Appearance of the Andean Tiger Dog
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| As this breed is not yet recognized by any kennel club, there is no established breed standard to describe the breed. Andean Tiger Dogs found in the Amazon are medium-sized dogs with a medium to large head, somewhat short limbs and a sturdy, rectangular body. They are often white with brown, black and liver spots, but can also be tricolored. Their heads are broad and flat with large round eyes and medium to long ears that are set fairly high on the head and frame the dog's face, and their tapering muzzle ends in a black nose that often appears split in two, a condition known as a bifid nose. Their presumed ancestor, the Pacho Navarro dog, also has a bifid nose, the severity of which can range from a slightly deeper than normal fold to a completely bisected nasal structure, and like their ancestor's nose, the depth of the split can vary. While bifid or cleft noses are a little more common in breeds that favor double noses, incidents of cleft palate are said to be only slightly increased compared to other breeds. |
Temperament of the Andean Tiger Dog
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| This breed is found only in Bolivia and is very little regulated. Although pure-bred specimens may be located in small villages like the one Colonel Blashford-Snell visited, it is highly likely that some of these dogs have bred indiscriminately, meaning that the temperament of a dog reported as an Andean Tiger Dog may vary a little. When Colonel Blashford-Snell described Xingu's personality, he described it as aggressive and dominant, and even noted that other dogs growled when Xingu approached, although it was never specified in his writings on the breed, or other studies, whether this was a breed trait or a trait specific to Xingu. All interactions between children and dogs must be supervised, but there is no indication that this dog will be particularly impatient with children. If you happen to locate an Andean Tiger Dog, a challenge if you live anywhere other than Bolivia, early and consistent socialization will go a long way to ensuring that your puppy grows up balanced and happy. |
Needs and activities of the Andean Tiger Dog
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| These are likely to be active dogs, able to follow you on long hikes and generally more content with a job to do. Like most working dogs, they need plenty of exercise, usually at least an hour or more of vigorous activity every day, and should also be offered activities that keep their minds active and busy. This breed is thought to have been developed to follow the jaguar, and they tend to have an excellent sense of smell and a wide range of prey, which can make them well suited to activities such as lure coursing or scent work. |
Maintenance of the Andean Tiger Dog
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| By all accounts, this breed of dog has a short, smooth coat suited to the region's hot, humid climate, which is likely to shed moderately all year round. Dog breeds that could be confused or marketed as an Andean Tiger Dog may have slightly different coats. As there are no breed standards or breeding regulations in the remote areas where they are found, there is likely to be some mixing of this breed with other breeds, which can result in bifid-nosed dogs with several different coat types. It's important to keep this breed's hanging ears clean and dry to prevent infection or infestation. |
English (United Kingdom)