Turnspit Dog vs Native American Indian Dog - Breed Comparison

Turnspit Dog is originated from United Kingdom but Native American Indian Dog is originated from United States. Both Turnspit Dog and Native American Indian Dog are having almost same height. Turnspit Dog may weigh 106 kg / 233 pounds lesser than Native American Indian Dog. Turnspit Dog may live 4 years less than Native American Indian Dog. Turnspit Dog may have less litter size than Native American Indian Dog. Turnspit Dog requires Low maintenance. But Native American Indian Dog requires High maintenance

History

It is amazing that this small dog’s popularity comes from him being used in the kitchens to roast meat. The British enjoyed eating their meat which they roasted on a fire.

These dogs were essentially regarded as a tool – a means to an end, and when kitchens were modernized, they were no longer needed, and they became extinct.

Referred to as the kitchen dog or cooking dog, the first mention of these little dogs was made in 1576. By 1850 the dogs had become scarce and by 1900 it seemed as though there were none left.

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

Description

The Turnspit was a small long-bodied dog, standing at between 20 to 30cm in height and probably weighed anything between 9 and 14kg in height.

The legs were somewhat crooked or bandy and Edward Jesse, who wrote ‘Anecdote of Dogs’ in 1846 described them as ugly dogs with a miserable look to them. That was probably due to him having to fit into the hamster-like wheel contraption that turned the meat being roasted in the kitchens.

They were low-bodied dogs, similar to a Dachshund or a Corgi with short, stocky legs, short floppy ears, and a short coat. The long tail curled over its back. It is believed that the coats were white, reddish-brown, gray or black.

Temperament:

The dog was certainly feisty, energetic and hard-working with not much being written about his temperament. He was a working dog, but given the chance, he would no doubt have been loving and loyal, longing for the chance just to be part of a human family and to be loved.

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.

Characteristics

The Turnspit dog had a tough life, but would no doubt have made a wonderful little pet had he just been allowed to be a companion dog.

When he was no longer needed, he was discarded.

Make sure that when you buy a dog, you don't just put him in your backyard and forget about him. Give him the love and care he deserves.

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.

Health Problems

The health and lifespan of a dog is influenced by quite a few things such as food, care, love, exercise and the type of breed it is. Generally smaller dogs live longer than big dogs, and mixed breed dogs live longer than pure breeds.

The Turnspit dog, if he had received the proper care, could have lived to between 10 and 15 years of age.

Some of the health issues facing small dogs like these would include -

Hypoglycemia:

Stress can bring on a sudden drop in blood sugar. The Turnspit had reason to be stressed, working hard in horrible conditions. Dogs become weak and lethargic and can scarcely maintain an even gait. A sudden drop in blood sugar can cause a small dog to go into a fatal coma.

Pancreatitis:

This ailment seems to occur more often with smaller dogs. The pancreas becomes inflamed and your dog has vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and dehydration. Pancreatitis can come about because of trauma, metabolic disorders or infection.

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.

Caring The Pet

A dog is man's best friend, but the Turnspit was essentially just a working dog and most likely didn’t receive the proper care he deserved.

Small dogs like these would have had basic needs. Their owners would have had to pay attention to the dog's health, because he needed to work.

We look at ways in which a small dog like the Turnspit should have been cared for -

Diet:

One wonders if the Turnspit was allowed to eat any of the roast meat he worked so hard on to get ready. Every dog should have a regular meal.

Most adult dogs should be fed 2 meals of kibble a day. If the Turnspit wasn’t extinct he would have required a high quality ‘small dog breed’ commercial dog food. Home-made food would also be a requirement – some boiled chicken, brown rice and vegetables. Dogs want and appreciate simple, wholesome foods that won’t upset their digestive systems.

Along with good food, dogs need cool, fresh water constantly available to stay healthy.

Provide your dog with a warm dry, quiet, comfortable place to sleep.

Make sure he gets to the veterinarian if he is sick, but also for his vaccines to prevent him from getting some of the worst dog diseases there are.

Spay or neuter your dog if you don’t intend to breed your dog,

Groom your small dog regularly. The Turnspit had a shortish coat and would have required a brush twice a week. Other grooming procedures for a small dog like the Turnspit would have been keeping his nails trimmed and checking the inside of his ears and his mouth for ear infections and dental disease.

Exercise for a small dog is important – walks and ball games.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
United States
Height Male:
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
23 - 34 cm
9 - 14 inches
Height Female:
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
9 - 14 kg
19 - 31 pounds
55 - 120 kg
121 - 265 pounds
Weight Female:
9 - 14 kg
19 - 31 pounds
50 - 100 kg
110 - 221 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 15 Years
14 - 19 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 4
4 - 10
Size:
Small dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Vernepator cur, kitchen dog
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
Colors Available:
White, gray or black., reddish-brown
often with a broken or tortoiseshell pattern, silver to black
Coat:
Shortish
plush, dense 2 layer/ can be long haired or regular hair coated
Shedding:
Minimal
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low maintenance
High maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs Native American Indian Dog - Breed Comparison
  2. Presa Canario vs Native American Indian Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. Pyredoodle vs Native American Indian Dog - Breed Comparison
  4. Sarplaninac vs Native American Indian Dog - Breed Comparison
  5. Native American Indian Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  6. Native American Indian Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  7. Native American Indian Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  8. Native American Indian Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  9. Native American Indian Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  10. Native American Indian Dog vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  11. Native American Indian Dog vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  12. Native American Indian Dog vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison
  13. Native American Indian Dog vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  14. Native American Indian Dog vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  15. Native American Indian Dog vs Labrador Husky - Breed Comparison
  16. Native American Indian Dog vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  17. Native American Indian Dog vs Giant Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  18. Native American Indian Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  19. Native American Indian Dog vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  20. Native American Indian Dog vs Goldador - Breed Comparison
  21. Native American Indian Dog vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  22. Native American Indian Dog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  23. Native American Indian Dog vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  24. Native American Indian Dog vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison
  25. Native American Indian Dog vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  26. Turnspit Dog vs Indian Spitz - Breed Comparison
  27. Turnspit Dog vs Irish Jack Russell - Breed Comparison
  28. Turnspit Dog vs Lancashire Heeler - Breed Comparison
  29. Turnspit Dog vs Miniature Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  30. Turnspit Dog vs Danish Swedish Farmdog - Breed Comparison
  31. Turnspit Dog vs Telomian - Breed Comparison
  32. Turnspit Dog vs Pomeranian - Breed Comparison
  33. Turnspit Dog vs Maltese - Breed Comparison
  34. Turnspit Dog vs Pug - Breed Comparison
  35. Turnspit Dog vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  36. Turnspit Dog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  37. Turnspit Dog vs Maltipoo - Breed Comparison
  38. Turnspit Dog vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  39. Turnspit Dog vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  40. Turnspit Dog vs Dachshund - Breed Comparison
  41. Turnspit Dog vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Turnspit Dog vs Cockapoo - Breed Comparison
  43. Turnspit Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Turnspit Dog vs Cavapoo - Breed Comparison
  45. Turnspit Dog vs Corgi - Breed Comparison
  46. Turnspit Dog vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  47. Turnspit Dog vs Cavachon - Breed Comparison
  48. Turnspit Dog vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  49. Turnspit Dog vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  50. Turnspit Dog vs Papillon - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds