Man’s Best Friend as Embraced by Native American Indians by Kylee Carter

Dogs have always played a very prominent role in Native American folklore. Although it is difficult to determine when exactly Native Americans started keeping dogs as pets, it is commonly believed that they were brought to the New World from Asia and remained the only animal domesticated by Native Americans for thousands of years before the arrival of the European horse. In fact, it has been estimated that there were already more than 300,000 domesticated dogs in the USA by the time the first explorers arrived from Europe.  Regardless of when and how dogs became a part of the native tribes, they soon made a mammoth impact on the lives of the Native Americans across the country.

Rearing and Training were Left to the Women

When Native Americans used to leave their homes to hunt or explore new territory, they could rest assured knowing that the women, children, and livestock would be protected by the tribe’s dogs. In return, the dogs were also vehemently protected by the women of the tribe who not only bred and raised them, but also trained them to be obedient and to perform certain tasks that will assist the tribe.  These tasks included spotting and retrieving hunt kills, pulling sleds, and even searching for and finding missing people. Training would commence with the women first ensuring the dogs were used to wearing a harness before acclimatizing them to the frame of a travois and, finally, heavier weights.  When nomadic natives moved from one campsite to the net while following buffalo, it was the dogs that dragged the tipi skins and poles together with the rest of the tribe’s possessions.

Strong Body, Gentle Nature

Although modern-day Native American Indian Dogs (NAIDs) do share some genetic traits with ancient dogs, the thoroughbred dogs of yesteryears became extinct many generations ago. The dogs we know today were expertly recreated using verified historical documentation pertaining to the ancient Native dogs. In many ways, NAIDs have a lot in common with Malamutes, the oldest breeds of Arctic sled dogs that are also genetically comparable to their wolf ancestors.  They are large dogs that can weigh up to 120 pounds, have almond-shaped eyes and erect ears, and sport a fluffy, curled-up tail similar to that of a Siberian husky. Apart from being physically strong, NAIDs are also very intelligent and gentle by nature and grow to be extremely loyal to their tribe.

Many Myths and Legends Exist

The extent to which dogs contribute to tribal life has been documented in various legends and myths that have been passed on from one generation to the next.  One such legend suggests that the dog offered to become man’s loyal companion. The legend, which is also explained in a book entitled Dog People: Native Dog Stories, by Joseph Bruchac (Fulcrum Publishing, 1995), tells of a spirit that gathered all the creatures on earth together to find the best companion for man who, at that point, was yet to be created. While some creatures said they would steal the food of humans or tear them apart, the dog stated that he had no greater wish than to live with humans and share their food, protect them, and help them hunt. 

Dogs have played an important role in Native American tribes for thousands of years. Considering what good protectors, workers, and companions they are, it is really no surprise that the dog has been given the title of man’s best friend.