Native American Indian Dog - Appearance & Grooming
Dog Breeds
Introduction
Appearance & Grooming of the Native American Indian Dog Breed: Adult Native American Indian dogs range in height from 23 to 34 inches and their weight can span 55 to 120 pounds. Their thick, double coat is easy to care for, and sheds lightly except when the entire coat is blown once a year.
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Appearance
There is a great deal of controversy over what makes a true Native American Indian Dog. Some believe they are a wolf hybrid, while others maintain that Native Americans were selective breeders who stayed away from breeding domestic dogs with wolves, and instead interbred their dogs with European dogs. They do have a wolf-like appearance, with a long, slender muzzle, upright, prick ears, piercing eyes, a compact, athletic build and often wolf-like colorings. But this breed may range in color from silver to black and can range in pattern from solid to tortoiseshell. The tail can either be tightly curled like that of a Siberian Husky, or can be long with only a slight kink at the end.
Size and Weight
Adult Native American Indian dogs range in height from 23 to 34 inches and their weight can span 55 to 120 pounds.
Coat and Color
The Native American Indian dog comes in two coat lengths and two color combinations. They may range in color from sliver to black and can be solid, tortoiseshell, or have a broken color pattern referred to as the “Spirit Dog” pattern. The coat is double layered, with a thick, waterproof undercoat and the top coat can either be short or long, but usually harsh in texture.
Grooming Needs
Native American Indian Dogs shed very lightly, except in the Spring when they shed heavily. Weekly brushing will keep the coat healthy and keep flyaways under control, but in the Spring when the dog is blowing his coat, daily brushing may be in order. They do not emit a dog odor, so they only need to be bathed as needed.
The ears should be checked on a regular basis for signs of wax buildup, irritation or infection. Clean them with a cotton ball and a veterinarian-approved cleanser; never use a cotton swab in a dog's ear canal. Teeth should be brushed on a weekly basis to prevent tartar buildup, promote gum health and keep bad breath at bay. Trim nails monthly if the dog does not wear the toenails down naturally outdoors.
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Temperament & Personality