Song Dog Kennels
Home of SONG DOG KENNELS -- Sole copyrighted Registry for the AMERICAN INDIAN DOGS 

Dee Gannon's Hand Book of Rare Breeds
American Indian Dog


The origin of the American Indian dog is a study of the legends and history of the Americas, a trip back in time before the discovery of the New World. Dogs and man have always been a formidable combination, so it is not surprising that the dogs were an integral part of Native American life. Long before the introduction of the horse, the dogs were there to guard, hunt, herd and carry. Their versatility made them essential to the livelihood and survival of the tribal group. The coyote-like appearance of the American Indian dog is not a coincidence. The Native Americans believed the coyote or "God's Dog' were the first beings on earth and would be the last. These dogs were a part of the balance of nature, put there to help man learn and survive. Many tribes actively sought to breed their dogs with the coyote to maintain the dog's survival instincts, pack loyalty and high intelligence. However, the last know introduction of coyote into the American Indian Dog was in the late 1800's. Though today's American Indian dogs retain the desired traits of their ancestors, these remain because of careful breeding programs rather than the introduction of primitive stock. The American Indian Dog is not to be confused with the hybrids that are created by breeding purebred dogs with wolves or coyotes. The near extinction of these versatile dogs coincides with the wholesale massacre of the American Indian. However, the decimation of the canine population continued long after the tribal groups were moved onto reservations. Many dogs were killed out of fear or for their fur coats, their starving masters ate some, while others returned to their feral state and wee reabsorbed by their coyote cousins. For many years, it was believed that the American Indian Dog was extinct. However, small pockets of these dogs did survive in a purebred state. The discovery of these small groups has led to a concerted effort to re-establish this breed in it's role of helping man to learn to appreciate the natural order of his world. Now is the time to introduce the only remaining native U.S. American Indian Dog to the American people. People like William Pferd II and Kim La Flamme, researching and selecting the correct breeding stock, nurturing the few remaining dogs and beginning to produce direct descendents of this legendary breed, have spent years. The American Indian Dog is a primitive, thinking breed that will take care of you as you take care of them. They are highly intelligent and capable of learning whatever you want to teach them. Often, they will instinctively know what you want and remain a step or two ahead of your carefully prepared program. They are also capable of learning by observation. From puppy hood to old age, these dogs are inquisitive, alert and very devoted. A strong bond forms between dog and family at a young age. An American Indian Dog is yours for life. They can just to almost any lifestyle and environment, though they do not take well to changing owners. With their family they are loyal companions and wonderful playmates for adults and children,. They will be cautious with complete strangers, although an instinctive canine "mind reading" will often let them know a person is all right before formal introduction. With those they know, they are amenable to command, affectionate and possessive. They are excellent watchdogs that travel well and have a very hardy constitution. Though they would prefer to be outdoors, they can live inside as long as they receive enough exercise and activity. The communication between an American Indian Dog and its family is fascinating. Aside from the instinctual bonding that occurs, these dogs almost talk with their high-pitched voices. They are always smiling and ready to play. They use their bodies to communicate their moods and desires. They are always alert, bending an ear or cocking their heads to listen in on the world around them. The appearance of the American Indian Dog is such that you picture him in a natural environment. Their double coat is naturally shaded, provides protection from the elements and stays remarkably clean. The size is easy to handle and the care is minimal. The American Indian Dog is not a breed for everyone and the American Indian Dog Club requires that all perspective owners be interviewed and approved by at least two officers of the club. This is to assure that all puppies go to, and remain, in, a mutually happy environment.

   
   

Song Dog Kennels
3600 LAKESHORE DRIVE
SELMA, OREGON 97538
(541) 597-2871
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