Native American Shepherd: Everything You Need to Know

The Native American Shepherd is a unique and fascinating breed. They originated from the Navajo Nation in the southwestern United States.

Their history dates back to the 1960s, when they were developed as a working dog for herding sheep on the Navajo reservation. They're a cross between a Collie and a German Shepherd, making them a versatile and intelligent breed.

This breed is known for its high energy levels and requires regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They need at least an hour of physical activity daily, making them a great companion for active families or individuals.

They're loving and loyal toward their humans, making them wonderful family companions. They're also very perceptive and friendly, which makes them excellent with children and other animals.

Native American Shepherds are highly intelligent, so they need regular human interaction to stay occupied and focused. They'll quickly become bored and resort to destructive behavior if left alone too long.

These dogs are naturally protective of their family, which makes them excellent watchdogs. They'll happily stand between you and any perceived danger.

They're very even-tempered and friendly, but may be wary of strangers if not socialized properly. They may also chase small animals like cats if not introduced to them early on.

They're easy to train, especially if started young, but they do require consistent interaction and mental stimulation. They love to feel useful and will thrive on activities that challenge them.

Leaving them alone for extended periods can lead to separation anxiety, which can be detrimental to their well-being and your home. They're pack animals and prefer to be part of the family.

Your Native American Shepherd will require regular brushing, ideally weekly, with more frequent brushing during times of heavier shedding, usually with the change of seasons.

To keep their coat healthy, it's essential to bathe them occasionally, but overbathing should be avoided as it can cause skin irritation. A bath every six weeks is a good idea.

You'll also need to trim their nails as needed, brush their teeth regularly, and keep their ears clean and dry to prevent infections.

The Native American Shepherd's coat requires regular brushing, especially during times of heavier shedding, which can be several times a year. This will help to keep his fur healthy and minimize tangling and shedding.

You can expect to brush your Native American Shepherd at least once a week, with more frequent brushing during shedding seasons. This will also help to loosen hair follicles and prevent matting.

A warm bath can be helpful during shedding seasons, but avoid overbathing as it can cause skin irritation. In fact, bathing every six weeks is a good idea, but be careful not to overdo it.

Tartar buildup is common in Native American Shepherds, so regular teeth brushing is a must, ideally several times a week. This will help to maintain their long-term dental health.

Trimming the nails as needed is also important to prevent overgrowth. Brushing the teeth regularly will also help to prevent tartar buildup and keep their teeth clean.

Native American Shepherds require a diet rich in essential nutrients, which can be found in a filler-free Organic Dog Food.

Choosing the right food for your Native American Shepherd is crucial, and it's best to take your vet's advice on your pup's diet.

Native American Shepherds need more food than smaller dog breeds, so be prepared to feed them regularly.

A high-quality diet will not only keep your dog healthy but also support their energy levels and overall well-being.

It's essential to avoid low-quality food that may contain fillers, which can be detrimental to your dog's health.

Native American Shepherds thrive on human interaction, so they do best in homes with multiple people who can give them attention.

They can become bored easily, so having a family with several members is ideal to keep them stimulated.

They are excellent with family members of all ages, including young children, and have patience with them.

These dogs will protect you, your family, and your home willingly, making them loyal companions.

They are intelligent and can sense that small children require extra care, which makes them a great breed for families with kids.

Native American Shepherds are high-energy dogs that require about an hour of exercise a day, making them perfect for owners who enjoy outdoor activities.

They have a high endurance level, but it's essential to note that playtime should not replace dedicated exercise.

In fact, they can expend quite a bit of energy during playtime, but they need structured exercise to stay happy and healthy.

To prevent overheating, it's crucial to be mindful of the climate and provide frequent breaks and plenty of water on hot days.

These dogs are naturally pack animals and require a leader to guide them, so establishing authority from an early age is vital.

They are intelligent and can pick up on new commands with ease, but they can be stubborn and willful at times, making experienced dog owners the best fit.

With patience, firmness, and positive reinforcement, you can train your Native American Shepherd and establish a strong bond with them.

Remember, these dogs thrive on human interaction and can be sensitive, so it's essential to maintain a positive tone during training.

By rewarding good behavior and avoiding punishment, you'll be more likely to get through to your dog and build a strong relationship.

A minimum of one hour of mental and physical stimulation is required each day, which can include walks, runs, playtime with humans, and training for competitions.

Failure to provide adequate exercise can lead to poor behavior, so make sure to prioritize your dog's physical and mental needs.

Native American Shepherds are a rare and unique breed, but with the right equipment and supplies, you can provide them with a happy and healthy life.

A good quality collar is essential for any dog, and for a Native American Shepherd, a sturdy leather collar with a metal nameplate is a great choice.

Their thick coat requires regular grooming, so a slicker brush and a pin brush are must-haves to prevent matting and tangling.

A sturdy leash is also a must-have for walks and training, and a 5-foot leash is a good length for a Native American Shepherd.

When choosing a dog crate, consider the safety and wellbeing of your furry friend.

The Lucky Dog Sliding Double Door Wire Dog Crate is a top pick for many dog owners. It's available in five different sizes to fit your dog's needs.

This crate features strong and rust-resistant wire that can withstand regular use. The leak-proof pan is easy to clean and replace, making it a practical choice for pet owners.

The sliding door on this crate ensures instant entrance and escape for your dog. This feature can be especially helpful during emergencies or when your dog needs to get out quickly.

A well-designed dog crate can make a big difference in your dog's comfort and happiness. By choosing a crate with safety features like corner stabilizers, you can help prevent accidents and clattering.

When shopping for a dog bed, consider the comfort and needs of your furry friend. The FurHaven NAP Ultra Plush Orthopedic Deluxe Dog Bed w/Removable Cover is a great option for Native American Shepherds.

This bed features a silky-soft faux fur exterior that's super comfortable for your dog to nap on. The egg crate foam distributes their weight evenly, providing support and comfort.

For older or disabled pets, the step-on design of this bed is a convenient feature. It allows them to easily get in and out of the bed without straining themselves.

You can easily wash the core and covers of this bed, making it a low-maintenance option for pet owners.

When choosing a dog harness, consider the needs of your Native American Shepherd. The best dog harness for this breed is the HDP Big Dog No Pull Dog Harness.

Available in six shades and four sizes, this harness is designed to resist harsh pull by the owner. It's easy to use and comes with easy-click buckles formulated from polyester that keep a firm grip.

A bonus handle is a great feature that helps in an emergency or unexpected situation. This can give you peace of mind when walking your dog.

The harness also features a wide padded chest that dispenses the pressure to provide comfort for your dog. This is especially important for dogs that pull a lot.

Here are some key features of the HDP Big Dog No Pull Dog Harness:

The Native American Shepherd can be a relatively affordable addition to your family.

In the US, people typically pay around $600 to $1,000 for this hybrid.

If the hybrid has a quality pedigree, it is substantially more costly, often exceeding the lower end of this price range.

The Native American Shepherd is a robust breed, but like all breeds, it's not immune to health issues. Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a concern, as it can lead to vision loss.

Regular veterinary checkups are crucial to monitor your dog's health. Hip Dysplasia is another issue that can affect the breed, potentially causing mobility problems.

Cancer can also affect Native American Shepherds, so it's essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms. Ensure your dog gets regular checkups to catch any potential problems early.

Hypothyroidism is another health issue that can impact the breed, requiring regular monitoring and treatment. Cataracts can also form, leading to vision problems.

Epilepsy is a serious condition that can affect the breed, requiring careful management and treatment.

The cost of a Native American Shepherd can vary, but in the US, people typically pay around $600 to $1,000 for this hybrid. If you're looking for a dog with a quality pedigree, be prepared to pay substantially more.

The cost can be reasonable, especially compared to larger breeds that can be quite expensive.

Additional reading: How Much for a Caucasian Shepherd