At the core of all authentic Indian Dog breeds is the Native American Indian Dog ® (NAID). The Native American Indian Dog® is being selectively and carefully bred to recreate the appearance and versatility of the original dogs of Native Americans. The original Native American Indian Dog® was created from two Indian dogs from the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho and Montana. These dogs were bred with Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Chinook, and German Shepherd. When the appearance, characteristics and traits of the original dogs of Native Americans was realized, the dog was then trademarked with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Only the holder of the trademark can authorize breeders. Only breeders who have been authorized by the trademark holder are legally breeding these dogs. The holder of this trademark is creator and founder, Karen A. Markel. Karen has been a passionate and tireless advocate of the Indian Dog breeds.
The appearance of the dogs of Native Americans varied by geographic region. In the times when Native Indian tribes inhabited North America, canines of unknown origins accompanied them. To prevent close inbreeding new blood was introduced from other tribes, which accounts for the different types of dogs described and portrayed in the historical books written about the Native American people, and the dogs that traveled with them. The Northern Tribes developed a dog with a wolf-like appearance, and includes the Hare and Sioux type of Native Dog. Through the Western Regions, the smaller Plains Village Dog was developed.
Dogs were the only beast of burden utilized by Native Americans before the Spaniards introduced the horse in the mid 1500's and played a vital role in the lives and cultures of the First Americans. They depended on their dogs to assist them in anyway they might need for not only the individual family but also the entire village. Dogs of the nomadic tribes pulled a travois carrying the family's belongings as they followed their food supply, dogs were used in the hunt for food, as faithful and protective watch dogs over the village, and even as "babysitters" for the children and elderly when the women were gathering roots, berries and herbs. Historical documents authored by missionaries, trappers, explorers and entrepreneurs recorded what life was like for the "Natives" and their dogs and many included drawings, paintings and photographs. It is upon this documentation that the breeds were founded.
The Indian Dog breeds today have proven to be a nationally recognized and registered dog breed exhibiting traits the Native Americans admired in their ancestral dogs. They are highly intelligent, versatile, enjoy extended longevity, and are hypoallergenic. They are used as excellent hunting companions, therapy dogs, handicap assist dogs, Search & Rescue animals, hiking and backpacking companions, sled dogs, weight competition draught pullers, skijoring dogs, and exceptional family companions.
Countless hours have been spent researching the dogs of Native Americans and how they were used. Enjoy a sampling of some of the illustrations below upon which the breeds appearances were founded (the photos to the left are historical photos, drawings, and paintings. On the right are photographs of the current day recreations):
For a more thorough review of the History of the dogs of Native Americans, please visit the founder's website:
http://www.majesticview1.com/NAIDs/History.htm and
http://www.majesticview1.com/NAIDs/read_more_about_it.htm