In this part, the physical and psychical characteristics of the American Indian Dog will be closer described. As already mentioned, this breed is different from all other breeds, but what makes it so special? First to the physical appearance: The A.I.Dog is medium sized and very athletically built; his ears are large and stand up. The eyes are mostly yellow or gray, and sometimes blue. Their tail is of a medium length, sometimes bushy and is carried in a slight curve or hanging. The fur is rather rough and the hair length depends on the origin area of the ancestors (northern dogs longer, thicker fur, southern dogs, shorter less thick hair). The colors come in many different variations; black, grey, silver, brown, cream, red, golden red, red cream, white and so on. The colors blend in and don't make any clearly divided spots, called sable. A.I. Dogs had never been bred for certain color, but for their character and versatility. So it is also the intention of Kim’s breeding program to keep all the different colors, that there used to be. Each Indian dog is an individual.

About the character: The American Indian Dog, even though adjusted to the modern world, is still a very primitive breed with all natural instincts to survive alone or in a pack in the wilderness. This is an important point to know, because this makes the handling of such a dog different from all other breeds. Although the A.I. Dogs are very loyal and able to learn fast, they need a very firm and consequent training. If the owner is not able to relate himself as a pack leader (Alpha), then the dog will take that role himself. You must understand the principle of 'tough love', this is the reason the A.I.Dog is not for everyone.

This breed was once created to do a job for humans, so it is very important to give them a task. This is not a living room Poodle and also can't be treated like one. If this dog does not have a job to do and doesn't understand his rank in his ''pack'' (i.e. within the family), he will get bored and will try to entertain himself or will even want to become an alpha over the owner. This can end in inadvertent consequences.

When the position is clarified and the dog has his firm ranking within the family, group or pack, then all doors are opened for a very enjoyable, special companionship with endless possibilities. A.I.Dogs are very smart and attentive, you can literally see how they are thinking about their environment and considering their behavior. They are very aware of themselves and their territory and develop a very deep and loyal relationship to their pack’s members. This makes it also very difficult for the dog to get separated from his owner. Always alert, they are suitable for most diverse use in every possible environment.

This natural, balanced, with primitive instincts and a diversity of abilities equipped breed is genetically, physically and psychically completely healthy and full of energy. Hopefully we will be able to enjoy and appreciate the American Indian Dog as he is for a long time and through him, remind ourselves about nature and beauty in all its complexity.

BREED STANDARD:

HEAD: In proportion to the body. The muzzle is wedge-shaped and moderately long to provide balance to the longish pricked ears. The stop is gentle, providing a flowing curve from the plane to the muzzle to the top of the skull. The skull is slightly domed between the ears.

EYES: Medium sized and almond shaped.

Eye COLOR: Pale Yellow or Pale Blue with the occasional amber, with the lighter color preferred. The eyes have an intelligent faraway look. Eyelids: close fitting and black.

EARS: Moderately long and wide set. They tilt slightly forward on the head, and are firmly pricked. Triangular in shape and well furred. There is a slight dome on the skull between the ears. The ears are very mobile.

NOSE: Medium sized, black in color, with the liver color accepted on certain colors.

LIPS: Thin and black. The lips fit closely over the teeth showing no excess flesh.

TEETH: Scissor bite only. Full and sound dentition required.

NECK: Medium length and strong. A good-sized ruff is present, but should not detract from the clean, trim appearance.

BODY: Back straight and slightly longer then tall. Loins are strong with a good distance between last rib and hip. Chest is deep, but not broad. Good tuck-up.

FOREQUARTERS: Forelegs slightly turned out and finely boned. Good musculature with closely set withers and good lay back of shoulders. The front pastern slopes slightly when viewed from the side.

HINDQUARTERS: Rear legs are long, & very angular, almost to the point of being sickle hocked, and well muscled. The back slopes slightly into the croup. Hocks well defined and parallel. Rear dewclaws should not be evident in Indian Dogs, but should be removed if present.

FEET: Small and cat like. Rounded with thick pads. Toes are close and well arched. Nails are short and thick.

TAIL: Long and reaching to the hock. Carried down with slight curve. May be held up when showing dominance or straight out when running, but never curled forward past the perpendicular.

COAT: Medium length and shiny. Short, thick plush undercoat with long guard hair that stand off from the body. Hair is longer on the chest, ruff, shoulders, back of legs, and tail.

COLOR & MARKINGS: Black, blue, white, golden red, gray, red & tan, tan, chocolate, cream, fawn, and silver. All colors have sable shading with darker tipped guard hairs. All colors blend gently together, with very little spotting or defined line between colors. The tail has a dark scent marking (spot) ¾ up from tip. Some white on the chest, feet, caller and tip of the tail is accepted.

SIZE: Height: Dogs 19” to 21” Bitches 18” to 20” - Weight: Dogs 30lb.s to 45lb.s Bitches 25lb.s to 40lb.s

GAIT: Effortless flowing movement. Covers distances quickly and easily. Ability to change gaits with flowing ease, built for speed, endurance and agility. Can turn quickly or spring straight up in the air instantly. Cat like agility.