Native American Indian Dog vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison

Native American Indian Dog vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed ComparisonNative American Indian Dog is originated from United States but Lagotto Romagnolo is originated from Italy. Native American Indian Dog may grow 14 cm / 5 inches shorter than Lagotto Romagnolo. Native American Indian Dog may weigh 104 kg / 230 pounds more than Lagotto Romagnolo. Both Native American Indian Dog and Lagotto Romagnolo has almost same life span. Native American Indian Dog may have more litter size than Lagotto Romagnolo. Native American Indian Dog requires High maintenance. But Lagotto Romagnolo requires Moderate maintenance

History

native american indian dog - historyThe Native American Indian Dog is an ancient breed, that some consider to be feral. It is a landrace breed that developed with the indigenous peoples North America. These dogs originally looked and sounded like wolves and it is likely that their ancestry is tied to wolves crossed with pre-Columbian American dogs that came to the America’s with the first peoples. There are some that believe the Native American Indian Dog is a connecting line back to the dogs or wolves that over 12,000 years ago were the first to be domesticated by human beings.

They are now a rare breed in the wild and a small group of domesticated dogs. Fossil studies in recent years suggests that the Native American Indian Dogs came to North America about 4500 years after the first indigenous peoples. It is believed that the Native Americans bred the dogs that traders and explorers brought with them to the native coyote as well. This created a breed specific to North America and called the Common Native Dog or the Common Indian Dog. The original NAID was a mix of many different breeds of dogs and wild canines.

Today’s NAID is said to be raised on Indian reservations in the United State and represent a mix of Chinook, Husky, German Shepherd Dog and Malamute, along with perhaps some of today’s wolf mixed in. This dog is raised domestically and is socialized to life with humans. They are the last remaining breed from all the Native North American dogs that lived with the original people of the Americas. They are also thought to have an ancestry similar to the Australian Dingo.

They are a devoted, protective and loyal breed though they tend to be shy. They need to be outside for the majority of the day and don’t do well in crates. They need a fenced yard and room to roam. They are working dogs that hunted, pulled sleds and guarded their homes. They still need a job to so.

Today the North American Indian Dog is being bred to replicate the temperament and appearance of the originals. Although there are many breeders working from the founding breeder with original stock, there are only six that are officially given authorization to breed the NAID. They are registered by Terra Pines with the National Kennel Club but not recognized by the AKC and UKC.

The breed name NAID is trademarked by Karen Markel of Majestic View Kennels in the 1990’s. Today the breed is nationally recognized as a breed very much like the original Native American dogs, The breed is intelligent and quite healthy. They enjoy people and engage in many companion activities.

Whatever its true ancestry the current Native American Indian Dog (NAID), today’s version is not recognized by the AKC, but they are recognized by the Dog Registry of America, the Native American Indian Dog Registry and the National Kennel Club.

  • DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
  • NAID - Native American Indian Dog Registry
  • NKC - National Kennel Club

lagotto romagnolo - historyThe Lagotto Romagnolo dog, known as the Water Dog of Romagna, and falling into the sporting dog category, is a pure breed dog which comes from the Romagna region of Italy.

The dog’s role was that of gun dog and to retrieve water birds. Today he is more used as a truffle hunter in Italy as well as being used for a therapy dog.

In 2015 the Lagotto Romagnolo was accepted by the American Kennel Club into the sporting dog category.

Description

native american indian dog puppy - descriptionThere are two sizes of the North American Indian Dog – they are medium and large. They have dense short double coats, or they have long top coats and a fairly dense undercoat. They come in a variety of colors mostly black or silver but there is also a tortoiseshell. These tortoiseshell colored dogs are considered by Native Americans to be sacred beings. These tortoiseshell dogs are strikingly good looking and are called Spirit Dog.

They all have the look of a Siberian Husky or Alaskan Malamute with upright ears and almond shaped eyes that are anywhere from amber to brown with some blue. Usually their tails are down and long but can be curled. They resemble the wolf and have that wild, feral appearance. They can be as large as over one hundred pounds or average seventy to eighty pounds. They are strong, alert and intelligent. They are considered to be hypoallergenic, shedding their coat only once a year.

lagotto romagnolo puppy - descriptionThe Lagotto Ramagnolo is a medium sized dog where both males and females stand anything between 41 and 48cm and weigh 11 to 16kg.

He is well proportioned and muscled, he has large yellow or brown eyes with a black or brown/pinkish nose, floppy, rounded ears and a tail which is left long these days.

The Lagotto Romagnolo has a waterproof double coat with a woolly texture and which hardly sheds, putting him as being hypoallergenic.

The coat can be in a number of different colors such as cream, grey, white, apricot, brown or tan. The face of the dog has a bit of a beard as well as noticeable bushy eyebrows.

Temperament:

  • Jaunty and feisty
  • Cheerful, lively and alert
  • Intelligent and easily trainable
  • Loving and loyal
  • Undemanding

Because the Lagotto is a sporting breed, he has had to call on all his senses to retrieve water birds. Good eyesight, sharp listening skills and an excellent sense of smell makes him the ideal gun dog but he also makes a loyal family pet.

He makes a good playmate for children and he happily gets on well with other pets in the home. Being an intelligent dog, he is easy to train too.

The sporting past of his has made it that he isn’t a couch-potato type of dog and he will require mental- and physical stimulation. His role as gun dog meant that he was required to retrieve birds in water, and he is an excellent swimmer and will happily plunge into water to join you in a swim.

Have him trained and socialized and you’ll find him tuned in to obeying your commands. Because of his smallish size, the Lagotto can adjust well to life in the city or in the countryside, just so long as he still receives his full quota of exercise.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

native american indian dog dog - characteristicsThis breed is gentle and loving with children.

Special talents

Endurance, strength and good health.

Adaptability

Low adaptability to small living spaces and lack of outside space; don’t do well in crates and need an experienced dog owner.

Learning ability

They are highly intelligent, love to learn and are just a little stubborn.

lagotto romagnolo dog - characteristicsMany dog lovers appreciate that the Lagotto Romagnolos is looked upon as an allergy-friendly dog with his non-shedding coat.

Being a medium sized dog, he is manageable too. Add to that excellent characteristics such as being amicable, friendly and loving. Training him some important, basic commands won’t be difficult either and you can add in intelligence to his list of good qualities.

As loving dogs, they are dedicated to their families, getting on well with children in the home as well as with other pets. He is a social dog and just longs to be a treasured member of the family like anybody else.

Count him in with all your activities and you’re going to have a one-in-a-million undemanding and contented canine friend.

Health Problems

native american indian dog puppies - health problemsThis is a fairly healthy, long lived breed having spent so much of its history in isolation. They are prone to some of the issues that affect all medium to large breeds.

  • Hip and elbow Dysplasia – can lead to lameness and arthritis.
  • Too fast growth causing joint issues – also can lead to lameness and arthritis.

  • Bloat – as with all large dogs this can be fatal.

lagotto romagnolo puppies - health problemsLagotto live roughly 16 years with the best food, exercise and loving environment. Some health issues may well crop up, though unlikely, but it is good to be aware of them.

Hip Dysplasia:

You hear the words ‘Hip dysplasia’ being bandied about a lot in the world of dogs because it is such a common dog ailment. Your dog can’t be cured but there are a range of management options that will ensure your pet remains as comfortable as possible.

It is such a common joint disease where the hips partially dislocate. Without veterinary intervention, it can be debilitating and painful. It is essentially a genetic condition but diet and environmental factors can come into play too.

You don’t want your pet putting on too much weight as this puts extra strain on the joints.

Neuroaxonal Dystrophy:

Your dog has loss of function because of the degeneration of cells or tissues. The illness affects different parts of the brain in dogs. You’ll notice a mild tremor of the head and uncoordinated movements. Your vet will want a history of your pet’s health as well as lab tests.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

native american indian dog dogs - caringBecause of their propensity to grow to quickly the puppy should only stay on puppy food for 8-10 months. Feed them a high quality large dog puppy food 3-4 times daily for a total of 2-21/2 cups per day.

Feeding the adult

Feed a high protein, large dog dry food twice a day for a total of two cups. Do not over feed. Do not feed right before or after exercise do to the risk of bloat.

Points for Good Health

Healthy, strong long lived dog.

Games and Exercises

This is not an indoor, couch potato dog. They need exercise and they need space. They won’t do well as apartment dogs unless you can take them to a dog park for over an hour every day. They really need a large fenced in yard. They don’t do well in crates either. He doesn’t understand crates and thinks you are punishing him. They make great hunters, search and rescue dogs, service dogs and therapy dogs. They will succeed at pulling competitions and weight competitions.

Grooming:

lagotto romagnolo dogs - caringNot everyone agrees with how to take care of the Lagotto’s rough, waterproof coat of thick curls. The coat doesn’t shed much but it can pick up grass and small twigs easily. Unless brushed out at least 2 or 3 times a week, the coat can become matted and unruly. For many the coat needs to be trimmed regularly.

Exercise:

The Lagotto needs plenty of exercise. His hunting and retrieving past has given him a natural urge to retrieve and he loves going after every ball you throw him. He will also love to join you on your daily walks and it gives him the chance to sniff around. With swimming being added in, this dog is your true sporting buddy.

Diet:

Make sure you feed your Lagotto the very best quality food there is to ensure his well-being and longevity. If you're unsure about whether he is getting in all the necessary vitamins and minerals with his food, speak to a dog expert as good food is key to a happy, healthy dog.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Sporting dog
Origin:
United States
Italy
Height Male:
23 - 34 cm
9 - 14 inches
41 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Height Female:
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
41 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
55 - 120 kg
121 - 265 pounds
11 - 16 kg
24 - 36 pounds
Weight Female:
50 - 100 kg
110 - 221 pounds
11 - 16 kg
24 - 36 pounds
Life Span:
14 - 19 Years
13 - 17 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 10
4 - 6
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
NAID Carolina Dog, the Dingo Dog, the Dixie Dingo, the Native American Dog, the Southern Aboriginal Dog, and “Old Yaller,”, the North American Native Dog
Water Dog of Romagna
Colors Available:
often with a broken or tortoiseshell pattern, silver to black
grey, apricot, Cream, white, brown or tan.
Coat:
plush, dense 2 layer/ can be long haired or regular hair coated
Waterproof, curly double coat with a woolly texture
Shedding:
Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
High maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

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