Potcakes: Indigenous Dogs of the Bahamas
The simplest way for me to answer the question about Potcakes is to say that Potcakes are dogs from the Bahama's. That is the simple answer, though. In truth, there is a lot more to Potcakes than just their geographical location. For one thing, there's the name. Potcake is a name derived from the food caked on the bottom of the pots that the Bahamian's cooked in. The Bahamian's would feed these leftover cakes to the stray dogs of the islands, and eventually, the dogs came to be known as Potcakes.
The origins of Potcakes are uncertain, but it is thought that Potcakes first came to the islands with Central and South American Indians. These original island dogs later mingled with dogs that the Europeans brought on their ships, and also Carolina dogs who were brought to the islands during the Revolutionary War.
Basically, Potcakes are mutts, but unlike most mutts, they have a very distinctive look. Most of the dogs have short hair that is spotted or brownish in color, and they are generally medium in size. My Potcake is white with brown spots and weighs 48 pounds, but I have seen others that are solid in color and that are much smaller. Potcakes are generally on the thin side, probably due to their sparse existence and struggle to survive on the islands, and they are very playful, energetic, and loyal dogs.
Unfortunately for Potcakes, they are not popular with the locals in the Bahamas. The Bahamians think of these animals as nuisances, and they are often abused and abandoned. Many Potcakes are strays, and the poor souls spend their days roaming the streets searching for food, water, and shelter. The problem with Potcakes has gotten so bad, tourists from other countries, including the U.S., have openly expressed their concern about the dogs and the lack of government interaction when it comes to the welfare of the animals. Thankfully, there are several organizations in the Bahamas that are dedicated to the Potcake cause. The Potcake Adoption League or PAL, rescues Potcakes and finds them homes all over the Bahamas and the U.S., and the Humane Society of Grand Bahama http://www.gbhumane.org/, an organization that not only rescues Potcakes, but offers low cost spay and neuter programs. The Humane Society also organized "Operation Puppy Lift," an event that brought 100 Potcakes to South Florida for adoption and is responsible for the Potcake addition to my family!
Although there is still much work to be done to help the Potcakes, they are slowly gaining the respect that they rightfully deserve. So if you are ever confronted with a Potcake, remember that they are much more than "a dog from the Bahamas." They are beautiful creatures who deserve to be treated with compassion, kindness, and love.
Published by Dana Barnett
Dana is currently attending graduate school but enjoys writing in her very limited spare time. She also has two dogs who are the loves of her life. View profile
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14 Comments
Post a CommentHi, this is the author of this article. Is your potcake dominant or your other dog? I brought my potcake puppy home and I had an 8 year old male dog already (neutered). I crate trained the potcake, but because he was a puppy, my older dog didn't feel threatened and they got along great. I would say to not leave them alone together at first, but let them play, Eventually they will get used to each other.
Thank you, everyone for the great comments! My potcake (the one in the picture) will be 6 years old this July. He's a sweet boy, and he is very loved.
Hi,
I just got my male potcake puppy..He is brown, black, and white...I have small 6 year old dog...also male but neutered, although very dominant....can some one tell me how to prevent dominance issues with them in future..?? how do I raise the puppy? In crate separate from my dog or let them play and sleep together? any tips strongly appreciated
I had the honor of owning a potcake for about 5 years. She was a puppy-lifted into my life and heart when I lived in Florida.
Sadly, my beloved little girl, Ruby, died yesterday. Words cannot express my devastation. She was pure joy. I have some comfort knowing she had some very happy years with me, two other dogs and assorted cats. The last two years we lived in the country and she just loved to run and play and steal her 'sister's' frisbee.
All of my pets bring me comfort, love, laughter. But Ruby was the funniest - she clearly had a sense of humor and playfulness I have not seen before. Very smart dog.
She helped me to heal, to laugh, to love, and to trust. She was my little bundle of joy and I will love her for eternity.
I have had a potcake (from Turks and Caicos) for five years. She's a little skittish at first around people she doesn't know, but generally warms up to them over time. Caicos is warm and loving to everyone in our family, including a 3-year-old, and has turned out to be a wonderful dog. Smart and a great watch dog -- not like any other breed I've ever had. But, she is very loyal. I understand those who say we should concentrate on helping dogs in North America, but when you interact with a potcake, it's hard to resist. I can't imagine a better dog for my family.
When I went to Paradise Island 4 years ago, there was a Potcake on the hotel premises. The poor boy was panting so badly, so I took him a couple cups of water.
The staff directed me not to do it again, as they'll all 'start coming around'.
I did it anyway, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to enjoy my stay.
What is the criteria for bringing one home to the US?
I have a Potcake and like the author, I got mine via a "puppy lift", in my case to Long Island, in the latter part of 2004 when Hurricane Frances all but destroyed the animal shelter of the Humane Society on Grand Bahama Island. Mine is about 40 lbs. and looks alot like the author's dog: she's white with tan. She's a great dog, friendly, fun, a wonderful companion for my older dog. I just returned from a vacation to Freeport; I will be receiving my second potcake in a few weeks!!!
i live in the bahamas nassau to be exact and i just love my little potcake i've had her for almost 5 years she wondered into the yard n got along with the other potcakes i had at the time.she is very intelligent quick on her feets and just loves to be the center of attention although she is very territorial,she always alerts us wen sumone is at the door even before they reach i couldnt imagine not havin her she's just a joy
We recently brought home an unexpected souvenir potcake from grand bahama island... We named her Lucaya, and she is the smartest, prettiest and most lovable dog. Bit of a mischief maker but that comes with the territory of having a dog bred for survival! She loves her doggy brother as well and is a great NY city dog (though she loves swimming at the beach on weekends).
How beautiful... were planning a trip this fall, and if I find a Potcake he is coming home with me.
I have two potcakes names KYAH, and ASIA, and they are so adorable also. cute picture too!!!