What the Heck Are Aspin Dogs?

In the future, we may be hearing more about Aspin dogs , especially people in the Philippines. Aspin is just one of the names given to the mongrels in the Phillipines. The most common name is Askal, but they are also called irong Basaya, Asong Kayle and Asong Pinoy. These semi-feral dogs are at the bottom rung in Filipino society and in the past have often been hunted for "sport" or were slaughtered for the dog meat trade (which legally stopped in 1998). They are not considered anywhere as valuable as a purebred dog.

Basically, the mongrel's other names are mostly derisive in nature, so the Philippines Animal Welfare Society is promoting the dogs under a new name of "Aspin" (derived from Asong Pinoy). They also have recruited Filipino celebrities to pose with Aspins to promote them being adopted. Hopefully with a new name, the dogs will be treated with more respect.

General Appearance

It is unknown just how many breeds contributed to the creation of the modern day Aspin. But when left alone for many generations, feral dogs seem to revert to the type that some scientists think was similar to the first dogs. The oldest dog breeds that are thought to resemble this first dog include India's pariah dog, Israel's Canaan Dog and America's Carolina Yellow Dog.

These are lean, muscular animals that usually weigh in at less than fifty pounds. Their faces are functional yet beautiful - long noses (but not as long as a Borzoi), semi-floppy ears, a short coat and a long, slim tail that often curves over the back like a fish hook. They can come in just about any color known in the canine rainbow, whether solids or spotted.

Intelligence

Aspins are just as intelligent as other dogs, perhaps even more so if they have had to survive any time on the streets. These are opportunistic dogs but are adaptable to ever changing situations, so they can be trained to do just about anything you would want a dog to do. Food treats make a suitable reward for positive training methods such as clicker training, but favored toys or physical affection can also be suitable rewards.

Aspin dogs are being trained as bomb-sniffing dogs for the Filipino police. In April, 2011, a bomb-sniffing Aspin discovered a huge cache of hidden explosives in the province of Basilan. But they also have adapted to becoming pets and to dog sports. They also can get along with other dogs and children. Like any other dog, they need routine vet care and vaccinations.

Stray dogs do not derive their reputation as inferior, stupid or disease-ridden. Aspins will have their own quirks as individuals, but on the whole make loving and loyal companions.