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"what Do People Say"


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Well, someone said it should be a topic.

 

We were at the dog park the other day. I saw Joan talking to a couple of people. A little while later, I circled pretty close to them and heard the guy say, "What she call them? American Indian Dog?" The woman replied, snooty, dismissive and condescendingly, "yes, but they aren't recognized by the AKC."

 

I was waiting for, hoping for an actual "Harrumph!!" But, she didn't quite go that far.

 

That's the first one I've heard in a long, long time felt that the AKC somehow gave actual credibility to a breed. So, that was fun.

 

Generally, people are smitten with the dogs. They somehow behave differently; have a different approach or attitude than most dogs. Other dogs can have "it", too. These dogs just have a lot of "it".

 

More and more people have a strong opinion of the history of dogs. So I stay away from talking about the science, because it can't be definitive unless you carry the science documentation with you!!

 

So, I much prefer the story of practical Native breeding. If a dog has a quality you want: you breed it. If it's a quality you don't want; don't breed it.

 

Most people we've spoken to seem to "grok" how quickly you could develop a healthy, high quality pack. And, how quickly (adhering to AKC-like breed standards of physical similarity, for example) a breed can be decimated.

 

The Russian experiment domesticating foxes gives credence to how few generations it can take to genetically change a pack. Imagine what you can do in 50 years with the right genetics....

 

And, it's about then that someone says, "Ooooo, it's creepy. Your dogs look right at me. It's like they see right through me."

 

One guy came up to me for the first time and said, "That must be Draco. Somebody told me about him. It is eerie how he stares right at you."

 

Because of Draco's blue eyes and mask, we get the Husky question a lot. We just say that back somewhere there was a common ancestor and that our dogs' breeds' history is on the Song Dog website!! (Thanks, Kim!!)

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I too used to get so many comments, he looks like a wolf ,so must be a wolf hybrid. Not many pepole over here have even seen a wolf!   Of course over here it is the KC, one woman came up to me and w

Under what do people say.... Dog park... no photos....   Took Draco & Wicca to the local dog park yesterday.   Not long after we got there a lady came with a dog that for all the world, to m

Don't forget to mention they are the "Ultimate Mutt". That usually calms AKC types. Miz M, loved your definition of AKC.   I also try and include that Kim breeds for temperament, NOT color. He br

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Gib, keep those stories coming, I've got to get my rap together & the more stories I hear about how the others have handled this situation the more I can formulate a plan for how to handle these questions. I'm sure that the 'AKC Snobs' are everywhere but then there's an abundance of one snob or another for pretty much everything isn't there? My plan, when encountering an 'AKC Snob' is to say, "...that may be but can your dog do Quadratic Equations? Mine can!"

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What do people say?

 

First--the eyes! Denakka has very light blue eyes so in the bright sunlight, they almost look white. Eerie, beautiful, striking, ghostlike. It's the first thing people notice. I believe that they are also reacting to the way these dogs look at them--eye to eye, which is unusual for dogs. The uniqueness of the eyes and their habit of looking right at people certainly gets attention.

 

When asked about the breed, I normally get a lot of curiosity. Many people have told me they looked them up and started reading about them. But there are the occasional AKC snobs and/or eye rolls -- like I've just come up with a great, creative story about having a mutt! Because of D's eyes, they often think his part Husky. Just for fun, I usually say, "No, it's probably the other way around; the husky is part him." It gives me a chance to explain how very old these dogs are and get in some of their history.

 

What's noticed at the dog park after the eyes and general appearance--the way he moves and then his temperament. The moves are obviously extremely agile and almost catlike. And I don't know if it's just my dog, but there's also a bit of a showoff and clown in D that attracts attention. I'm not sure I can put my finger on it, but there is something that stands out as different about AIDogs to most of the dog park attendees -- and you get asked. Eyes, coat color, stealthy and agile movements, joy of running, friendliness, wisdom to walk away from a ruckus, kindness to the shy or frightened dogs. It's all come together in such a natural way, that it's noticed and it's likely to generate questions. I think most of it can be explained by the sheer natural instincts of the breed. Those instincts come together in a beautiful and graceful way that is attention-getting to even casual dog observers.

 

So people ask about all those things; you just never know what someone will notice. Each one gives an opportunity of tell a slightly different part of their proud history and of Kim's wonderful work making this dog available to us and the world.

 

I'm still learning so my answers change and become more complete. I've found it doesn't take much talking to convey the sense of these dogs--they do that all by themselves!

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I find it interesting that some people are so conditioned to AKC, (American Kookie-cutter Canines) they are unable to really listen to the answers to their questions of curiosity. At that point, I shorten the conversation and direct them to the Song Dog web site. My answers also change according to whom I am talking to. Sometimes stories of my dogs, sometimes stories of your dogs, depending on their interest. With that said, I pretty much suggest that they check out Kim's web site...it say's it all.

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AKC, (American Kookie-cutter Canines)

:lol: :lol:

 

So far Tamarack's been called a border collie/husky mix, a German shepherd mix, and "obviously a kelpie" mix, and we're getting accustomed to the silence that sometimes follows "he's an American Indian dog" that I've started to interpret as "that's not a real breed." When people actually are interested in learning more, I get tripped up on how to summarize the concept of these dogs in just one sentence!

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I usually say that 'They are a true Utility breed developed by the American Indians over thousands of years, capable of any task you care to train them to. Working, Herding, Hunting, Child-care, Travois pulling, Watch dog, and Loving Couch Potato at the end of the day.'

 

When people ask where I got him- 'Get in touch with Kim at indiandogs.com - Blackfoot Indian dude, got his foundation stock from his grandfather, been breeding them the 'old way' for some 40-odd years.'

 

On rarity and limited breeding lines- 'They still find and introduce new blood from authentic sources every couple generations.'

 

 

Oh- and when people try to Guess what Jas is, it is usually German Shepherd x Whippet LOLOL ROFLMAO :lol: :lol:

 

I got so tired of answering the same 5 typical questions I made a keyring and coffee mug- B)

Answers to the top 5 questions I am asked about my American Indian Dog.

The first one is because about 5% of people see Jas and think 'wild animal' and, for some reason, are afraid of him. Actually had one guy yank his poor little dog about 4' off the ground by it's leash to "save it" from being eaten. :huh: Absolutely none of either dogs' body language said anything but 'Lets Play!' --silly human. And after a couple minutes the guy was asking a TON of questions about AIDogs. ;)

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Don't forget to mention they are the "Ultimate Mutt". That usually calms AKC types. Miz M, loved your definition of AKC.

 

I also try and include that Kim breeds for temperament, NOT color. He breeds for the personality that wants to work with you, so in one litter you get all these colors!

 

Yes, I get that same thing, "They look right at you, like a human looks at another human, not like a dog". I love that.

 

It does freak some people. Perhaps in that moment, they know they are not alpha to this dog, simply by being born human.

 

I have always loved the fact that these dogs change us. Make us have to be alphas, and find that inner strength.

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I dont even have my pup yet and I am already getting tons of questions about the breed. People always ask what kind of dog I'm getting and after I tell them they usually respond with "wait, what kind of dog is it!?" If I show them a picture from Song Dogs web page they usually say "oh wow, it looks like a wolf" I try to explain that I fell in love with the breed while I was doing my research. Its so hard to explain without actually having the dog. I cant wait to get mine so I can prove to everyone that they are not as "scary" as they look!

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lol-

I don't see 'Wolf' at all looking at them. Especially once you Know the breed. They are totally different temperment-wise.

Small and Quick and Clever and Perceptive and Interactive and Entirely Trainable and Empathetic and Gentle and Fun and Cuddly.

All these and more, are words I use to describe my boy. :)

 

As for "scary" that's just because most people aren't used to a dog LOOKING at them. Glancing- yes, looking- sure, but to have an AI Dog really LOOK into your mind and soul and heart can be an intimidating experience for some. B)

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lol-

I don't see 'Wolf' at all looking at them. Especially once you Know the breed. They are totally different temperment-wise.

Small and Quick and Clever and Perceptive and Interactive and Entirely Trainable and Empathetic and Gentle and Fun and Cuddly.

All these and more, are words I use to describe my boy. :)

 

As for "scary" that's just because most people aren't used to a dog LOOKING at them. Glancing- yes, looking- sure, but to have an AI Dog really LOOK into your mind and soul and heart can be an intimidating experience for some. B)

 

I wasn't scared of Draco's Dad, Shappa.... because he was behind a fence. I was, however, just a little intimidated. Until I got to know him.

 

Two Shappa.jpg

 

Then, just re-read what Starghoti said above....

 

I did one day pass a Mexican-American family, the father putting his body between Draco & Wicca and shielding his wife & children. I didn't understand all he was saying to them, but with his wide-eyes I did pick up his whispered "...... woooollllllllffffffff".

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I suspect it is that way they look at people that causes people's brains to automatically draw the line to 'wolf'. I had the opportunity to spend time in the presence of a group of wolves once, and their eyes were what stood out to me the most - not because of the color or shape, but because they never left me. The wolves themselves blurred together in a constant stream of movement pacing back and forth, but their gaze was unwavering, their eyes little pinpricks of light holding steady against that fluid backdrop. I can see how many would consider it chilling; it gives them a very commanding presence.

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Lili has a laser lock in her eye sockets when she's interested in something or someone....it's very different from most dogs that I've met. Even at this young age (she was born on Pearl Harbor Day) she's got that 'look'. I think it's totally cool. She & I have developed a staring contest game which is kind of fun....not a serious thing but more silliness than anything. I'm really in deep with this little girl!

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I am purposely waiting to let most people know what kind of dog we are getting. As far as they are concerned we are still "shopping". When people think breeds, they mostly remember the ones they have met, what they look like, and the bad stories they know of. (We ran into that when we had a Pit Bull) If they are unfamiliar with the breed they judge solely on the look of the dog. They seem to forget that looks can be deceiving. I figure if they see the dog and hear the story at the same time, hopefully, they will be less skeptical because the proof is in front of them. If they don't get it, it's only because they can't see past the end of their nose and they are the ones missing out. One of the many things that drew us to this breed is that even in pictures you can see the depth in their eyes. You can tell they have spirit, it hasn't all disappeared like in some breeds.

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Ahhh, Sadly I think most of us will have stories about how our dogs are not pure bred and that they are hybrids. Ziva gets accused all the time of being a wolf or coyote hybrid. It happens at least once every time we go to the dog park. I simply invite people to put their dog into a cage regardless of the size of the cage with a wolf or coyote and see if they play as nicely as Ziva does.

 

However many people are curious about her and are a bit more open minded. I tell them as much as I can and I do refer them to the website a lot, I have had several people come back and talk to me on more than one occasion after asking about Ziva. They tell me they went to the website and are just awe struck by the beauty of these animals. Many have come back with a bit more respect for my amped up lil pup. Knowledge is free, I do not mind passing it along. :D

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I'm just gonna whip out both me and the dogs papers... "here's my tribal ID, and here's the dog's tribal ID". HAHA!

 

Hahahahaha! Love it!

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I have had nothing but positive comments about Hawk. We live in a small college town of about 10,000 and still after 7 years we still get people asking about him, almost everytime we go out for a long walk. I try and give them the Readers Digest condensed version and tell them to go to the web site.

 

As for AKC very few people ask if he is a registered breed with them. I tell them why the AID isn't and they for the most park understand or agree.

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I've never heard the "look right through you" comment; Danza mostly only looks at me that way. Usually when people meet or see her, she is a speeding blur. What I do hear is that she is really beautiful and athletic, and that she looks like a coyote. All true, except she doesn't look all mangey like a coyote.

 

We have little handout with basic breed information. I never remember where it is on the site, but it's an attachment you can download and print out.

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I have had nothing but positive comments about Hawk. We live in a small college town of about 10,000 and still after 7 years we still get people asking about him, almost everytime we go out for a long walk. I try and give them the Readers Digest condensed version and tell them to go to the web site.

 

As for AKC very few people ask if he is a registered breed with them. I tell them why the AID isn't and they for the most park understand or agree.

 

(Love Monmouth. My brother graduated there many moons ago.)

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It has been said that "your eyes are the windows to your soul"... These Medicine dogs look into your eyes without wavering. That primitive place of reading and learning about you. They study you and it IS intimidating to lots of people. Then if you are really lucky, like all of us, as Star so perfectly put it:

Especially once you Know the breed. They are totally different temperment-wise.

Small and Quick and Clever and Perceptive and Interactive and Entirely Trainable and Empathetic and Gentle and Fun and Cuddly.

 

Gib, that is a marvelous pic of Shappa...he is Tolinka's father and Two Steps uncle. I always thought he was one of the most handsome dogs at SDK. When I met him, I was immediately drawn to his eyes. There it is again, "THE EYES HAVE IT!"

 

Chinatola.......

Lili has a laser lock in her eye sockets when she's interested in something or someone....it's very different from most dogs that I've met. Even at this young age .....

............The body lowers, head stretches out and loweres at same time...... the fixated stare in place, becoming perfectly still, waiting....waiting....waiting......then the back feet start shifting a bit like a cat getting ready to pounce.......Tolinka speeds by in a blurrrrr, Two Step darts out from behind his hiding place, and almost collides with Tolinka, but Tolinka makes a half hearted leap over Two Step, looks back at the pup, and the zoomies begin. :lol:

 

Woodrat....

I had the opportunity to spend time in the presence of a group of wolves once, and their eyes were what stood out to me the most - not because of the color or shape, but because they never left me.

What an amazing experience. Tell us more. How did this happen? Where were you?

 

Cree,

I'm just gonna whip out both me and the dogs papers... "here's my tribal ID, and here's the dog's tribal ID". HAHA!

Now that is perfect. B)
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............The body lowers, head stretches out and loweres at same time...... the fixated stare in place, becoming perfectly still, waiting....waiting....waiting.....

 

I love that stance! Tamarack does it all the time to his friends and the cat. The best is when The Freeze turns into a impossibly slow stalk.

 

As for the wolves - they were at a wolf preserve in New Jersey (of all places). It was a special session for the photographically inclined, just a small group of people allowed access to the preserve early in the morning to get up close to the wolves and try to get some good shots. It was incredible to be able to watch their behavior up close... they're beautiful enough on film, but nothing comes close to seeing them in person. Some day I'd love to be able to see them in the wild.

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That is really exciting.....I'm with you Woodrat, I'd love to see them in the wild...but then I love to see any wild thing in the wild. Hmmmmm maybe I should have been some one like Olas Murie who tracked all 4 legged creatures in the North Americas with his wife Mardie, and their children, back in the early 20's.....born too late for that one http://www.muriecenter.org/ an amazing resource. He was also quite an artist, he made his own pigments for paints from plants that he gathered along the way.....an interesting life he must have had.

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I would really have liked to meet John Muir....his story is fascinating.

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I would really have liked to meet John Muir....his story is fascinating.

 

Yep. He is one of my favorites too.

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