Have you ever heard about “potcake” dog? The dog name may sound strange, but this breed does exist. If you have an active lifestyle, they are great companions. These dogs enjoy chewing, digging, fetch, following scents, or running.
They behave like terriers, hound dogs, and herding dogs. They are also famous for being intelligent, loyal, and spirited dogs with good smell and hearing.
Keep reading and learn and learn more about Potcake Dogs.
1. Mixed-Breed Furry Buddies
Potcake Dogs are mixed-breed of a limited gene pool of different Caribbean Islands: Caicos, Turks, and Bahamas.
The locals on these islands cook rice and pea stew leaving a cakey substance on the pot’s bottom. Then, they feed this “pot cake” or leftover cakes to the street dogs. From there, the name “Potcake” was born.
2. Different Appearance by Island
The Potcakes’ appearance differs based on the islands they live on. Many people have noticed that they resemble the character of various breeds, such as Pariahs, terriers, hounds, mastiffs, and German shepherds in different combinations.
On average, they weigh up to 55 pounds and grow up to 23 inches. Since they are mixed-breed dogs, they come in varying colors. They often have brown, black, and combination colors. In most cases, they resemble Indian Pariah dogs because of their ears, narrow facial structure, height, and weight.
3. Eats A Variety of Foods
If furry parents adopt dogs that are not too sensitive to foods being fed to them, Potcake Dogs are what they look for. Most Potcakes have tough stomachs. In other words, they can eat foods that may cause severe health problems for other breeds. However, Potcake Dog owners still have to be extra careful when feeding them because their stomachs have a limit.
4. Unclear Gene Pool
Another interesting thing about Potcake dog is that they have an unclear gene pool. For instance, there is a big possibility that these furry buddies are descended in part of Arawaks dogs.
However, there is also a possibility that it is not true since Arawakan’s dogs died off before the inter-breeding may occur to a significant extent. Plus, other candidates in the gene pool include Carolina dogs, terriers, and more.
5. “Roaming in the Blood.”
Potcake Dogs need to be contained on-leash or within a fenced yard because they have “roaming in the blood.” These dogs have a strong tendency to run or wander off if given a chance.
These adorable dogs are born with an innate drive to survive in a different environment at all costs. Potcake dog owners have to train them through gentle correction and positively reinforce that they are members of your pack. If not, they will believe in the saying “lead, follow, or get out of the way!”
6. Strong Sense of Loyalty, Adaptability, and Territory
Potcake dog is among the breeds that quickly adapt to cold-weather exercise. However, they often prefer to be house dogs. Due to their strong sense of loyalty and territory, they act as mechanical doorbells. In other words, no one can walk across the house without these dogs telling the owner his arrival.
These dogs are also an excellent choice for those who want to share their life with bonded, quick-witted, and intelligent companions. They are intuitively emphatic and graceful runners. They are ideal for dog lovers who desire long-term, interactive relationships with the loyal and intelligent breed.
7. Overpopulation Problem
Some islands in the Caribbean Sea face an issue about Potcake dog overpopulation. The locals see it as a severe problem because it can affect tourism. In other words, the Potcake overpopulation issue is a potential threat to the economy.
Meanwhile, there are different efforts to combat this issue. For instance, Potcake Dogs are brought to other regions where individuals might want to adopt them. There is also an effort encouraging the owners to neuter or spay Potcake dogs.
8. Average Lifespan
These Dogs are as hardy, intelligent, and friendly as street dogs. They are perfect companions to those who want resilient pet dogs. These dogs may have common but less serious health problems like tick issues, but it is easy to manage. Pet owners can enjoy their companionship for up to 10-14 years on average.
9. Impressive Survival Skills
The Potcake Dogs’ physical characteristics are genetically engineered to tolerate extreme food competition, low protein diet, long-term physical stress, and harsh weather conditions. They can live and survive in natural, compromised environments.
Since they are roaming street dogs, they have the qualities necessary for surviving different situations. As companion dogs, they provide great traits, such as loyalty and intelligence.
10. Calm Temperaments and Good Response to Training
Generally, Potcakes are intelligent dogs. So, it’s no surprise if they respond well to commands and training. They are also friendly and do not feel shy when around other pets and humans. After all, they possess calm temperaments.
However, some Potcake dogs display higher than normal levels of aggressiveness and fearfulness. In addition, if they are not appropriately penned in, they end up wandering. So, owners should provide them good supervision.
More Things About Potcake Dogs
While Potcake Dogs originated in Turks, Bahamas, and Caicos Islands, they have become more popular pets in the US. That can be due to their unique characteristics. Whatever your reason for adopting these dogs, it is best to get more familiar with them.
Size and Height
Potcake dog is medium-sized dog that can weigh up to 55 pounds or more. Males are often somewhat larger than their female counterparts.
However, that is only an average. Some individuals have rescued Potcakes that are larger, while others have rescues that are smaller. On average, Potcakes can grow up to 23 inches.
Appearance
Potcake Dogs come in different colors ranging from black through brown. You can also see white, gold, and mixed colors. They often have short, smooth coats. They also have little to no undercoats. You can see them with floppy ears and long noses.
The appearance of Potcake dogs depends on the island they live on and which dogs gave crossed-bred with them. So, do not get surprised to see Potcakes with physical features the same as other breeds, such as terriers, hounds, golden retrievers, mastiffs, and German shepherds.
Potcakes as Family Dogs
Before you adopt Potcakes, is it necessary to know whether they are suitable for families or not.
Potcakes are not only intelligent dogs but also energetic. They are loyal and loving, making them great dogs for families. On the other hand, they are not very ideal for new pet owners.
Potcakes come in many different personalities. Some Potcakes are very friendly and pleasant, while others may be guarded and fearful. Pet owners should have a long-term commitment when owning this breed.
Survival of the Fittest
Potcake Dogs are among the breeds that can be guarded or territorial, particularly if you adopt them right off the streets. Being on the streets, they acquire qualities that help them survive in different environments.
After long years of being on the streets, Potcakes develop strong survival instincts. Adult Potcakes usually fight for food and defend their space. As a result, these dogs can be suspicious or cautious to human contact.
Meanwhile, if they did not use to live on the streets, they are best described as sweet, trainable, loving, loyal, intelligent, and energetic.
Fears and Anxiety
Most Potcake dogs fear vehicles, lawnmowers, vacuum cleaners, fireworks, thunder, and other loud noises. Those fears might stem from their experience of living in the streets.
Fortunately, you can help them eliminate those fears and anxiety. You can try different things, such as music therapy, massage, calming kit, and more.
Are Potcakes good dogs?
While it is not 100% necessary to be a pet owner before, it will help. That is because some of their instincts that have been ingrained into their genetics might still exist.
For instance, if you adopt a potcake puppy from a rescue shelter, training him or introducing him to other pets is a lot easier. However, if you get an adult Potcake from the street, do not expect him to trust people quickly.
Of course, you cannot be with your Potcakes for the whole 24 hours, but you have to ensure that you have time for them. That is especially true if you have adopted them recently so that they will get accustomed to you and the entire family.
Keep in mind that Potcakes need loving attention and exercise every day. If you do not expect to be at home always or you often travel for work, a new dog may not be a good idea for you. Plus, taking care of Potcakes requires a high level of patience, particularly if they are still on their puppy stage.
Conclusion
Potcake dogs are energetic and adaptable. They love to play and run but also know about being “couch potatoes” as well. While they lack undercoats, they remain comfortable in snowy or tropical weather conditions.
Are you ready to make Potcakes part of your family? Hopefully, the above ideas about this breed helped you determine whether they are a perfect companion for you.
Reference :-
