9. It seems logical that the Native American would welcome the dog into his home and community. There are more than 570 … Back to American Indian legends Native American Symbols, like the Animal Symbols, can vary in meaning from one tribe to another and across the culture groups of North America. A good friend insists: "You don't study dogs, Julie. Native American dog breeds (living and extinct) all derive from the wolf-like ancestors from Eurasia. in Names. The Native American Indian Dog is a large breed that has a long history. google_ad_height = 15; Dogs, as the only domestic mammal in North America, were a part of the life and culture of the people who migrated to the Americas from Eurasia. These dogs can grow to be fairly large, achieving a maximum weight upwards of 100 lbs., with a light but strong build. Here in the United States, we love our dogs and consider them members of our family. The Native American Indian Dog is an attractive breed with a wild appearance very similar to their ancestors. The Native Americans taught their dogs how to fish and hunt. Celebrating our Milestone Anniversary this American Indian Heritage Month. google_ad_width = 728; They are referred to as the Native American Indian Dog, or NAID for short, because they have been living in America for hundreds of years as companions to the Native American tribes that once dominated North America. Native Americans know the balance of the ecosystem and the circle of life better than anyone. Maya used domesticated dogs. Many of us love our dogs more than we do the humans in our lives. Native Americans brought dogs with them over the Bering Strait, or by boat along the continental coast (the most-accepted hypotheses for both human and dog arrival to date). Zoolatry or animal worship was a popular tradition in the Native American culture. According to the wikipedia article on Dog meat, attitudes towards dogs varied between different groups. Some continued to thrive but others began to spend more time with people. Due to their sociable, gentle, and […] The ancient Mayans, a group of people who lived throughout southern Mexico and Central America, used domesticated dogs on a daily basis as a food source, hunting aide, and an element in religious and spiritual rituals.. Archaeological evidence. Their furry companions were not only their best friends but also equal partners that helped them get through day to day life. Indian names meaning support our organization's work with endangered American Indian languages. The lifespan of this crossbreed is around 14 to 19 years. When Native Americans left their homes to hunt, they departed knowing that the dogs would protect their wives, mothers, children and even livestock. Before Europeans introduced the horse to North America, the dog was used as a method of transportation, pulling carts and carrying heavy loads. First and foremost, the dog was an ambiguous animal. Explained in beautiful prose in the book, Dog People: Native Dog Stories, by Joseph Bruchac (Fulcrum Publishing, 1995), the dog offered to be man's companion. Native Americans understood that even though dogs resided in the human camp they had a close kinship with coyotes and wolves. The Native Americans were aware of how important it was to prevent inbreeding to keep their dogs healthy. Native American Dog Names. They That Chase After The Bear (A Star Story), Dogs of Myth: Tales from Around the World. Native American dog names are very relevant to dog ownership because much of the culture is about living in spiritual harmony with the surroundings. If you saw a Native American Indian Dog, your first instinct might be to think it was a wolf. 40 Native American Names for Male Dogs. 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