AHC/WI: 50 Dog Breeds of America

I might have another one posted up relatively soon so I reserve Alaska. Should be another interesting breed to add to this group.
 
Number 15: Appalachian Coonhound

First documented as a distinct breed in 1798 by owner Marcus Walker, the Appalachian Coonhound descends from a mixture of various foxhounds and the Talbot Hound via its descendant the Bloodhound. This breed originated with Piedmont landowners as a hunting dog to bring down fox and other game (up to and including deer and black bear). Despite its 'aristocratic' origin, its tracking characteristics and temperament garnered it a great deal of popularity with overland settlers of the back-country and mountains of western Virginia and North Carolina, to the point where it gradually became bred predominantly in what would later become West Virginia (and in adjacent portions of Kentucky, as well as eastern Tennessee and SW Virginia). Given it origin as a tracking dog, it does possess a distinctive drawled bay that may be off-putting or bothersome to owners unaccustomed to owning hounds, especially in dense communities. However, this breed is characterized by its calm and mellow nature as a pet, but headstrong stubbornness when on the scent. To this day, it remains the unofficial mascot of the WVNG 150th. ACR (whether as part of the 30th. ABCT or on standalone duty).

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Number 16: Hawaiian Poi Dog

The name of the Hawaiian Poi Dog is derived from poi, a Hawaiian staple food made from tarot root. Meat was a precious resource on the islands, and aside from feral hogs, there was no large game for dogs to hunt. Fattened on poi, the dogs themselves became a food source. Aside from serving as food, the dogs were viewed as lucky charms, a spiritual protector of children.

By the time European explorers like Captain James Cook, the Poi Dog's ancestors had already come to resemble our current breed: pot-bellied, short-legged dogs that could come in just about any color and freely associated with the village hogs. Just like in the modern breed, the ancient poi dogs had uniquely flattened heads. As poi does not require chewing, the dogs lost the need to maintain strong temporalis muscles over generations of such specialized feeding. A genetic quirk also caused a reduced temporal fossa in the dogs, which made their foreheads appear flattened.

As the poi dogs were bred for food and companionship, the dogs were considered rather dim-witted and sluggish, as they did not have the honed instincts common in most other breeds. Modern enthusiasts of the breed are fond their little couch potatoes, as the Hawaiian Poi Dog is a mellow breed good with animals and children of all ages. Despite their gentle temperament, Hawaiian Poi Dogs are not particularly obedient, as they are strong-willed and not easily commanded. Hawaiian Poi Dogs are best recommended for experienced dog owners, or at least those wishing to put in a good amount of work for the perfect family pet.

One of a kind as the Hawaiian Poi Dog is, it is almost impossible to imagine a world without them. However, as the native religion was abandoned and eating dog meat became unfashionable on the islands, the poi dog almost became extinct. Breeding with feral dogs from European settlers, the special qualities of the poi dog were almost lost by the early 20th century. It is only through the commendable actions of several dog breeding enthusiasts tracking down the last poi dogs in the most remote villages that the breed was saved.

The modern Hawaiian Poi Dog, descended from such a small founder population, suffers from the usual diseases common in breeds with little genetic variety, such as hip dysplasia. The breed's unique background also requires a special diet, for the Hawaiian Poi Dog's digestive track and weak jaw muscles cannot handle much protein. Obesity is also common in the breed. Irresponsible breeding has exaggerated the temporal fossa defect, which causes afflicted dogs to have a severely flattened forehead. Prospective owners are advised to buy only from responsible breeds who ensure such defects are not passed on.

(Note: The Hawaiian Poi Dog was a real land race of dogs from the Hawaiian Islands. All I did was add in a few passionate breeders right when the breed was about to die out to save them from extinction.)

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(Poi dog from the 19th century, which looks to me like a puppy. Modern poi dogs is just a term most often used to refer to mixed breed dogs.)
 
(Sorry for the double post, but inspiration for my home state struck :eek:)

17. Douglas' Dog/The Douglas Dog/The Shenandoah Dog -- Massachusetts

Robert Douglas was an Air Force pilot who spent his summer on Martha's Vineyard, off the coast of Massachusetts. He made three promises to himself: he would build his own boat, he would get a to sail with him no matter the weather, and the Vineyard would be his home.

Douglas did indeed build his own boat, The Shenandoah. His second wish came true when a black lab-boxer mix came aboard his ship in 1967. She was named The Black Dog for the character in Treasure Island. In 1969, the same year Douglas decided to build a tavern on Martha's Vineyard, The Black Dog had a litter of puppies. They all had her black coat and white markings like hers. Douglas gave many of the puppies to friends on the island.

In 1971, the Black Dog Tavern opened. Douglas and The Black Dog herself became more well known on the Vineyard. Souvenir T-shirts were sold featuring The Black Dog on the logo. Some of The Black Dog's puppies were having puppies of their own at this point. Any new puppy born with a black coat was considered one of Douglas' dogs.

By the time The Black Dog died, her descendents were owned by quite a number of families on and off Martha's Vineyard. Enthusiasts of the dogs moved to make them their own unique breed, Douglas' Dog or the Douglas Dog. The breed is also known as The Shenandoah Dog, in honor of Douglas's boat, but the name never caught on due to some people believing the breed had originated in the Shenandoah Valley instead on Martha's Vineyard.

Up until the 1990s, Douglas' Dogs remained obscure, rarely found outside of the Northeast. Then The Black Dog T-shirts became well-known as photographs of celebrities wearing the shirts began being published in national media. For example, President Bill Clinton was photographed in a Black Dog T-shirt while jogging. The Black Dog brand, the breed that had inspired it, truly gained national attention when the Lewinsky scandal broke. It was revealed items from the store had been purchased by Bill Clinton for Monica Lewinsky.

The Black Dog brand exploded to more stores off the Vineyard. Douglas' Dogs became a national breed, with many backyard breeders crossing black labs with boxers and hoping to cash in the breed's popularity.

To protect its status as a unique breed, the breeders of Douglas' Dogs implemented strict standards. All dogs would have to be born black with white markings, but only a certain amount of white in certain areas. Measurement standards based off the original Black Dog are enforced. Douglas' Dogs are expected to be friendly and gregarious dogs that love the water. Most importantly, every Douglas' Dog must have documented descent going straight back to The Black Dog (or at least Vineyard dogs believed to have descended from The Black Dog.)

Although popularity in the breed has waned somewhat in more recent years, Douglas' Dogs enjoy a spike in national attention whenever a Clinton makes headlines.

(Note: My family used to vacation on Martha's Vineyard when I was a little kid. I remember owning a Black Dog t-shirt. The origin story behind the brand and The Black Dog herself are real. So are their connection to the Lewinsky scandal XD. I just gave The Black Dog a litter of puppies that took after her. Grainy pictures of the original Black Dog are available on the store's website.)

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Number 18: Blackfoot Traildog

As pioneers moved West, their domestic dogs would sometimes run away and be seperated from their masters. Occasionally, these dogs would breed into local wolf populations, creating a batch of hybrid dogs. One particularly large and strong hybrid strain appeared in Montana, near the traditional range of the Blackfeet Indians. The Blackfeet, noting these dogs for their strength and power, began to domesticate some of the population, helping to create a more solidified "breed". These early Blackfoot Traildogs would help their masters around the camp, acting as guard dogs, war dogs, pack animals, hunting animals, and even as food sources in time of famine. When the Americans began to strengthen their control over Blackfoot lands, they began to have more encounters with the traildog. One enterprising pioneer, Marcus Daly, thought they would be useful in his mining operations, and soon the Blackfoot Traildogs were put to use in the mines of the Anaconda Mining Company. They became a symbol for the company, almost as much as the namesake serpent. However, as mining became more automated, the dogs were often abandoned or killed. An effort by some miners to preserve the breed proved successful, and the Blackfoot Traildog population slowly rebounded through the 1930s and 1940s. The dogs became famous for their roles in Hollywood Westerns, acting as the standard "Indian Dog" in those productions. Today, they can be found throughout the country, though mostly in Montana and surrounding states. They have a bit of an independent streak, which can be daunting for some owners, but if treated and cared for properly, they can make excellent companion dogs.

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I love the idea behind the Blackfoot Traildog. I can definitely see it being popular in those old Wild West shows -- just wild looking enough for the audience to buy it belongs to an Indian, but still a dog that doesn't have the training issues that comes with wolves/first generation wolf-dogs.

I was going to write about the Salish Wool Dog, but Dathi beat me to the punch, so I quickly wrote something for the Hawaiian Poi Dog instead. If no one minds I could write out a blurb for the Salish Wool Dog here (particularly its hypothetical survival) so we can officially add Washington to the list.
 
I love the idea behind the Blackfoot Traildog. I can definitely see it being popular in those old Wild West shows -- just wild looking enough for the audience to buy it belongs to an Indian, but still a dog that doesn't have the training issues that comes with wolves/first generation wolf-dogs.

I was going to write about the Salish Wool Dog, but Dathi beat me to the punch, so I quickly wrote something for the Hawaiian Poi Dog instead. If no one minds I could write out a blurb for the Salish Wool Dog here (particularly its hypothetical survival) so we can officially add Washington to the list.

I think you could go right ahead, as far as I am concerned. Thanks for the compliments about the Traildog! I love the poi dog you wrote about- its an interesting addition to this thread!
 
List of breeds currently listed

Good evening,

I just wanted to create a list to help show what has already been posted in regard to the states and their respective breeds.

Delaware: Nanticoke River Dog
Pennsylvania: Allegheny Mountain Dog
New Jersey: South Jersey Shepherd
Georgia: Georgian Yellow Hound
Connecticut: Connecticut Whale Dog
Utah: Bishop Bulldog
Wyoming: Crosshorn Ranch Dog
Texas: Captain Blazer
Louisiana: Cajun Bayou Hound
Colorado: Rocky Mountain Dog
Virginia: Appomattox Water Dog
Illinois: Chicago Terrier
Maryland: Chesapeake Bay Water Dog
Rhode Island: Portsmouth Terrier
Washington: Salish Wool Dog
West Virginia: Appalachian Coonhound
Hawaii: Hawaiian Poi Dog
Massachusetts: Douglas Dog
Montana: Blackfoot Traildog
Alaska: Alaskan Ovcharka
Minnesota: Chippewa Dog
Any of the other states except those already reserved in posts on this forum are still available. I will have one for Alaska posted tonight.
 
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19. Alaskan Ovcharka

One of the progenitors of the breed, the Caucasian Ovcharka, was brought over during Vitus Bering's expedition in 1741 and several of the dogs remained in the area after the expedition returned to Russia. It wasn't until the 1780's, after James Cook's exploration of British Columbia, that the breed in it's current form began to take form. Dogs that were thought to be the predecessors of the Mackenzie River Husky had begun to interact with the companions of the Russian fur trappers in southeastern Alaska. Prior to the gold rush in Alaska, there were a few cases where the Alaskan Ovcharka, due to its large size, was mistaken for a young bear and resulted in a few being shot being hunters or fur trappers in the area and earned the nickname "Alaskan Bear Dog." Despite these few unfortunate events, their popularity increased during the period of the gold rush and even into the time of the 1925 serum run to Nome.

Alaskan Ovcharkas typically retain more of the characteristics of their Caucasian Ovcharka ancestors. They have straight, coarse hair with an undercoat that makes this breed ideal for dealing with the cold weather conditions of the north. Colors vary from black, caramel, cream, or a combination of any of the three. Males range from 130-210 lbs. in weight and 26-30 in. in height. Females range from 110-160 lbs. in weight and 24-28 in. in height. This breed are known to be loyal, stubborn at times, exceptional guard dogs, and capable of hauling freight.

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20. The Salish Wool Dog -- Washington

The Salish Wool Dog has perhaps one of the most unique histories of any dog breed alive today. The Salish peoples of Washington State and British Colombia did not have sheep and wild mountain wool was difficult to come by. While the Salish peoples lacked sheep, they were able to breed special white-haired dogs that could be sheared like sheep.

The wool dogs of the Salish were small, long-haired breed of the Spitz type. The wool dogs were kept separate from the ordinary village dogs so the two types would not interbreed, allowing the wool dog to keep its unique white fur. Wool dogs were instead confined on islands and gated caves. They were fed raw and cooked salmon. In May or June the dogs would be sheared like sheep, producing fine wool that helped create blankets nearly as valuable as slaves.

European contact endangered the wool dog's survival; the easy availability of Hudson Bay blankets made the breed obsolete and European diseases devastated the indigenous populations that had so painstakingly kept the wool dog a unique breed.

By 1858, pure wool dogs were extinct, having heavily interbred with other dogs. Despite this, the unique genes of the wool dog endured in its descendants. For decades later dogs it was not unheard of for dogs in the Washington area to be born with woolly coats like those of their ancestors.
In the 1880s, Americans began to grow fascinated with the concept of the old Salish wool dogs and refining such a distinctly American breed. Would-be breeders acquired the woolliest dogs they could find in Washington and British Colombia. Over the years these dogs were bred with the Keeshond, the Pomeranian, the Volpino Italiano, and any other small white Spitz-type dogs the breeders could get their hands on. It was always imperative for puppies to inherit the unique woolly coats of their Salish ancestors.

By the 1910s, the modern version of the Salish Wool Dog we know and love today had been created. The breed standard dictates the Salish Wool Dog must always have a long white coat with no blue eyes. They are not allowed to exceed fifteen inches in height or twenty pounds in weight, as breeders wanted a small type of 'Indian' dog easier to care for than a dog of a husky's size.

Most Salish Wool Dogs have gentle, laid-back personalities, as is desired in the breed. They are intelligent dogs and respond well to training. They have inherited several genetic mutations, such as Primary Lens Luxation from their Volpino Italiano ancestors. Salish Wool Dogs require frequent grooming and can easily develop further health issues if their coats are not properly maintained. Over the years quite a number of dog enthusiasts and Salish people wishing to reconnect with their ancestral heritage have allowed the Salish Wool Dog's fur to grow out, creating the fleeces necessary for blankets, scarves, and other such items.

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(Yes, there are actually blankets made from dog hair out there. I tried to show a picture of one, but it wouldn't display right. I'm sure any population of dogs with a long hair gene could theoretically produce similar wool dogs if there was enough selective breeding. Something to consider if people from an ATL don't have easier access to sheep or another source of wool.)
 
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21. The Chippewa Dog -- Minnesota

The origins of the Chippewa Dog are believed to trace back to the Hare Indian Dog. It is still unknown whether the Hare Indian Dog was a coyote-dog hybrid or a domesticated form of the coyote, but the point is moot in the Chippewa Dog, whose modern form includes a number of European breeds.

Regardless of its genetic background, the Hare Indian Dog was kept by the Hare Indians (better known today as the Sahtu or North Slavey) and other neighboring tribes, including the Chippewa (who are also known today as the Ojibwe or Ojibwa.) The Hare Indian Dog was between the coyote and the American red fox in size. They were noted to be very playful and friendly to strangers, but was not docile and disliked confinement of any kind. The Hare Indian Dog expressed its affection by rubbing against people like a cat. When hurt or afraid, the Hare Indian Dog howled like a wolf, and made a sound like a growl building up to a howl when curious. Hare Indian Dogs in their native habitat did not bark, but those puppies raised among other breeds of dogs learned to imitate the sound.

The Hare Indian Dogs were valued as coursers. Although not large enough to pose a danger to moose and reindeer, their small size and broad feet allowed them to pursue their quarry into deep snow, keeping the prey at bay until the hunters arrived. With the introduction of firearms, the Hare Indian Dogs became obsolete as hunters and fell into decline. Most heavily interbred with other breeds.

In the late 19th century, it was noted that many dogs among the Minnesota Chippewa resembled the Hare Indian Dog, which was now believed to be on the edge of extinction as a unique breed. Those dogs that most resembled the detailed descriptions of the old Hare Indian Dogs were acquired by breeders. These dogs were then crossed with native breeds, such as the Canadian Eskimo Dog, and small European Spitz dogs, like the German Spitz. Breeders were determined to recreate their ideal image of the Hare Indian Dog, a modern breed which came to be called the Chippewa Dog in honor of those who preserved the last traces of the old breed. Some bold breeders even experimented with a small infusion of coyote blood to really make the breed a little bit 'wild' again.

The Chippewa Dog is quite a bit larger than its ancestor. They remain slenderly built with a small head and narrow muzzle. Its legs are slender and relatively long for its size. The tail is thick and bushy, like that of the Canadian Eskimo Dog. Breed standards dictate the fur of the Chippewa Dog must have a white base with patches than can range from black to grayish-brown. Pure white coats and any markings that excessively hint at the breed's coyote ancestry can disqualify a dog from the breed. The modern Chippewa Dog lacks the broad feet of its ancestor, and other adaptations to its paws that made it such an adept runner on the snow. Its relatively small size and long legs still make it adequate in the snow.

Chippewa Dogs remain friendly, energetic, and intelligent dogs. Depending on the admixture of coyote blood, some individuals may be less docile than others, but all have a dog's dependable temperament. All dogs bark, but a minority of the breed is known to also use howls and other vocalizations ascribed to the Hare Indian Dog.

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(Note: The Tahltan dog was also pretty interesting. They were small, bold little buggers that could hold a bear at bay with their barks until the hunter came in for the kill. I'd have saved them too, but their range was too much in Canada for me to make them squeak by like the Hare Indian Dog (which is at least a heavy influence on the TTL Chippewa Dog.)

Of course, the last Tahltan dogs lasted up until 1960-1970. If someone wants to toy with that breed or include its blood into a later breed, who's to say some passionate breeder didn't round up the last Tahltan dogs and bring them to another state for a breeding program?
 
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