bone and joint-related health issues. Although hip and elbow dysplasia are not genetic in the American Indian breed, many large dog breeds are predisposed to dysplasia and annual evaluations are necessary to improve the chances of getting a healthy puppy.
Purchasing an American Indian puppy from a reputable breeder practicing responsible breeding and screening pups for common conditions and diseases could ensure bringing a healthy puppy home.
Hip Dysplasia, the most prevalent condition in large dogs like the NAIDs, involves the hip joint with ball and socket formation abnormalities, causing painful arthritis as the Native Indian Dog ages. The deformation occurs and develops as puppies grow. Hip dysplasia causes loose joints that prevent the ball part of one bone from sliding smoothly in the socket of the other joint bone. Instead, it grinds and rubs in the joint, causing painful wear and tear damage as the American Indian Dog grows and becomes heavier.
Symptoms of dysplasia are listed below:
- An American Indian Dog could show signs of sore and stiff legs.
- The NAID may be reluctant to participate in play or exercise activities.
- Native American Indian dogs might have difficulty standing on their hind legs and climbing stairs.
- When both hind feet move together like in a bunny-hop motion, and if a Native American Indian Dog limps or moves on wobbly legs, chances are they have hip dysplasia.
- The American Indian Dog might be unwilling to rise if it is lying down or sitting.
What are the Exercise Needs of an American Indian Dog?
The American Indian Dog is calm and quiet throughout most of the day. However, they still need at least an hour of exercise each day. A brisk walk will be sufficient, but jogging and hiking can be fun. Furthermore, a backyard play session could provide time for the canine and master to bond.
What are the Nutritional Needs of an American Indian Dog?
The nutritional needs of American Indian dogs must be met to ensure strong overall health. Adult American Indian dogs require between 1760 and 2200 calories daily. Older, less active Indian dogs need fewer calories per day, and active Indian dogs that participate in sled races or pull freight sleds need more.
The essential nutrients for American Indian dogs are listed below:
- Protein: American Indian dogs need natural animal protein, valuable for the amino acids they contain that are essential for their health. Equally important is the fact that protein builds lean muscles and provides energy.
- Fat: Animal protein also provides adequate fat, an additional energy source that boosts the American Indian Dog’s metabolism. However, there is a fine line between enough and too much. Excessive fat levels in the dog’s daily diet could result in weight gain and, ultimately, obesity. Most importantly, adult dogs and senior dogs need lower fat levels than puppies.
- Carbohydrates: Although carbs are not essential nutrients, they are crucial energy sources. Giving the American Indian Dog sufficient carbs will provide energy, encouraging the body’s protein absorption to build lean muscle. Beware, though; too much carbohydrate can lead to obesity.
- DHA: DHA is one of the components of omega-3 fatty acids. It promotes proper eye and brain development in American Indian puppies, and supports cognitive development in puppies, and slows cognitive decline in older dogs. Furthermore, omega fatty acids benefit aging dogs by treating chronic kidney disease and canine arthritis. Omega-3 oils improve the coat health of American Indian dogs.
- Micronutrient: Taurine is one micronutrient that aids heart health, and other valuable micronutrients for the promotion of strong joints in American Indian dogs are chondroitin and glucosamine.
- Minerals: Beneficial minerals for American Indian dogs’ growth include a healthy balance of phosphorus and calcium. Pre- and probiotics and chelated minerals provide additional health to the diets of American Indian dogs.
What is the Shedding Level of an American Indian Dog?
Shedding is a natural process in the hair growth cycles of all dogs. Although American Indian dogs have double coats with long outer hair, they shed almost no hair. They shed most of their undercoat and outer coat only once a year when their bodies prepare for the summer months.
As they prepare for the changing climate of summer, they shed enough hair to help them keep cool, and a daily brush could keep the loose hair in control. Frequent brushing also helps keep the coat shiny, and Native Indian dogs love the extra attention they get when their owners brush them.
What is the Coat Grooming Frequency of an American Indian Dog?
Grooming American Indian dogs is not a challenge. Although NAIDs have a lot of hair, they shed only a small percentage throughout the year. Nevertheless, they still need regular brushing, at least 2-3 times a week is sufficient. They shed a lot in Spring to prepare for warmer weather, and daily grooming with a metal comb and pin brush is crucial. Neglecting that task will cause the undercoat fur to mat and harbor hot spots and fungus which could become infected.
Owners of American Indian dogs should never shave their dogs’ fur. Even if it seems sensible to help the Indian cool down in hot weather, it will do more harm than good. The American Indian Dog’s coat allows the dog to regulate body temperature. Shaving it will remove the Indian Dog’s ability to do that. Furthermore, without its regular coat, the NAID risks severe sunburn.
Are American Indian dogs Hypoallergenic?
No, American Indian dogs are not hypoallergenic although many say they are because they shed so little. They have only one shedding season per year, and that is during Spring. The belief of most people that dogs’ hair or fur causes allergies is not valid. The true source of the allergic reactions is small skin flakes called dander and the protein in dogs’ saliva.
What is the Drooling Level of the American Indian Dog?
American Indian dogs drool a lot. It is one way their bodies react and show their pleasure when they spend time with their human families. Not all breeds of dogs are slobbery, but some are more champion droolers. Their owners typically have a cloth handy to wipe the drool away, especially if the dogs drool indoors.
Drooling in dogs is natural. It is an entirely normal and necessary process for a dog’s good health. The saliva of dogs is an oral mucus secretion that is closely linked with their digestive systems and stomachs. It facilitates swallowing and anticipates and prepares for digestion, with various circumstances triggering the mucus secretion.
Frequent cases of natural drooling in your American Indian dogs are listed below.
- Feeding-related drooling: When a NAID knows it’s time to eat, smelling the aromas of food, or seeing their owner handling the bag or storage container with kibble typically causes drooling. It is called the “Pavlov reflex.”
- Excitement: Indian dogs are clever, and they will know when a walk or game session is imminent, and anticipation typically triggers drooling.
- Stress and anxiety: Any unusual situations like unfamiliar thunderous noises or being approached by a large, aggressive-looking dog could trigger excessive drooling.
- Sexual: A male Indian Dog’s excitement when seeing a female could also cause drooling. Likewise, a female experiencing her first heat might drool if she picks up the scent of male dogs.
What is the Coat Type of the American Indian Dog?
The American Indian Dog has a double coat that helps regulate its body temperature throughout all seasons. A double coat means the canine has a short undercoat, covered by a layer of longer hair to form the outer coat. The American Indian dogs come in two different sizes and they have two different coat color combinations and lengths. In one type of NAIDs, the coat may be short and dense with an undercoat to protect against wind or water, and the other type’s undercoat can be equally dense, but with a long overcoat. The colors of the Native American Indian dogs range from silver to black, and some NAID’s have tortoiseshell-pattern coats.
What is the Coat Length of the American Indian Dog?
The coat length of the American Indian breed can be long or short.
Do American Indian dogs Smell?
No, the American Indian Dog breed is not smelly. It is one of the cleanest dog breeds that need no more than one bath per year. Their coats stay clean and they are most odorless.
What are the Social Traits of the American Indian Dog Breed?
The social traits of dogs in the American Indian breed are affectionate, friendly, gentle, cheerful, and lovable. They crave constant attention, and it is not uncommon for them to forget their size and climb into their owner’s lap. They are highly intelligent, curious, lively, and independent. Other social traits are listed below:
- Child Friendly: American Indian dogs are kid-friendly, but they could be nippy with small children.
- Family Friendly: Native American Indian dogs are affectionate with their human families and any pets that share their space. They are submissive to the master.
- Stranger Friendly: Native Indian dogs love everybody, including strangers. However, they might be wary when they first encounter strangers. They watch their owners’ reactions carefully, ready to protect them if necessary.
- Dog Friendly: American Indian dogs get on with other dogs, especially if they were raised together. Socialization during puppyhood might eliminate chances of jealousy and aggression when strange dogs seem threatening.
- Seniors Friendly: Indian dogs are friendly with seniors because they are calm. American Indian dogs are one of the few large breeds that are safe around older people, as long as the seniors are not frail.
How Do American Indian dogs Interact with Strangers?
American Indian dogs are friendly with strangers, however, they may be aloof and shy at first. If they sense that the strangers do not threaten their human families, they will become calm, and even friendly.
Are American Indian dogs Playful?
Yes, American Indian dogs are playful. They have inborn pack characteristics, and rambunctious outside play with older children and other dogs makes them happy. Although American Indian dogs are playful, they are equally happy to cuddle on the couch with their head in a family member’s lap.
Are American Indian dogs Protective?
Yes, American Indian dogs retained their inbred instincts to protect their family and property.
What is the Adaptability Level of American Indian dogs?
American Indian dogs get five stars for adaptability. They love everyone and can adapt to any changing circumstances, just as long as the changes go along with the love and affection of their families. Relocating, like moving from place to place, causes minor problems, and they bounce back quickly. However, they are not suitable for apartment living, unless they are taken for walks or to dog parks where they can vent built-up energy.
What are the Personality Traits of American Indian dogs?
The personality traits of American Indian dogs include their happiness to be a part of a family they see as their pack. Indian dogs have no problems accepting a human as their pack leader. American Indian dogs are usually very affectionate dogs and loyal to their owners. Despite their large size, American Indian dogs are unusually ‘cuddly’ at home.
They crave the company of their human and canine family and might assert that need by jumping on people out of affection and not dominance. They struggle to cope with isolation, and NAIDs can experience loneliness and boredom. That might cause the pup to become destructive. American Indian dogs have the personality traits listed below.
- American Indian dogs require daily exercise, and a daily 60-minute walk or jog is sufficient. Additionally, a play session in the backyard is a perfect bonding experience for the dog and owner.
- Native Indian dogs are calm enough to make them a good choice for first-time dog parents.
- American Indian dogs are happy to accept their owners as their masters.
- Indian dogs do not have a strong prey drive. Therefore, they will not harm cats or other small pets.
- American Indian dogs should have access to somewhere cool in hot weather conditions because their double coats cause them to overheat.
At What Age Do American Indian dogs Calm Down?
American Indian Dog puppies typically develop adult dog temperament and emotional maturity between 12 and 18 months. That doesn’t mean they won’t have mischievous moments and puppy behavior like nipping and chewing. Between 18 months and two years, the pup will settle into adulthood and its place in the family.
Are American Indian dogs Cuddly?
Yes, American Indian dogs are cuddly because they are typically devoted to their owners. The wolf-like look of American Indian dogs is misleading because they are anything but wild. They appear not to consider their massive size when they snuggle up to beloved humans on the couch or even on the bed. They have a strong desire to be close to their favorite family member at all times, and many times close is not enough and they lean in to have physical contact with their human.
Can American Indian dogs be Aggressive?
No, American Indian dogs are not aggressive at all. Indian dogs are intelligent, affectionate, and fiercely loyal. They are gentle and friendly without showing the possessive tendencies that are common with many large and giant dogs.
Can American Indian dogs be Dangerous?
No, American Indian dogs are not dangerous. They were bred to be calm and friendly as part of their disposition as the ultimate companion dog. American Indian dogs are never overly suspicious of other dogs and strangers, but they might be aloof until they feel comfortable with strangers. Despite their protectiveness, they will not attack, but their size is usually enough to deter anyone with ill intentions.
Do American Indian dogs Ever Attack?
No, American Indian dogs are not likely to attack. They are known for their friendly and affectionate attitude towards people and other dogs. However, exceptions exist, and any dog that is provoked might attack. Mistreatment of physical punishment might also cause American Indian dogs to build up aggression and attack when they reach boiling point.
Can American Indian dogs Kill Humans?
Yes, American Indian dogs can kill humans but they are not likely to react with enough aggression to kill a human. The breeders of the American Indian dogs spent many years of selective breeding to ensure NAIDs are the perfect companion dogs that would only respond with aggression in extreme circumstances.
How do American Indian dogs Cope with Being Left Alone?
American Indian dogs cannot cope with being left alone. After a couple of instances in which a NAID was left alone, separation anxiety will be highly likely. If a family adopts or purchases an American Indian Dog, they are advised to begin training the puppy at a young age by leaving the pup alone for short periods, and gradually increasing the time. Still, even after such training, NAIDs should not be left entirely alone for more than three hours at a time. American Indian dogs crave social interaction with their human families, and they might act up if left in isolation too often. Indian dogs who get enough exercise tend to cope with isolation best.
Can I leave my American Indian Dog at home?
Yes, an American Indian dog can be left at home, but they don’t relish being left alone. American Indian dogs are friendly and loving, and they are happiest when surrounded by the family they love and care about. Consequently, Native Indian dogs do not like being alone and are best suited to homes where at least one family member is present at all times.
Can American Indian dogs be left alone for 8 hours?
No, American Indian Dog owners are not recommended to leave them alone for more than about three hours at a time. That is due to the strong bond they form with their human families. American Indian dogs can cope with being alone for a few hours per day as long as they have sufficient space to play and suitable toys to keep them busy. They find isolation traumatizing. Although American Indian dogs are typically calm, leaving them alone for eight hours while the owners are at work could cause the dog to develop separation anxiety.
How to train an American Indian dog?
Training an American Indian is best done with positive reinforcement and rewards. Punishment during training can cause the NAID unnecessary stress. Developing a consistent training routine that will give the owner and Indian Dog time to practice behaviors and new commands in a positive way is essential. Healthy snacks as rewards will encourage the puppy to show its skills.
Are Native American Indian Dogs easy to Train?
Native American Indian dogs are intelligent and always eager to learn. NAIDs respond best when the trainer is calm but assertive. Making early socialization training part of obedience training is recommended. Socialization means introducing young puppies to new people, different environments, events, and noises. Including socialization in a puppy’s training could ensure the American Indian Dog will be a gentle giant through adulthood.
Is an American Indian Dog a Good Guard Dog?
Yes, Native American Indian dogs are exceptional guard dogs. They were bred as working dogs, and their ancestors were even tasked with babysitting while the mothers were out finding berries and other edibles. NAIDs have not lost their guard skills. Their ability to guard is directly linked to their protective skills.
How Frequently does an American Indian Dog Bark?
The American Indian Dog barks but not without reason. In fact, it uses barking, growling, and moaning to communicate with the family members. The closeness between NAIDs and their humans makes such communication possible. Even when the American Indian Dog barks at strangers it is communicating with its owner to report the presence of someone that the dog does not trust.
What is the need for Mental Stimulation of an American Indian Dog?
Mental stimulation is essential for an American Indian Dog to function optimally. NAIDs are intelligent dogs that need mental and neurological stimulation. Providing mental enrichment for an American Indian Dog is quite simple, but the benefits are significant. It is anything that activates, enriches, and stimulates the Indian Dog’s mind. Mental stimulation could be external, using the environment or internal thought. This can include using toys, puzzles, and other interactive toys, and games like scenting games involving hiding treats to be sniffed out. Hide and seek is another perfect way to stimulate American Indian dogs.
The benefits of mental enrichment for American Indian dogs are listed below:
- Assists and stimulates the NAIDs brain growth
- Improves an Indian Dog’s problem-solving skills
- Builds the dog’s social skills and confidence
- Allows the NAID to engage in natural and instinctive behaviors
- Mental stimulation allows for happier and more balanced American Indian dogs, reducing the risks of depression.
- Overall, mental stimulation prevents boredom that could lead to destructive behavior.
What are the Breed Standards of the American Indian Dog?
The Native American Indian Dog is not recognized by the AKC but it is recognized by the Native American Indian Dog Registry (NAID), the National Kennel Club (NKC), and the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA).
However, breed standards have been established by the Native American Indian Dog Registry. Some of the breed standards are listed below:
Coat Color: |
American Indian dogs’ coats can be any of the following colors. Black, silver, blue, gray, white, and fawn. All coat colors have sable shading with darker tipped guard hairs. The short-haired NAIDs have tortoiseshell fur. |
Size Classification: |
Large |
Eye Color: |
Eye colors: Hazel, amber, light to dark brown |
Average Weight: |
Males 85 pounds, Females 75 pounds |
Average Height: (at the withers) Average Life Span |
Males 18 to 20 inches, Females 17 to 19 inches 14 – 19 Years |
Is the American Village Dog a Real Breed?
The Native American Village Dog is a hybrid combination of the German Shepherd and the Native American Indian Dog. The breed is large and it can reach up to 110 pounds and 30 inches at the withers when fully grown. If properly trained and socialized, the American Village Dog is good with children and pets.
Is the American Indian dog a wolf?
No, the American Indian dog is not a wolf. It is a rare breed with a thick double coat, impressive build, long pointy ears, and an intense stare. Although there is a striking resemblance between the NAID and the wolf, the Native American Indian Dog breed is not a wolf hybrid.
What is the General Information about the American Indian Dog?
We do not yet know the exact details about Native American Indian dogs. Some people believe that they share a similar heritage with Dingoes. Because of their appearance, Native American Indian dogs tend to be mistaken for wolves. Native American Indian dogs under numerous different names show the spread of the dog in many places. The Native American Indian Dog is also classified as a landrace.
Native American Indian dogs show ancestry of other breeds, including some that originate from other continents like Europe. NAIDs are protective and loyal, they make perfect watchdogs for the family. Native American Indian dogs are highly sensitive for training but training them is a must. Due to their versatility and trainability, they can work in many fields. Native American Indian dogs are excellent guard dogs, hunters, weight pullers, and they provide assistance and comfort to people as therapy and service dogs.
Where to Buy or Adopt an American Indian Dog?
Buying or adopting a Native American Indian Dog could be quite a challenge. Because they are rare, the price for a NAID puppy can sting, and if they don’t, beware it might be a puppy mill offering Native American Dog puppies at cheap prices.
Trustworthy NAID breeders offer puppies from $1200 to $2000. However, finding a breeder won’t be easy.
Here are some great Native American Indian Dog breeders listed below.
- Majestic View Kennels (Michigan)
- Song Dog Kennels (Oregon)
- Native American Kennels (Pennsylvania)
- JAACE’s Animal Companions (Wisconsin)
- Happy Bend Kennel (Arkansas)
Choosing a reputable American Indian breeder is essential. Potential owners must know that they will get a healthy dog that will not develop problems years later.
What are the Rescue Clubs for American Indian dogs?
Rescue clubs for American Indian dogs are hard to find. This is because the Native American Indian breed is rare. The first place to begin is by seeing if there is a Native American Indian Dog rescue near you. If not, you can always contact the closest local breeder in your area and see if they have any older dogs up for adoption.
What is the American Indian Dog’s History?
It is thought that the Native American Indian Dog is as old as 30,000 years, so these dogs have been around a while. It is the opinion of some specialists that this breed of dog could even be the missing link between wolves and the NAID dog as we know it today. The Native American Indian Dog has served as a working dog with law enforcement, hunting dog, search and rescue, tracking, therapy, guide dog, and as a nanny dog to look after puppies and elderly dogs.
However, the breed is still not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as a purebred breed. Fortunately, they are recognized by the Native American Indian Dog Registry, the National Kennel Club, and the Dog Registry of America. The complete origin of this large breed dog is not known. They are indigenous to America, both North and South, and this dog was primarily used for herding, hunting, tracking, and guarding. Unfortunately, the original bloodline of this breed is now extinct, so modern breeders had to try to recreate the breed.
What is the Average Maintenance for the American Indian Dog?
The cost of owning an American Indian dog is not straightforward math because a number of things must be taken into consideration. These include the cost of the dog itself, food, veterinary expenses, supplies, training, licensing, insurance, grooming, and more. However, there are averages to work on.
An American Indian puppy is likely to cost between $1,200 and $2,000 with an average of $1,600.
First-year expenses are around $4,275 and after that, it will be about $1,850 per year or $154 per month.
Through the dog’s lifetime, the average cost of owning an American Indian Dog is $24,625.
The first year of a NAID’s life is more costly because of more veterinary care. However, vet care costs could be higher throughout an American Indian Dog’s life than any other expenses.
Below is a list of averages:
- Typical veterinarian expenses when owning an American Indian Dog are $45 – $85 per month, including a once-off neutering or spaying bill, which is $50 to $400.
- The American Indian dogs’ vet bills will also include vaccines, $15 to $30.
- A NAID’s food requirements are between $53 and $95 per month.
- American Indian dogs’ training costs from $240 to $600 for private training or $50 to $125 for group training; both refer to a 4 to 6-week course.
How to Name an American Indian Dog?
Naming an American Indian puppy might require different criteria than new NAID parents might expect. Native American naming traditions vary greatly from tribe to tribe, but their names are basically drawn from nature. It is never the actual name the American Indian dogs respond to; instead, it is the sound and how it is said.
The building blocks necessary include tone and syllables as listed below::
- American Indian dogs respond best to two-syllable names because they are not short enough to be confused with single-syllable command words like sit, come, and down. However, they are not long enough to become puzzling. Simple examples include Adai, Kewa, and Maja.
- NAID owners set on a specific single-syllable name can go with it, but find a way to stretch the sounds to sound like two, such as “Koa” stretched into “Koh-haa” and using two different tones when calling him.
- Native American Indian dogs respond most positively to high-pitched, excited, and happy sounds when calling them and soothing, quiet sounds when they get nervous or overzealous.
- Some American Indian dog parents find their dogs respond and recognize their names better if they say them in a sing-song voice.
- A few examples of Native American names suitable for NAID puppies include Honi, Tokula, Maiyun, Waya, Tonka
What are the Different Types of American Indian dogs?
Aside from medium to large size individuals, the American Indian Dog breed contains no notable sub-groups. Native American Indian dogs are about 23-34 in tall and are big in size. NIADs come in two distinct sizes, two distinct coat color combinations, and two hair coat lengths. It can range in color from silver to black, including a tortoiseshell-colored coat. The Native Americans consider dogs with tortoiseshell coats sacred. Its coat can be short and dense, two layers thick, of which the undercoat is wind and waterproof, to a longhaired overcoat with a dense undercoat.
What are the Similar Dog Breeds to American Indian dogs?
A few mixed breed dogs that resemble the Native American Indian dogs are listed below.
- Northern Inuit Dog
- Tamaskan Dog
- Coyote Dog